Quarterbacks Who Make Plays With Their Legs

Eric Bergman November 12, 2025 @ 01:00 PM

When games tighten up and defenses drop deep, these quarterbacks make things happen with their feet. Whether it's extending plays, turning broken pockets into big gains, or being the primary rushing weapon in their offense, each of these guys has shown how valuable a dual-threat can be in Illinois football this fall.   Gavyn Cothern | Richland County (Olney) Cothern is the definition of a game-breaker. Defenses know he can sling it, but it's his open-field vision that sets him apart. When pressure comes, he escapes with poise and turns chaos into chunk plays. His ability to make a single defender miss routinely flips field position and keeps the chains moving.   Cael Madden | Wesclin (Trenton) Few quarterbacks ran their team's offense as fearlessly as Madden. He thrives on designed runs and zone-reads, showing off a compact, downhill style. Madden's lower-body strength lets him finish runs through contact, and he has a knack for sensing when to bounce outside and turn the corner.   Jackson McAvoy | Geneseo McAvoy brings balance to Geneseo's attack. He's comfortable sitting in the pocket but even more dangerous when the play breaks down. His elusiveness allows him to buy time for receivers or take off himself, where his quick acceleration consistently gashes defenses for first downs.   Kenyonte Louis | Kenwood (Chicago) Louis plays with pure confidence. When he sees space, he doesn't hesitate—he attacks. His speed at the second level separates him from most quarterbacks in the state, and his ability to turn scrambles into explosive runs forces defenses to stay honest every snap.   Parker Moore | Pana Moore's steady footwork and dual-threat mentality kept defenses guessing all season. He reads the edge well and isn't afraid to cut it back inside. His ability to extend plays on third-and-long situations has been a major part of Pana's offensive rhythm.   River Deisher | Mt. Carmel Deisher is a competitor through and through. His toughness stands out—he's not one to slide early. Instead, he lowers his shoulder, setting the tone for his offense. As a leader, his grit fuels the team, and his legs have consistently been the spark when momentum was needed.

When games tighten up and defenses drop deep, these quarterbacks make things happen with their feet. Whether it's extending plays, turning broken pockets into big gains, or being the primary rushing weapon in their offense, each of these guys has shown how valuable a dual-threat can be in Illinois football this fall.