Who Wins? Illinois All-Stars vs Iowa All-Stars

***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***   Prep Redzone is examining what a clash would look like between the state of Illinois and Iowa if each state took their top prospects from 2027-2029 and put them on the field together against their border rival.  PRZ Illinois scout Scott Burgess and PRZ Iowa scout Eliot Clough did just that!   Both sides put together a two deep roster, looked at the clash of styles on both sides of the ball, talent vs depth, key matchups, x-factors, and then making a pick on the game!  Check it all out below!   Illinois Two Deep   Starting Offense   QB - [player_tooltip player_id='611846' first='Israel' last='Abrams'] (Montini) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='788737' first='Myson' last='Johnson-Cook'] (East St. Louis) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell'] (Mt. Carmel) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1659180' first='Marshaun' last='Thornton'] (Mt. Carmel) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='974585' first='Jordan' last='McKinley'] (Loyola) TE - [player_tooltip player_id='1628153' first='Brock' last='Williams'] (Libertyville) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1329014' first='Cameron' last='Wagner'] (St. Joseph Ogden) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1335278' first='Luke' last='Injaychock'] (Nazareth) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='901504' first='Carlos' last='Rios'] (DePaul Prep) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1598833' first='Mason' last='Halliman'] (Lincoln Way East) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='2104952' first='Soren' last='Fifer'] (Morton)   We are going to run a pro style offense so at the quarterback we will go with [player_tooltip player_id='611846' first='Israel' last='Abrams'] who has plus positional size and is a gifted passer leading the state in passing as a junior while not losing a game in two years as a starter.  At running back [player_tooltip player_id='788737' first='Myson' last='Johnson-Cook'] brings the power and speed ala Adrian Peterson with his punishing running style.  At wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1659180' first='Marshaun' last='Thornton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='974585' first='Jordan' last='McKinley'] bring a nice balance of size, speed, and quickness.  Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1628153' first='Brock' last='Williams'] is one of the best tight ends in the country that will impact as a blocker and pass catcher.  Our offensive line is massive!  Across the board they go 6'5” 285 pounds average with athleticism, strength, and versatility.   Offensive Backups QB - [player_tooltip player_id='342339' first='Jameson' last='Purcell'] (Maine South) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1791819' first='Jeremiah' last='Stonewall'] (Crete Monee) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1335411' first='Ronnie' last='Gomiller'] (East St. Louis) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1335408' first='Laron' last='Baker Jr.'] (East St. Louis) TE - [player_tooltip player_id='1518233' first='Austin' last='Coles'] (Barrington) TE - [player_tooltip player_id='1748003' first='Brady' last='Johnson'] (Glenbard West) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1344896' first='Brogan' last='Kjellesvik'] (Morris) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='2104955' first='Chase' last='Clark'] (Mt. Carmel) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='472668' first='Josiah' last='Wallace'] (Glenbard West) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='2104957' first='Corey' last='Laga'] (Lemont) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1335452' first='Ethan' last='Posey'] (Brother Rice)   Starting Defense   DE - [player_tooltip player_id='1052814' first='Kameron' last='McGee'] (Brother Rice) DE - [player_tooltip player_id='975570' first='Darieon' last='Prescott'] (Bolingbrook) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='1334133' first='Brayden' last='Parks'] (Brother Rice) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='1682021' first='Caleb' last='Tucker'] (Mt. Carmel) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1598821' first='Roman' last='Igwebuike'] (Mt. Carmel) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='498273' first='Phillip' last='White'] (East St. Louis) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='409208' first='Sean' last='Rice'] (St. Laurence) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='476341' first='Tavares' last='Harrington'] (Mt. Carmel) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='1335357' first='Raheem' last='Floyd'] (East St. Louis) S - [player_tooltip player_id='811647' first='Jake' last='Thies'] (Fenwick) S - [player_tooltip player_id='2104954' first='Darrell' last='Mattison'] (Morgan Park)   Our defensive line is full of freak show defenders especially in the 2028 class with 3 of the top 4 players in that class being featured.  [player_tooltip player_id='1052814' first='Kameron' last='McGee'] proved to be the best defensive prospect in the state last season and he was only a sophomore.  Has top 10 NFL draft pick written all over him.  Similar traits out of [player_tooltip player_id='975570' first='Darieon' last='Prescott'] who is a big time edge rusher.  At defensive tackle no one will be able to run on this interior line with [player_tooltip player_id='1334133' first='Brayden' last='Parks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1682021' first='Caleb' last='Tucker'] being immovable objects who can also get after the passer.  We go with an all 2027 linebacking core as Roman Igweuike, [player_tooltip player_id='498273' first='Phillip' last='White'], and [player_tooltip player_id='409208' first='Sean' last='Rice'] can run sideline to sideline and make plays in coverage as they all showed as juniors.  Two corners are silky smooth athletes that are coveted by programs across the country in [player_tooltip player_id='476341' first='Tavares' last='Harrington'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1335357' first='Raheem' last='Floyd'].  [player_tooltip player_id='811647' first='Jake' last='Thies'] was the star of the 6A title game at safety.  He will star next to [player_tooltip player_id='2104954' first='Darrell' last='Mattison'] who is a game changer on the back end!   Defensive Backups   DE - [player_tooltip player_id='2104949' first='Ohimai' last='Ozolua'] (Romeoville) DE - [player_tooltip player_id='1661734' first='Keysan' last='Taylor'] (Rockford Guilford) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='2104961' first='Ronald' last='Moore'] (Kenwood) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='2106299' first='Caleb' last='Brown'] (East St. Louis) EDGE - [player_tooltip player_id='1335315' first='David' last='Folorunsho'] (St. Patrick) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='2087597' first='Darrell' last='Mccullough'] (Lockport) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1131012' first='James' last='Bryant'] (East St. Louis) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1131020' first='Makhi' last='Walker'] (East St. Louis) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='1351662' first='Justin' last='Johnson'] (Evanston) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1160641' first='Jabarri' last='Lofton'] (East St. Louis) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1791871' first='Jackson' last='Cook'] (Harlem)       Iowa Two Deep   Starting Offense   QB - [player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] (Waukee Northwest) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1197445' first='Savion' last='Miller'] (Iowa City High) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1366537' first='Isaiah' last='Hansen'] (Newton) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1596610' first='Jayden' last='Stephens'] (Waverly-Shell Rock) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1197458' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (Woodbine) TE - [player_tooltip player_id='1197438' first='Jaxx' last='DeJean'] (OABCIG) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1583613' first='Carter' last='Barrett'] (Dowling Catholic) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1077234' first='Hayden' last='Shannon'] (PCM) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1204515' first='Will' last='Slagle'] (Grinnell) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1207826' first='Will' last='Clausen'] (Cedar Rapids Prairie)  OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1393166' first='Nate' last='Brenneman'] (Rock Valley)    We'll run a pro-style offense, as well. Given the monstrous human beings and farm boys alike on the offensive line in the state of Iowa, we'll get behind the mixture of Barrett and Slagle – who hold offers from around the country – and pound the rock with elusive running backs Miller and Hansen. In the passing game, Heitland, who threw for 28 touchdowns and zero picks this season, will utilize the play action pass to find Blum and DeJean for contested catches, while Stephens will serve as a possession receiver that can make plays in the open field.    Offensive Backups   QB - [player_tooltip player_id='1221251' first='Trevin' last='Helming'] (Johnston) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1583687' first='Braydan' last='Doss'] (Lewis Central) RB - [player_tooltip player_id='1901425' first='Laken' last='Caves'] (Alburnett) WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1650312' first='Isaiah' last='Grant'] (Sioux City East)  WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1204437' first='Jordon' last='Green'] (Waukee NW) TE - [player_tooltip player_id='1693550' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] (Madrid) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1694834' first='Reid' last='Steger'] (Kuemper Catholic) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1687033' first='Declan' last='Heying'] (Des Moines Christian) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1038029' first='James' last='Barnett'] (Iowa City West) OR [player_tooltip player_id='1204441' first='Preston' last='Mensah'] (Iowa City High) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='2043381' first='Brendan' last='Meaney'] (Janesville) OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1286887' first='Evan' last='Mitchell'] (Dowling Catholic)    Starting Defense   DE - [player_tooltip player_id='466364' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] (Regina Catholic) DE - [player_tooltip player_id='2073254' first='Mohamed' last='Darboh'] (Des Moines Lincoln) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='1283377' first='Lucas' last='Diehl'] (Kuemper Catholic) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1609271' first='Gavin' last='Stecker'] (Bettendorf LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1198829' first='Kason' last='Clayborne'] (Sioux City East) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1532913' first='Nick' last='Milburn'] (Newton)  Nickel - [player_tooltip player_id='1197483' first='Braylon' last='Bingham'] (Pleasantville) CB - AJ Hodge (Iowa City West) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='1906706' first='Grant' last='Whitcomb'] (Bishop Heelan) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1924714' first='Carson' last='Mahoney'] (Cedar Rapids Xavier) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] (Clear Lake)    Defensively, Iowa's pass-rush is teeing off on the quarterback every time. With Wallace and Darboh on the edges and massive Diehl plugging up holes in the middle, opposing quarterbacks will be shaking in their boots. With Stecker, Clayborne and Milburn in the middle of the defense, run game from other teams will have quite a bit of trouble getting going. On the backend, Bingham provides help in coverage and in the run game as our hybrid DB, hard-hitting Mahoney helps in run support and uses his length to bat away balls over the middle, McIntire serves as a rangy ball-hawk who can grab picks. At corner, Hodge provides the length and athleticism needed in coverage, and Whitcomb does the same on the other side of the ball.    Defensive Backups   DE - [player_tooltip player_id='1849099' first='Isaiah' last='Lange'] (Mount Pleasant) DE - [player_tooltip player_id='2086368' first='Ryan' last='Paulsen'] (Central Dewitt) DT - [player_tooltip player_id='1924004' first='Eaghan' last='Fleshman'] (Alburnett) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1105160' first='Dawson' last='Whitinger'] (Ankeny) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1671624' first='Gabe' last='Blanshan'] (Urbandale) LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1644914' first='Kyler' last='VanMaanen'] (Pella) Nickel - [player_tooltip player_id='1197463' first='Nolan' last='Kriegel'] (Iowa Valley) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='1925483' first='Braylon' last='Lopez'] (West Sioux) CB - [player_tooltip player_id='1198837' first='Jeremiah' last='Roberson'] (Dowling Catholic) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] (Solon) S - [player_tooltip player_id='1671366' first='Mack' last='Murdock'] (Centerville)   Clash of Styles   Illinois Offense vs Iowa Defense   Illinois Offense   Offensively we have a prostyle offense with an elite pocket passer who can do damage scrambling when needed.  He has a ton of P4 weapons to throw to at wide receiver and tight end that can do damage from three levels.  Our running game will be dominant with [player_tooltip player_id='788737' first='Myson' last='Johnson-Cook'] as a power back with elite speed along with [player_tooltip player_id='1791819' first='Jeremiah' last='Stonewall'] behind an offensive line with five P4 2027 offensive lineman.  The play action game will be a big part of our offense as we expect Iowa to have to commit an extra defender in the box for MJC.   Iowa Defense   To combat the Illinois offense and complement the skillset of the Iowa defense, we'll run a 3-3-5, similar to what Iowa State did under Matt Campbell and John Heacock. WIth two of the more explosive athletes on the edges of the defense in Wallace and Darboh, that allows Diehl and the mixture of linebackers to cover the run game, and on the back end, we'll keep everything in front of us and load the box in the redzone. Bingham will play the Nickel to bring versatility, dropping in the box to help the run, but also possessing the speed to provide coverage, too.        Iowa Offense vs Illinois Defense   Iowa Offense   Iowa's real only option is to run the pro-style offense that allows for them to take advantage of the P4 talent up front on the offensive line, and puts decision-making in the hands of [player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland']. Iowa's speed and smooth running style of the backs and the monsters on the OL will establish the run game, and Heitland can find his P4 receivers and tight ends with smart decisions in play-action and the intermediate passing game.    Illinois Defense   Defensively we will go with a 4-3 defense with the versatility to switch it up when needed because of the versatility of our edge rushers [player_tooltip player_id='1052814' first='Kameron' last='McGee'], [player_tooltip player_id='975570' first='Darieon' last='Prescott'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1661734' first='Keysan' last='Taylor'] all being able to play standing up and cover.  [player_tooltip player_id='1335315' first='David' last='Folorunsho'], [player_tooltip player_id='2104949' first='Ohimai' last='Ozolua'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2106299' first='Caleb' last='Brown'] can slide outside in a 3-4 scheme and be effective.       Top Talent vs Depth   Illinois I don't think there is honestly a ton of drop off between our first and second unit.  Almost every player on our two deep is a P4 prospect and high group 5 at worst.  Our backup QB is headed to the defending national champs in Maine South's [player_tooltip player_id='342339' first='Jameson' last='Purcell'] who is headed to Indiana.  On the offensive side we went with an extra tight end as Northwestern commit [player_tooltip player_id='1748003' first='Brady' last='Johnson'] gives us another versatile option while [player_tooltip player_id='1682020' first='Jack' last='McNamara'] is a great blocker along with elite upside as a receiver.  On the defensive side as we discussed gives us scheme versatility up front going legit 8 deep with defensive lineman.  Tackling machines at linebacker with the East St. Louis duo along with fast rising [player_tooltip player_id='2087597' first='Darrell' last='Mccullough'].  Toolsy defensive backs that make plays on the back end along with a hammer in [player_tooltip player_id='1160641' first='Jabarri' last='Lofton'].   Iowa It's the top end talent for Iowa. Though there is a bit of P4 talent in the second-string offense, Team Iowa will largely rely on the top group that includes some heavily recruited OL in the country, plus weapons that can say the same. There will be some help in the two-deeps like Grant and Severson on offense, providing a bit of a different skill set than the starters, plus the ability to give them a breather. Defensively, Fleshman, Paulsen and Van Maanen may be able to help, but, largely, the first group will have to do much of the heavy lifting to keep up with Team Illinois.       Key Matchups Illinois Offensively   We are going to pound the rock early and often behind our massive offensive line and elite 1-2 punch at running back.  That will set up the play action pass finding [player_tooltip player_id='1659180' first='Marshaun' last='Thornton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell'] on deep routes.  In the slot we are going to have a major advantage with Laron Baker Jr, [player_tooltip player_id='1335411' first='Ronnie' last='Gomiller'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1518233' first='Austin' last='Coles'] against any nickel they can throw at us.  We can attack the TE vs LB matchups with elite tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1628153' first='Brock' last='Williams'] and in the redzone it is over with massive [player_tooltip player_id='974585' first='Jordan' last='McKinley'] who can out physical anyone along with being an elite wildcat QB if we want to do that on the goal line.   Iowa Defensively   Team Iowa will need to get some sort of pressure off the edge. Wallace and Darboh will be key in potentially forcing any turnovers and giving the Iowa offense a chance to score. If Wallace can get his hands on the QB and rattle him a bit, his explosion and high-motor is difficult for any OL to matchup with all day long. Hodge will also need to effectively use his length and athleticism on the outside – he'll need some help from McIntire and Mahoney, too.    Iowa Offensively   Can Blum and Stephens regularly get open with the help of the play-action game? Blum, who plays 8-Man football, is a specimen of a receiver that can go up and get just about anything thrown his way. If he can do that against the Illinois defense, that'll help Heitland out a lot. Stephens, who will serve not only as a possession receiver, but as a gadget guy like he does for Waverly-Shell Rock. With jet sweeps, screens and trick plays, he'll be a key piece in keeping the offense lively and moving.    Illinois Defensively   Defensively we will be an aggressive unit with exotic blitzes all over the field.  With the ability of our edge rushers being able to drop and linebackers being able to get after the QB it creates a huge advantage.  In passing situations we can throw a Nascar package out there as well throwing some of our second unit pass rushers in at DT.  Also have an amazing third corner in [player_tooltip player_id='1351662' first='Justin' last='Johnson'] who can cover all over the field.       X-Factor   Illinois   On the offensive side I will go with [player_tooltip player_id='974585' first='Jordan' last='McKinley'] as our x-factor.  He is an intimidating presence at 6'3” 220 pounds boxing out defensive backs and being able to out jump them.  He also gives us the ability to go wildcat QB as he was one of the best in the state at this as a sophomore.  Defensively our x-factor is [player_tooltip player_id='811647' first='Jake' last='Thies'].  The safety just makes game altering plays over and over again!  Always around the ball impacting the game.    Iowa   Offensively, it's the mixture of DeJean and Severson. In the run game, Team Iowa will need a solid additional in-line run-blocker (which DeJean hasn't done much of as of late, considering he plays receiver for OABCIG) and player with the ability to get open in the pass game (Severson may have trouble, as he's only played against Class A competition). On defense, it's Bingham. The Nickel spot is so critical for success on any defense. With the need to help in run support but also provide coverage, the future Hawkeye will need to play at a consistently high level to keep Team Iowa in it.        Make a Pick   Illinois   I don't see any way we don't win this game.  I will go with a final of 35-14.  With the pure Power 4 talent all over the field on our two deep I don't think Iowa can match up.  Who is next?   Iowa   Illinois is on another level. Iowa has its share of P4 talent compared to other less populated states in the Midwest, but Illinois' Chicago-land breadth of talent is too much and overwhelms the talent from the Hawkeye State.

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