Freshmen Stepping Up in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year a few freshmen prove they can skip the “waiting period” and contribute right away under the lights. Through the first part of the season, these 2028 prospects are already showing they can hang with varsity competition and make plays when their teams need it most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colin Ditmar | WR | Kaneland</strong><br>Ditmar wasted no time making an impact in Kaneland's passing game. The freshman hauled in 133 receiving yards and three touchdowns, flashing big-play ability and reliable hands. He's quickly proving he can be a go-to option in a wide-open offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damian Rivera | RB | Lena-Winslow</strong><br>Rivera turned in one of the most eye-popping stat lines of the week. The running back rumbled for 269 yards and four touchdowns, showing a blend of speed, vision, and toughness that has long been a staple of Lena-Winslow football. He looks like the next big name in a program known for dominant backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landen Starks | QB | Greenville</strong><br>Poise is the word for Starks. The freshman quarterback threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns, operating the offense with confidence and precision. For a first-year player, his ability to command the huddle and deliver in the passing game is impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1764862' first='Dylan' last='Souder'] | LB | Mater Dei (Breese)</strong><br>Souder set the tone defensively, finishing with 19 tackles. His instincts and physicality pop on film, and it's rare to see a freshman play with that kind of motor. Mater Dei has a young defensive leader in the making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Wilson | DB | Highland</strong><br>Wilson made his presence felt in the secondary, coming down with an interception. Plays like that flip momentum, and Wilson's ability to make something happen on the back end adds a spark to Highland's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->