Preseason Preview: Immaculate Conception Knights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are under a month away from kickoff for the 2023 season. As the season approaches, we will be previewing some of the top programs across the state. Next up is last year's 3A IHSA State Champions, the ICCP Knights. Although they are moving up a class, the Knights poised to make another title run with some of the Land of Lincoln's top talent on both sides of the ball. Let's take a deeper dive into some key starters returning for the Knights, as well as some other prospects who are ready to step up and take on a bigger role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161322"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Parker is an elite wide receiver who gave his commitment to Iowa in June. The 5'11, 170 lbs speedster totaled 17 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards in his junior campaign. Parker can absolutely fly, as he is one of the state's most dangerous threats with the ball in his hand. Every play, regardless of situation, Parker can turn a vertical ball or tunnel screen into a touchdown. He is extremely shifty, using his tremendous vision to juke defenders in the open field. u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eParker possesses a rare combination of speed and quickness, which translates to his route running and gaining yards after the catch. He also has soft hands that allow him to catch the ball with ease. Plain and simple, Parker is a playmaker who will be even more impressive in his senior season.rnrnu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cemu003eCommitted: Iowau003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["271315"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Karner is one of the top tight ends in the country. He held multiple Power 5 and SEC offers and ultimately committed to Texas Au0026amp;M before the start of his senior season. Karner stands at 6'5 and weighs a little over 200 lbs. He is more of a receiving tight end than a blocker, but does showcase some impressive clips when blocking on the perimeter or in the screen game. As far as his attributes as a receiver, Karner possesses the length, speed, and ball skills that make him a threat anywhere on the field. He can create separate on defensive backs and linebackers with his speed. In the red zone, Karner height allows him to tower over defenders. He has an outstanding ability to make contested catches, as he possesses fantastic body control and plus athleticism. As Karner adds weight, look for him to dominate in his senior season before heading off the College Station.rnrnu003cemu003eCommitted: Texas Au0026amp;Mu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["830241"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Hulak is a high ranked class of 2025 linebacker/defensive linemen who is beginning to see Power 5 offers roll in. He measures in at 6'3, 235 lbs and controlled the middle of the defense for the Knights in his sophomore season. Hulak is a downhill linebacker. He diagnoses plays quickly and gets downhill to meet running backs in the backfield. He is a physical tackler, who utilizes his powerful base and explosive hips to run through ball carriers. Hulak flows to the ball in a hurry, and once he gets there, he is sure to deliver a big hit. This also translates to his play at defensive line, at he fires off the ball and gets extension with his arms to shed blocks and make tackles for loss. It will be interesting to see if Hulak projects as a defensive linemen or linebacker at the next level. ICCP can utilize him in a variety of ways, as he is sure to dominate at multiple positions during his upcoming junior season.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Notre Dame, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin Purdue, Iowa State, Louisvilleu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["891891"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Grein is a massive lineman who transferred to ICCP this offseason. Grein stands at 6'7 and weighs 325 lbs. At Munster HS in Indiana, he primarily played defensive line and is extremely athletic for his size. It'll be interesting to see where the Knights utilize Grein, as he has the body type of an offensive linemen but is certainly athletic enough to play defensive line. He lined up at nearly every spot on the DL, including nose guard, defensive tackle, and defensive end. He has a quick first step off the ball and was a sure handed tackler. With Grein's size and power, he can drive offensive linemen back and create penetration in the backfield. Grein is an extremely intriguing prospect, so make sure to check back in after his senior, and first, season at ICCP.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Central Michigan, Bowling Greenu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["161346"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Mandala is a 5'10, 170 lbs quarterback who led ICCP to their state title last season. His greatest attribute is his accuracy, as Mandala showcased the ability to make a variety of throws that impressed. He has the arm strength to push the ball down field and has some of the best touch on level 2 and level 3 throws that we have seen. He is accurate on the run and can squeeze the ball into tight windows. Mandala appears to always make the right read, taking what the defense gives him and getting the ball to his playmakers in space. Heading into his senior season, Mandala should light up the scoreboard, and stat sheet, with his mind and talent at quarterback.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Iowa (PWO), Texas Au0026amp;M (PWO)u003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["898673"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Schmidt is a hybrid outside linebacker/strong safety who earned the Metro Suburban Blue's Defensive Player of the Year award. He measures in at 6'0, 185 lbs and runs extremely well. Schmidt is very good in coverage, as he can funnel slot receivers inside and run underneath them to undercut throws. In the run game, he can close space in a hurry and uses strong technique to make difficult tackles in the open field. He possesses great lateral quickness utilizes a wide base and strong arms to secure tackles in the backfield. Additionally, Schmidt impressed in the slot with his smooth route running and strong hands. Schmidt will make an impact on both sides of the ball for the Knights in his senior season.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Dartmouth, Winona State, Yaleu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["161347"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Omolo is a class of 2024 offensive lineman who played tackle, guard, and center in his junior season. This speaks to Omolo's football IQ, as his intelligence is reflected in his play. He stands at 6'4, weighing 250 lbs. Omolo is very athletic, as he can handle one-on-one blocks and combo's with ease. He works with urgency to the second level and uses leverage and momentum to get his hands on defenders and drive them backwards. He is quick off the ball and delivers a strong punch that allows him to dominate defensive linemen. Omolo's technique is polished, as his hands and feet work together in both the run and pass game. Heading into his senior campaign, look for Omolo to anchor the Knights' offensive line.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Notre Dame College (D2)u003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c570a39c315"} /-->