2023 IL ALL-STATE TEAM: 4A UNDERCLASSMAN
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. 4 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. 4 of those players came from Class 4A. Below, we will take a look at these 4 juniors who went above and beyond this season.
Issac Phipps
Issac Phipps
In his first season ever playing football, Phipps made a name for himself. The 6’1, 200 lbs edge rusher from Cahokia earned IHSFCA 4A All-State All-State Honors. Phipps ended the regular season with over 15 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. He showcased consistent flashes of game wrecking ability, stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage and relentlessly pursuing the opposing quarterback. Phipps is a highly athletic prospect with an extremely high motor. This rising star in Phipps is beginning to see his recruitment heat up after only 1 season of dominance.
The Breese Central quarterback lit it up this season, earning IHSFCA 4A All-State Honors following his junior season. The 6’1, 160 lbs playmaker is a dual-threat player, whose arm is equally as dangerous as his legs. Baker possesses a quick release and has the arm strength and accuracy to fit the ball into tight windows on the outside and over the middle of the field. With his legs, Baker is as dynamic a runner as one will find. He has plus speed and incredible elusiveness in the open field that makes him difficult to tackle in the open field. After his monster junior season, Baker is ready to light it up again in his final campaign.
Landin Benson
Landin Benson
The 5’8, 175 lbs tailback out of Coal City is an extremely powerful a runner. Benson, who also excels at linebacker as well, has a quick burst and smooth athleticism that allows him to gain chunk yardage every time he touches the rock. He also has elite speed and vision, making him dangerous in the open field. He can stick his foot in the ground and find cut back lanes in the blink of an eye, allowing him to outrun defenders to the end zone. As 1 of 23 underclassmen to find himself on the IHSFCA All-State team, this 4A stud is a rising star in the state of Illinois.
Dayvion Ellis
Dayvion Ellis
The Saint Viator product exploded for an impressive stat line in his junior campaign, earning IHFSCA 4A All-State Honors. The 5’10, 170 lbs athlete posted a stat line of 1,503 all purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. Ellis is a threat at running back, wide receiver, and in the return game. Ellis possesses elite acceleration and speed that makes him difficult to catch in the open field. He is also elusive, has great vision, and possesses smooth hands at receiver. This do-it-all playmaker is ready to dominate once again next season.