Midseason Mark: Top Performers in Illinois (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been a great season of IHSA football in 2023. At the halfway point, perennial programs are cruising to the playoffs, while other programs are gaining steam and making a playoff push over the next 4 weeks. Here are 5 of the top performers in the state of Illinois at the midseason mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271278"],"_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":"Sellers is having a breakout season in his final campaign, as the senior wide receiver continues to light up the scoreboard week in and week out. Sellers currently has 684 yards and 10 touchdowns. The speedy wide receiver from Hoffman Estates has a lethal combination of elite speed and phenomenal hands that make him nearly impossible to stop. Good luck to any DB's trying to run with Sellers, he can absolutely fly.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["278899"],"_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":"The Marian Catholic tailback had a monster season last year. He is once again on track to break records. At the midway point, Lofton has 668 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He measures in at 6'0, 213 lbs and runs a 4.51 40. This combination of size and speed makes Lofton difficult to stop, as he can run through tackles with power, cut to the edge, and outrun pursuing defenders. Keep an eye out for Lofton to continue to shine over the next 4 weeks.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["271288"],"_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":"Penza has thrown for 14 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards this year. The senior quarterback from Crystal Lake Central is making a name for himself, as CLC currently sits at 3-2 with some close losses. Penza is a dual threat senior quarterback who showcases the ability to make plays with his arm and extend plays with his legs. Defenses must account for Penza in a variety of ways, as he has the ability to pick apart zone coverages while also running the rock for chunk yardage. If the Tigers are going to make a playoff push, Penza will be the reason why.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["891201"],"_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":"Easley is one of the top players in the country, as the Georgia commit is having a fantastic season. While it is hard to quantify the value of offensive linemen, Easley's value shines on film. The 6'7, 325 lbs tackle is a force to be reckoned with. He is extremely athletic, especially considering his size. He can move defenders with ease in the run game and is technically sound in the pass game. Long story short, Easley doesn't lose his one-on-ones. The dominant offensive linemen as played a major role in Kankakee's perfect season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["278883"],"_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":"Taylor, another highly recruited wide receiver prospect, is off and running this season. While Geneva has a 5 and 0 record, Taylor has 472 receiving yards and 6 TDs on the year. Taylor's best asset is his elusiveness, as the 6'1 junior wins in every way. He is difficult to guard in man-to-man, as he has a quick release off the line and the speed to take over. Taylor is often double teamed, however, Geneva continues to find ways to get him the ball. And once the ball is in his hands, Taylor almost always makes the first and second tacklers miss. Expect Taylor to shine the rest of the season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6517a437afb5c"} /-->