’27 Newcomers Emerging in Illinois

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='472668' first='Josiah' last='Wallace'] – OT – Mount Carmel</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'8”, 300 pounds, Wallace is already built like a Power Five offensive tackle. He plays with a wide base, finishes blocks with authority, and moves surprisingly well for his size. With offers already in from Harvard, Toledo, and Western Michigan, Wallace is firmly on the FBS radar and continues to develop physically and technically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Joey Chiappini – LS – Minooka</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chiappini is a rare 2027 long snapper with a college-ready frame (6'3”, 240) and early polish in his specialty. He's consistent, clean, and has the kind of size that allows him to get downfield quickly in coverage. Special teams coaches at the next level should be taking notice now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Korey Shavers – QB – Kenwood Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shavers (5'11”, 141) is an athletic quarterback with smooth footwork and natural throwing mechanics. He makes quick reads and gets the ball out fast, especially in spread concepts. As he continues to develop physically, his ceiling as a dual-threat quarterback could rise significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">George Kalkounos – DE – Palatine</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalkounos (6'2”, 205) is an edge defender with twitch and bend. He shows the ability to turn the corner and pressure the quarterback, using good leverage and motor. His frame will continue to fill out, but the quickness and effort are already there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brandon Martino – QB – Addison Trail</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martino (5'10”, 148) is a creative quarterback who plays with poise and confidence. He can extend plays with his feet and shows good placement on the move. While he's still developing physically, his playmaking ability makes him an exciting name in the 2027 quarterback class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->