2023 IL ALL-STATE TEAM: 3A UNDERCLASSMAN
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It’s a rare thing in the Land of Lincoln for an underclassman to be named to the All-State Team. Of the 8 Classes of IHSA High School Football, only 23 underclassmen earned First-Team IHSFCA All-State Honors in 2023. 5 of…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a rare thing in the Land of Lincoln for an underclassman to be named to the All-State Team. Of the 8 Classes of IHSA High School Football, only 23 underclassmen earned First-Team IHSFCA All-State Honors in 2023. 5 of those players came from Class 3A. Below, we will take a look at these 4 juniors, and one sophomore, who went above and beyond this season.
The 5’11, 285 lb offensive guard out of Byron is an absolute bulldozer. Claunch plays with a nasty and attitude that would make any offensive line coach smile. He fires off the ball, possessing the ability to move defensive linemen backward to create rushing lanes for his running backs. He plays with a strong base and has plus athleticism that allows him to finish on blocks. As physical a guard as one will find, it’s not surprise that Claunch earned 3A All- State Honor as an underclassmen. Keep an eye on this rising star next season.
Caden Considine
Caden Considine
For Classes 1A-8A IHSFCA All-State First Team Honors, there was only one sophomore to earn his way onto the list: Caden Considine. Considine is a true two-way player who burst onto the scene this season for Byron. Excelling at both running back and linebacker, the Class of 2026 playmaker measures in at 6’0, 200 lbs and plays downhill on both sides of the ball. He is a tough runner, which suits Byron’s offense well. Considine showcases the ability to get hard yards by running through tackles with power. Meanwhile, he has the breakaway speed to gain chunk yardage. At linebacker, Considine is strong in coverage and plays downhill to finish physically on tackles. A rising star throughout the state, lookout for Considine to dominate over his next two seasons.
Noah LaPorte Noah LaPorte 6'6" | 210 lbs | TE Princeton | 2025 IL
Noah LaPorte Noah LaPorte 6'6" | 210 lbs | TE Princeton | 2025 IL
The tall junior athlete from Princeton had a fantastic season on both sides of the ball, earning 3A All-State Honors. LaPorte stands at 6’5 and weighs 200 lbs. He plays both wide receiver and safety. Offensively, LaPorte posted a stat line of 517 yards and 8 touchdowns on 24 receptions this year. He is a smooth route runner whose best assets are his size, speed, and hands. He excels at making contested catches, most noticeably in the red zone. Defensively, LaPorte tallied 46 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. As he continues to fill out his frame, LaPorte projects as an extremely talented wide receiver or tight end at the next level. This hidden gem will be fun to watch next season.
Cooper Christensen
Cooper Christensen
Christensen is a 6’2, 200 lb quarterback out of Sullivan – Okaw Valley. The junior put together an impressive campaign this past season, getting it done in both the air and on the ground. He earned his way onto the 3A All-State team. Christensen is a true dual-threat quarterback, who is lethal in the quarterback ground game and when throwing on the run. He boasts a powerful and accurate arm that allows him to extend plays and fit the ball into tight windows. Heading into his senior season, Christensen’s stock is on the rise.
Braddock Cates
Braddock Cates
The 5’11, 175 lb running back out of Williamsville earned 3A All-State Honors following his junior season. Cates is an impressive back, who possesses a variety of traits that make him difficult to stop with the ball in his hands. He runs with a smooth stride, is shifty in the open field, and has great hands. He is incredibly elusive and can change direction in a hurry. This combination of speed and athleticism makes Cates an elite prospect. Keep an eye on this rising junior heading into his senior season.