IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Quarterbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Finishing up with Quarterbacks, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212320"],"_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":"Lansu made a name for himself last fall, leading Downers Grove North to the 7A IHSA State Championship game. While they may have fallen short this year, DGN will have another shot at a title as long as Lansu is under center. The 6'2, 190 lbs quarterback impressed at the varsity level last fall, collecting over 2,100 yards and 29 touchdowns. What immediately sticks out about Lansu's tape is his quick release. He has polished footwork in the pocket that allows him to get the ball out on time and accurately, specifically over the middle of the field. With a quick flick of the wrist and a tight spiral, Lansu makes some jaw dropping throws. With the arm strength, accuracy, and timing to make nearly any throw on the field, keep an eye out for Lansu as one of Illinois' top quarterbacks over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["283931"],"_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":"One word can be used to best describe the game of the sophomore signal caller from Hinsdale Central: gunslinger. With the ability to throw it deep off his back foot and throw accurately on the run, the 5'11, 190 lbs quarterback can make some impressive passes. His ability to avoid pressure in the pocket, scramble while keeping his eyes downhill, and deliver a strike is second to none. And this doesn't just apply to short or intermediate throws, as Contreras isn't afraid to let it rip vertically for some jaw-dropping throws. Long story short, there isn't a pass on the field that Contreras can't hit, regardless of the situation or distance. Keep an eye on this rising star in Contreras as he prepares for his junior campaign.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["401596"],"_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":"Palmer has some big shoes to fill next season, as he will replace the number 1 quarterback in the Class of 2024 in Illinois and St. Francis starter u003ca class=u0022font-medium text-gray-900u0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/alessio-milivojevic/u0022 data-google-interstitial=u0022falseu0022u003eAlessio Milivojevicu003c/au003e (Michigan State). However, Palmer certainly seems ready for the challenge. The 6'1, 195 lbs quarterback dominated at the JV level this past fall, showcasing his true talent as a lethal dual-threat quarterback. Palmer's two best assets are his arm strength and mobility, which work hand-in-hand, to light up opposing defenses. Palmer is nearly impossible to bring down in the pocket, as his agility and elusiveness in the open field force defenses to account for the pass and QB run game on every play. On true drop back passes, Palmer displays a quick release and accuracy from any spot on the field. A rising star in the Land of Lincoln, Palmer should be considered one of the top QB's in the Class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["287947"],"_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":"Johnson is another sophomore riser who has big shoes to fill, as the 5'11, 180 lbs quarterback will be taking the reigns from senior standout u003ca class=u0022font-medium text-gray-900u0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/ethan-kohl/u0022u003eEthan Kohlu003c/au003e (Truman State). Johnson is ready for the opportunity, as the incredibly polished quarterback has all the intangibles to play at the next level. He displays tremendous footwork and arm talent. The type of quarterback who can quickly and calmly work through his progresses, Johnson delivered strike after strike for the Bradley-Bourbonnais JV team a season ago. Additionally, Johnson is extremely accurate when throwing on the run and possesses solid mobility. As Johnson heads into his first varsity season, his stock is on the rise.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":[1399992],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Beetham is another sophomore with an incredibly high ceiling, as the starting JV quarterback from Yorkville tallied over to 1,200 passing yards and 14 touchdowns this past fall. Beetham measures in at 6'0, 165 lbs and displays a quick release and strong arm that leads to explosive passing plays. Additionally, Beetham possesses elite mobility, making him a threat to tuck it and run at a moments notice. He can extend plays with his legs while having the poise to keep his eyes down the field and hit open receivers. As Beetham works towards his junior campaign, keep an eye on this talented quarterback over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e10d35e0520"} /-->