State Finals: 2025 Offensive Standouts

<a>What prospects made an impact at the State Finals?  We examine them by class including here in State Finals: 2025 Offensive Standouts!</a>   QB [player_tooltip player_id='131488' first='Jack' last='Elliott'] (Mt. Carmel - 2025 – Vanderbilt) Elliott more than lived up to the billing in the 7A championship game where he was the best player on the field taking his team to a three peat. It was his ability to win from inside the pocket, outside the pocket, and with his legs that were so impressive. In particular some of the throws he made going to his right down field twisting his body and letting it fly on the money were incredible! Had both a touchdown run and pass on flea flicker plays early in the game. Like how he read coverage especially blitzes and adjusted to make the proper read. Creative runner with the ball that can turn the jets on when he has too. Insane final stat line of 16/26 for 301 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air. Also had 115 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Was one of the best players in the state this year.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1292076' first='Ryan' last='Fitzgerald'] (Loyola - 2025 – Iowa)   The Iowa commit had a workman like performance in the state championship game.  Big and physical signal caller that was at his best dropping in passes on fade routes or down the sideline putting excellent touch on passes right in the bucket for his pass catchers.  Great leader that elevates the play of those around him.  He was 12/21 for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns along with gaining 47 yards on the ground.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='831102' first='Kendrick' last='Lyons'] (East St. Louis - 2025) In my opinion Lyons is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the class.  He is a dual threat that can beat you from the pocket or on the move.  Gets the ball out of his hands fast like a point guard to his weapons.  Good accuracy, can create with his legs, and manipulates the ball in the RPO game.  Lyons had 225 yards passing on 14/21 along with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  Also ran for 41 yards in the game.  Group of 5 and FCS programs should be all over him!   QB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='118787' first='Logan' last='Malachuk'] </a>(Nazareth Academy - 2025) Malachuk is a rock solid QB that should see his stock continue to rise after a strong senior campaign leading his team to their fourth consecutive state title.  Always in complete control of the game.  Good pocket presence and leadership.  Throws well on the move.  Strong arm which was shown throwing a 75 yard bomb.  Gets ball out of his hands fast.  Also showed touch on his throws when he needed to.  Finished with 336 yards and 4 touchdowns.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1572574' first='Christian' last='Flutman'] (Chicago Christian - 2025)   The 5'10” quarterback probably projects best at the next level at another position, but he was the leader of his squad winning the 2A title.  Creative and slick runner that followed his blocks going up the middle slicing through the defense for 3 touchdowns on the ground.  Also threw for a pair in the air.  Plays on the defensive side of the ball in the secondary and might project best there at the small college level.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1572579' first='Juju' last='Rodriguez'] (DePaul Prep - 2025)   Rodriguez is the leader of the DePaul Prep squad.  Athletic signal caller that can throw a little on the run, but is at his best managing the game along with using his legs as a runner.  Moved the chains in that way along with getting in the endzone.  Might have to play another position in college, but he is for sure a player we will see at the next level.   QB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='252482' first='Tony' last='Chahino'] </a>(Geneva - 2025)   The 6'1” 205 pound quarterback showed solid arm strength and threw well non the run.  Put touch on short passes to backs.  Good runner with the play breaks down.  Finished with 323 yards on 20/39 with 3 touchdown passes and a pair of picks.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='832150' first='Bruno' last='Massel'] (York - 2025)   Massel gave it everything he had in the title game.  The smaller and quick quarterback has excellent speed.  He is slippery with the ball in his hands along with fearless.  Will probably have to switch positions at the next level being undersized, but the speed plays at the small college level for sure.  He had 17 carries for 148 yards and a score on the ground.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='201724' first='Dierre' last='Hill'] Jr (Althoff - 2025 – Oregon)   What more can be said that we haven't already about this Oregon commit?  He went out and completely obliterated the state championship game making it his personal playground.  The back has excellent vision in the hole, follows his blockers, and then explodes downfield.  One of the best we have seen at breaking tackles.  Smooth and slippery runner that takes what the defense gives him.  If he knows he can't break it long he is more than willing to run over defenders in the box powering forward.  Also caught a 80 yard pass for a score.  He made the state title game his own Madden video game with 438 rushing yards on 32 carries (13.6 YPC) and 1 catch for 80 receiving yards.  518 total yards and 7 TDs in the state championship game!   RB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='179193' first='Larevious' last='Woods'] </a>(East St. Louis - 2025 – Lindenwood)   The Lindenwood commit put on a show in the 6A championship game.  Displayed excellent vision and burst with the ball throughout the contest.  Nice combination of power and speed with the ability to lay the boom when he needs to on secondary defenders downfield.  He had 113 yards rushing on 10 carries along with 3 touchdowns.  Dominant performance!   RB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='278888' first='TaRyan' last='Martin'] </a>(East St. Louis - 2025 – Kent State)   Martin is a physical downhill runner that is headed to the MAC next season.  Defenders just bounce off him as he is so powerful running through contact.  Also has nimble footwork for power back.  Went for 69 yards and 1 touchdown in their 6A win. RB [player_tooltip player_id='831094' first='Drew' last='MacPherson'] (Loyola - 2025 – Iowa)   MacPherson will most likely play in the defensive backfield for the Hawkeyes, but he was one of the most versatile and unstoppable forces as an offensive weapon this year.  He showed that off in the championship game using his natural pass catching skills, super quick feet, jump cuts, and ability to get the edge racking up 154 yards on 19 carries along with 2 scores.  In the air he had 4 grabs for 41 yards and 1 touchdown.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1572583' first='Kenny' last='Jager'] (Chicago Christian - 2025)   Jager was a force in the backfield for Chicago Christian as the 5'9” 180 pound back seemed to get more momentum as the game went on.  Smaller back that runs with power and a slashing style.  Tough breaking tackles with his quick footwork and balance.  Went for 200+ yards in the win.  Going to be a factor at a small college!   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1564790' first='Jeremiah' last='Peterson'] (Montini - 2025)   Big and powerful runner at 5'11” 220 pounds that just bowls over guys.  He is like a high school version of The Bus Jerome Bettis.  Guys just bounce off him.  He runs right up the middle with such speed and physicality.  Can bounce it outside as well with solid burst.  Likes to use the stiff arm.  Has solid hands as well catching a 50+ yard touchdown on a swing pass.  In the 3A title game he had 13 carries for 134 yards.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1572596' first='Nick' last='Martinez'] (DePaul Prep - 2025)   Monster performance out of this scat back from DePaul Prep in the 4A final as he went for 100 yards on the ground on 19 carries including three scores.  Super quick getting in and out of cuts and runs hard.  Not the biggest back, but when he needed to use power in the redzone to get in he did just that in an impressive showing.   RB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='1292307' first='Keegan' last='Farnaus'] </a>(Joliet Catholic - 2025)   Farnaus was the speed back of the JCA running back trio.  He is quick with his feet with his burst along with being a good pass catcher doing damage there catching pair for scores on a swing pass and another keeping his toes in bounds on the sideline of the endzone in the fourth quarter. 3 catches for 54 yards. RB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='1232590' first='Larry' last='Stringham'] </a>(Joliet Catholic - 2025)   This 5'11” 210 pound bruising back kept bringing it all game long.  He is a powerful runner in between the tackles that was a workhorse for JCA with his physicality getting downhill.  Kept getting stronger as the game went along.  Going to be a good player at the next level for a school looking for a power back.  He had 152 yards on 23 carries.   RB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='1572537' first='Nate' last='Magrini'] </a>(Joliet Catholic - 2025)   At 6'1” 210 pounds Magrini was also a big part of the offensive attack for Joliet Catholic recording 126 yard and a touchdown on 21 carries.  Like Stringham he is a physical in between the tackles runner.  Does a nice job of breaking tackles as defenders seemed to just bounce off him.  Very good in short yardage situations.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1572553' first='Danyil' last='Taylor'] Jr. (Mt. Carmel - 2025) Taylor is a bigger back at 6'1” 215 pounds who has experience playing all over the field throughout his career.  He was a key part of their championship in the title game at running back.  Brings a thicker and more physical back to the table that still has speed.  Went for 54 yards on 6 carries along with catching 2 passes for 24 yards along with grabbing a touchdown in the win.   RB Nathan Whitewell (Batavia – 2025)   The 5'10” 190 pound back powered in a run from the 1 yard line for a touchdown.  Runs hard in between the tackles along with having some quickness.  Showed solid hands as well catching passes out of the backfield.  Went for 68 yards on the ground and 31 through the air.   <a>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1572567' first='Jimmy' last='Conners'] </a>(York - 2025)   Conners was a spark early in the game as the 5'11 200 pound back ripped off a 74 yard touchdown to start the game.  Showed long speed on that run.  Unfortunately he would hurt his ankle shortly after and not be able to come back after one more snap.  Finished with 4 carries for 82 yards.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='278883' first='Talyn' last='Taylor'] (Geneva - 2025 – Georgia)   The state's top wide receiver got his in the 6A championship.  He is such a silky smooth route runner which was shown by him getting in and out of his cuts with precision each and every route.  Broke a first down on a bubble screen running through defenders.  Also caught a touchdown on a quick in and out move in the endzone.  Slick with the ball in his hands in the open field making guys miss.  I was impressed with how easily he created separation on his routes.  The Georgia commit finished with 8 catches for 116 yards and 1 touchdown.  Also has potential as  kick returner recording 129 yards in that phase of the game.   <a>WR [player_tooltip player_id='278901' first='Brayden' last='Trimble'] (Mt. Zion - 2025 – Illinois) Overall it was a tough night for the Mt. Zion offense.  We saw some glimpses of the versatility of Trimble on some gadget plays, short passes, and a few rushes.  Also scored late in the game high pointing a touchdown in double coverage on a fade route for a score.</a>   WR <a>Santino Florio </a>(Montini - 2025)   Florio is a gadget guy that Montini loved to get the ball in his hands to make plays.  One fun one he took a bubble screen catch from one side across the field behind the line before a long gain.  So fast and shifty with the ball in his hands.  Slippery and tough to tackle.  He ran in a touchdown late in the contest.   WR Carter Foran (Monticello - 2025)   This 5'8” wide receiver is a small pass catcher that is tough as nails.  He has solid speed and made most of their big catches including a grab over the middle on fourth down along with their only TD on a tip drill pass late in the contest.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1525746' first='Braden' last='Peevy'] (DePaul Prep - 2025 – Central Michigan)   Overall pretty quiet night for Peevy, but the Central Michigan commit did cap his career of in the second half with a 40 yard TD on crossing pattern across middle.  Looked smooth with a massive chunk of yardage after the catch on the short cross.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='161367' first='James' last='Penley'] (Nazareth Academy - 2025)   This 5'10” wide receiver came up with a 34 yard touchdown in the championship game.  He has good hands and gets YAC on short routes.  Shifty with the ball in his hands.  Solid return man. 3 catches for 88 yards and a score in the win.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1572542' first='Finnegan' last='Weppner'] (Geneva – 2025)   Big game for the 6'1” 180 pound pass catcher.  He has soft hands along with the ability to high point balls in traffic.  Got loose for a TD on a quarterback scramble.  Finished with 6 catches for 111 yards and 1 touchdown.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1564075' first='Christopher' last='Bennett'] (East St. Louis - 2025)   Bennett is the gadget guy for the Flyers.  Smaller pass catcher who was excellent on jet sweep plays and bubble screens.  Gets to the edge on the runs and is super quick making defenders miss on a regular basis.  Going to find a home at the next level because of his elusiveness and speed.  Also a return threat.  He racked up 76 yards on the ground on 5 carries, caught 6 passes for 68 yards, and also had 101 kick return yards.  Overall that is 245 all-purpose yards in the game.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1564094' first='Cooper' last='Lehman'] (Mt. Carmel - 2025) This 5'11” pass catcher is a sure handed threat.  Won jump balls in the air on deep and out routes along with scoring a touchdown on 4th down in the redzone.  Rock solid pass catcher that will be a good find at the next level as a reliable target as he had 5 catches for 114 yards and 1 touchdown.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1362880' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] (Batavia - 2025) Brown is an intriguing possession pass catcher who runs slick routes.  Versatile playmaker that has multiple PI called on his defender.  Made intermediate catches over the middle.  Went for 9 catches finishing with 78 yards.   WR <a>Gavin Vradenburg </a>(Loyola - 2025)   Big game for this redzone threat as the physical pass catcher caught a fade in the endzone for Fitzgerald on his way to 5 catches for 74 yards and 1 touchdown.   TE [player_tooltip player_id='1292241' first='Grant' last='Smith'] (Maroa Forsyth - 2025 – Illinois) Smith is an Illinois commit that had a big season as a pass catcher.  Didn't get much of a chance in their 2A game as Maroa never was able to get anything going on the offensive side.  You can see the 6'4” senior's athleticism flash on the defensive side as he was active tackling vs the run with his length while also forcing a fumble which he recovered downfield. TE [player_tooltip player_id='1292068' first='Brendan' last='Loftus'] (Loyola - 2025 – Miami (OH))   Loftus is a big and athletic tight end that had a pair of targets reeling in a big 22 yard catch on 4th down to set his team up in the endzone.  Solid blocker setting up MacPherson for several big runs in their win. OL/DL JC Hayes (Montini - 2025)   Hayes is a wide bodied two way lineman that played left tackle and defensive tackle.  Probably projects best as an offensive lineman.  Like what he did throughout the night using his length and nimble feet in both the run and pass game.  Also showed he can move making some tackles on the defensive side.    OL [player_tooltip player_id='1564786' first='Patton' last='Leib'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1564824' first='Logan' last='Davis'] (Althoff - 2025) Pair of senior bookend offensive tackles that have done their job all season long.  Moved bodies in the run game along with being excellent pass blockers.  They play with physicality and athleticism.  Both should get looks from FCS and D2 programs. OL [player_tooltip player_id='960562' first='Mason' last='High'] (Monticello – 2025)   We saw some intriguing athletic tools out of this 6'2” 250 pound right tackle.  He has a solid frame and length.  Moved well in pass pro.  Has a chance to develop at a small college down the line.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='1146460' first='Dominic' last='Bitz'] (DePaul Prep - 2025 – John's Hopkins) Bitz is the leader of the DePaul offensive line at the center spot.  The Johns Hopkins commit is smart and plays with a nasty streak to his game.  Makes calls at the line and is a sound blocker in both the pass and run.   <a>OL Michael Lynch </a>and Jake <a>Jakovich</a> (Joliet Catholic - 2025)   These two seniors were the catalysts up front for JCA in their run game.  Lynch has a big frame and mobility at left tackle.  Jakovich mauled opponents all night long in the run game.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='831101' first='Sam' last='Stec'] (Nazareth Academy - 2025)   Stech is a tough and physical left tackle that is a solid pass catcher.  Has potential to kick inside to guard where he would be good as well.

What prospects made an impact at the State Finals? We examine them by class including here in State Finals: 2025 Offensive Standouts!