Playoffs – Round 2: IL Stars of the Weekend (Part 1)
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The following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in the second round of the IHSA Playoffs. Caden O’Rourke IL #16 DL #7 HEIGHT 6'5" WEIGHT 215 POS DL CLASS 2025 View Profile Caden O’Rourke State:…
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Continue ReadingThe following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in the second round of the IHSA Playoffs.
O’Rourke had a monster night as Lincoln-Way East continued their perfect season. The junior defensive end had 2.5 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Standing at 6’5 and weighing 215 lbs, O’Rourke has a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a game-wrecker at the line of scrimmage. He fires off the ball at the snap, using his quick first step and length to defeat blockers in the run game. He quickly transitions once he diagnoses pass, using his bend and polished pass rush moves to hunt down the opposing quarterback. Long story short, O’Rourke has all the tools and will continue to showcase them on the Griffin’s quest for a state title.
The Glenbard East running back followed up his impressive Round 1 performance with an even better game in Round 2. Larson raced for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns on 28 carries. The speedy tailback is a nightmare to tackle in the open field, as his vision, shiftiness, and speed allow him to get to the edge and outrun defenders on the perimeter. Larson runs with a patient style, allowing rush lanes to develop in front of him. Once he sees the hole, Larson hits it with speed to gain chunk yardage. This under-the-radar senior is having a breakout year, as Larson looks to continue his success in Round 3 against Normal Community.
Highlights
Trenton Walker
Trenton Walker
The sophomore wide receiver is making a name for himself in the playoffs. Walker, a 6’2, 170 lbs speedster, totaled 111 yards and a touchdown on 9 catches in a 42-0 victory over Glenbard South. He can win on the perimeter in a variety of ways. He’ll use his size to make contested catches over smaller defensive backs, use his speed to outrun safeties, and can make linebackers miss in the open field after making a catch over the middle of the field. As this young sophomore grows and develops, Walker will be a player to keep an eye on for years to come.
Levi Hanauer
Levi Hanauer
The 6’1, 170 lb senior quarterback from Sacred Heart-Griffin put his best foot forward in a tough loss to Morris in the second round. Hanauer combined for nearly 400 yards, with 317 coming through the air and 64 on the ground. He also combined for 5 touchdowns, including 3 passing and 2 rushing. Hanauer is a dual-threat player who showcases strong decision making and arm talent. In the ground game, he is always a threat to extend plays and scramble with his legs. While their season has come to an end, the Cyclone quarterback is a hidden gem who is currently uncommitted.
Joey Campagna
Joey Campagna
Campagna is a 5’9, 175 lb tailback from Lincoln-Way West. He was impressive in Round 2, rushing for 291 yards and 5 touchdowns in a win over Collinsville. Campagna is a physical runner who refuses to go down on contact. He runs strong between the tackles and possesses a quick burst in the open field that makes him incredibly difficult to tackle. All Campagna needs is a little bit of space to make a move. Once he finds space, he is off to the races. This senior tailback has been impressive throughout the season, and as LWW keeps rolling, Campagna has surely been a big reason why.