2023 IL 8A ALL-STATE TEAM: UNCOMMITTED SENIORS
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Of the 17 members of the Class of 2024 named to the IHSFCA 8A All-State Team, the following 6 seniors remain uncommitted. After proving their talent throughout their senior campaigns, these hidden gems are still looking for a place to…
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Continue ReadingOf the 17 members of the Class of 2024 named to the IHSFCA 8A All-State Team, the following 6 seniors remain uncommitted. After proving their talent throughout their senior campaigns, these hidden gems are still looking for a place to call home for their college careers.
The 5’11, 200 linebacker from West Aurora made plays all over the field throughout his senior season. Estrella tallied 114 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles for the year. He primarily patrols the middle for the Blackhawk defense, as this downhill and instinctual linebacker brings it on every tackle. He can sniff out the ball on run plays and brings his full force with him as he tackles. In the pass game, Estrella is physical with his re-routes and can run the hole athletically. This do-it-all linebacker remains uncommitted but is sure to find a home soon after earning 8A All-State honors this year.
Devan Van Ness
Devan Van Ness
The 6’1, 215 lb defensive end out of Barrington had a breakout senior campaign. Van Ness, who leads the Land of Lincoln in sacks with 16, has been a pass rushing nightmare all season. He displays tremendous bend, polished pass rushing moves, and a high motor that is relentless in pursuit of the opposing quarterback. He also plays with strong physicality and low pad level in the run game. It’s surprising that he is still unsigned but opportunities are sure to roll in after the season Van Ness is putting together.
The Plainfield North defensive back put up video game numbers this season, as Liapis had 97 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, and 4 tackles for loss. These numbers earned him a spot on the 8A All-State Team, as the do-it-all safety is a straight up playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Liapis is incredibly smooth in coverage, as he pedals out with a smoothness and urgency that shows he’s always looking to hawk the ball. In the run game, he gets downhill in a flash and finishes on tackles with a pounding delivery, often jarring the ball loose. Liapis has several Division II offers but currently remains uncommitted.
The 6’3, 250 lb defensive linemen from Minooka is an elite pass rusher who always finds his way to the quarterback. Garcia has a unique combination of size, athleticism, and technique that allows him to win one-on-one matchups in a variety of ways. He uses a plethora of moves to win at the point of attack, including speed rushing, clubbing and ripping, and bull rushing. Additionally, Garcia has a high motor that is relentless in pursuit of the QB. Garcia is a well-rounded defensive lineman who is still looking for a home after earning his 8A All-State nod.
The East Aurora two-way player lit it up on both sides of the ball this season. Cooley, a 5’11 athlete, put up some monster stats this year that are sure to put him on the map. Offensively, Cooley hauled in 27 catches for 781 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also ran the ball 18 times for 391 yards and 8 touchdowns. That isn’t where it ends however, as Cooley added 6 more touchdowns on both kick off and punt returns. Defensively, he tallied 30.5 tackles, and yes, added another touchdown on a scoop-and-score. That adds up to 27 total touchdown for the dynamic playmaker who boasts elite speed, vision, and playmaking ability no matter where he is lined up. It’s no surprise that Cooley earned his way to the 8A All-State Team. The only surprise here is that this exciting senior is still available in recruiting.
The 6’2, 290 guard from Lockport earned his first All-State honor this season. Alexandros is every coaches dream in an offensive lineman, as he is big, athletic, and plays with a nastiness that all elite offensive linemen possess. He anchored a strong Porter offensive line group, that paved the way week in and week out for a powerful rushing attack. He is physical when pulling, gets downhill with power and urgency, and has smooth technique in pass protection. This unsigned senior had a phenomenal season and is sure to find a home soon.