IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Wide Receivers
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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. Moving on to Wide Receivers, below are…
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Continue ReadingAs 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. Moving on to Wide Receivers, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.
When turning on Washington’s tape, it’s hard to believe he is only a sophomore. The 6’2, 175 lbs split out from St. Francis burst onto the scene last season, tallying just under 1,000 all-purpose yards and crossing the goal line 12 times. Washington is a dynamic player on both offense and defense, showcasing his elite athleticism and football IQ on both sides of the ball. On offense, Washington has the size, speed, and elusiveness that makes him nearly impossible to guard. He possesses elite top end speed and is as smooth a route runner as one will find. With 2 seasons left in his high school career, Washington’s ceiling is incredibly high.
Highlights
The big-bodied wide receiver from Libertyville has incredibly impressive throughout his sophomore campaign. While he only played in 7 games, Lavista racked up over 1,100 receiving yards and scored 15 times. Standing at 6’2, Lavista is a matchup nightmare on the outside for smaller defensive backs. However, he also possesses elite speed, elusiveness in the open field, and tremendous body control. Whether its a jump ball, smooth route running, or yards after the catch, Lavista knows how to get open and make plays with the ball in his hands. Keep an eye on this rising star in the Land of Lincoln as he gets ready for his junior season.
Highlights
The impressive sophomore out of Washington is an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands. Last season, Jones dominated for Bolingbrook and is as good a separator as one will find. Jones is a fantastic route runner, using his speed and athleticism to create space at the top of his routes. He transitions smoothly in and out of breaks and is lethal with the ball in his hands. Whether its a vertical shot, quick game, or a screen, Jones understands spacing and how to break tackles in the open field. Another gem in a loaded Illinois Class of 2026 receiver group, Jones could find himself as the top dog after his junior season.
Highlights
The name of the game for Jones is SPEED. The electrifying playmaker out of St. Rita was a big contributor for the Mustangs last fall, as Jones showcased his elite speed and acceleration on both special teams and in the vertical passing game. The 5’10, 165 lbs speedster is lightning quick, showcasing the ability to outrun almost any player on the field. Once Jones gets going, which happens in a hurry, he can separate with the best of them. Keep an eye on this rising star in the Land of Lincoln as he prepares to take on an even bigger role in his junior season.
The 6’1, 175 lbs wide out from Mt Zion lit it up in his sophomore campaign. Harvey is an all-around receiver, as he is incredibly dangerous after the catch, has the size and vertical to go up and get the ball over defensive backs, makes acrobatic catches, and has elite speed. Harvey can separate off the line of scrimmage in a hurry, accelerating to the top of his route and running past deep half safeties consistently. With tremendous body control and elusiveness in the open field, Harvey’s frame, speed, and hands make him a big time prospect in the Land of Lincoln. Keep an eye out for this rising star throughout his junior season.