2023 ILLINOIS ALL-STATE TEAM: RISING STARS

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are 5 rising prospects who made headlines by earning All-State Honors before reaching their senior season. These 5 juniors had seasons for the ages. As they rise up recruiting boards after the best season of their young careers, be sure to keep an eye out for these ballers as they continue to shine at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278885"],"_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":"Little made waves throughout the state in his sophomore campaign a season ago. The junior quarterback followed up that season with an even better one, breaking his own school record for passing yards and leading the state with 3,422 yards on the year. The dynamic quarterback from Quincy has a strong pocket presence, elite arm strength, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. He was the only underclassmen named to the 7A IHSFCA All-State team. Heading into his senior campaign, Little will be extremely sought after in recruiting.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["278245"],"_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 junior edge rusher from Nazareth Academy is seeing multiple Division I Power 5 offers roll in. Kaminski is one of the top players at his position in a loaded Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln. He has a unique combination of size, athleticism, and speed that makes him nearly unblockable. Wrecking shop on every play, Kaminski can bend with the best of them, showcases polished pass rush moves, and is physical in the run game. There is no reason that Kaminski can't finish as a top 5 player in the state next year after earning his way to the 5A All-State Team this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["830846"],"_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":"The Glenbard West defensive back and returner was impressive in his junior campaign. He stands out most as a returner, as Ellens averaged over 50 yards a kick off return this year. He took multiple kick offs and punts to the house. His blazing speed and smooth athleticism also translates to the defensive side of the ball, as Ellens is impressive in coverage and is not afraid to get downhill and make tackles. Long story short, this dynamic athlete can beat you in a variety of ways. Being the only 8A underclassmen to earn his All-State nod, Ellens will return as one of the best in Illinois for his senior season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["278895"],"_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":"The Sycamore junior star burst onto the scene this season, as his recruitment is beginning to heat up. Gautcher totaled 70 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, and 1 sack on the year. He projects as a safety at the next level, but also spent time at quarterback for the Spartans this year. Measuring in at 6'2, 200 lbs, Gautcher is elite in coverage, a sure-handed and physical tackler in the open field, and can rush the passer. He plays with a high motor that impacts the game in a variety of ways. As another junior to make is way on the 5A All-State Team, Gautcher will be back next season to continue to make game-changing plays.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Miles Mitchell","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Richards","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Mitchell is an elite tailback from Richards. He measures in at 5'10, 190 lbs and is a homerun threat with the ball in his hands. Mitchell is highly elusive and has elite vision to find and create open lanes in the run game. He can weave smoothly in and out of traffic and has the breakaway speed that makes him extremely difficult to track down in the open field. Mitchell is an all-around back who is also solid at linebacker and as a kick returner. Earning his way to the 6A All-State Teaming, Mitchell is looking for an even stronger senior campaign next season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65568597454fa"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->