State Finals: Underclassmen Offensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What prospects made an impact at the State Finals?&nbsp; We examine them by class including here in <strong>State Finals: Underclassmen Offensive Standouts</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='611846' first='Israel' last='Abrams'] (Montini - 2027)<br></strong><br>Abrams is a 6'3” signal caller who we currently have ranked #5 overall in the 2027 class.&nbsp; He has a long and lean frame with fluidity.&nbsp; Dual threat that can both run and pass.&nbsp; That was shown in the state championship game victory as he scored in both ways.&nbsp; Using his legs he is adept at buying time extending to throw always keeping his eyes downfield, but can also use the speed when he wants as he had a 48 yard dash setting up their first score early.&nbsp; Also had a bootleg touchdown from the five yard line.&nbsp; As a thrower he is at his best being a point guard getting it out of his hands to his plethora of weapons and letting them do work in space.&nbsp; Did that consistently with swing passes and bubble screens.&nbsp; Super bright future for Abrams as he finished with 10/16 for 225 yards passing along with 59 yards rushing for 4 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='214234' first='Jayden' last='Ellington'] (Althoff - 2027)<br></strong><br>Ellington is part of the possibly historic Illinois 2027 quarterback group with four of the top six sophomore prospects in the state being signal callers.&nbsp; In this game Althoff focused on feeding Hill.&nbsp; Ellington did get to show off his electric running skills with a long run showing his elite speed.&nbsp; In the fourth quarter he threw a 47 yard touchdown pass showing off his deep ball.&nbsp; Very bright future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1598818' first='Michael' last='Vander Luitgaren'] </strong></a><strong>(Batavia - 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'1” 180 pound quarterback had a breakout performance in the 7A championship game.&nbsp; After not getting a ton of play most of the season and then splitting snaps it was his show and he shined enough to make a legit case to be a top 30 prospect in the sophomore class if not higher.&nbsp; Solid arms strength along with being accurate throwing on the run.&nbsp; Shows creativity as a passer on the run.&nbsp; Threw several absolute dimes going to his right.&nbsp; Poised and confident.&nbsp; With more experience he is only going to get better.&nbsp; One of the biggest stock risers from the weekend.&nbsp; Stats were 29/47 for 390 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell'] (Mt. Carmel - 2027)<br></strong><br>Burrell is trending as one of the better 2027 wide receivers in the state.&nbsp; He has size, strength, speed, and athleticism.&nbsp; Scored a pair of touchdowns in the championship game including one on a scramble route where he made himself available to his QB.&nbsp; Also had an acrobatic touchdown catch on a 33 yard grab.&nbsp; Lot of excitement around this young pass catcher!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1335411' first='Ronnie' last='Gomiller'] (East St. Louis - 2027)</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gomiller was the best player on the field in the 6A championship game in our eyes.&nbsp; He continues to prove he is among the best sophomore prospects I the state.&nbsp; Made catches over the middle consistently not being afraid to catch passes in traffic.&nbsp; Slant for a touchdown over the middle.&nbsp; Also took a short crossing route to the house for 81 yards.&nbsp; Slick route runner that is a problem with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; He had 5 catches for 128 yards with 92 of them coming after the catch along with 2 touchdowns.&nbsp; Future power 4 wide receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1598846' first='Bennett' last='Konkey'] </strong><strong>(Geneva - 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'1” 165 pound wide receiver opened some eyes in the 6A title game.&nbsp; He is quick in and out of his cuts and had some nice YAC.&nbsp; Made a super touch catch down the sideline in double coverage.&nbsp; Went for 2 catches for 50 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR Marshaun Thornton (Mt. Carmel - 2028)<br></strong><br>Thornton looks like one of the best 2028s in the state.&nbsp; He is a long and lanky 6'2” 180 pound receiver that snatched a 41 yard bomb along with another grab finishing with 50 yards in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OL [player_tooltip player_id='901504' first='Carlos' last='Rios'] (DePaul Prep - 2027)<br></strong><br>Could not have been more impressed with Rios as the sophomore right tackle lived up to his top 20 ranking.&nbsp; Very light on his feet at 6'5” 290 pounds mirroring pass rushers, using his long arms to keep them out of their body, and playing physical in the run game.&nbsp; Very bright future ahead!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->