8A All-State Team: Offensive Edition
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Kickstarting the All-State offensive series we’re taking a look at 8A Football throughout the state of Illinois. I have gone through over 200 players to determine the first team, second team, and honorable mention. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 8A All-State Team – Offensive Edition.
First Team
QB Peter Anderson Peter Anderson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Barrington | 2021 IL 21’ Barrington HS Twitter
Starting off with Mr. Anderson from Barrington, he gets it done in both the air attack and ground attack where he’s able to beat you with his arm talent as well as with his legs. He’s able to extend plays by finding the open man downfield to keep the drive going, makes level 3 throws, and has a touch on the deep ball. Mr. Anderson can throw on the run where he gets the ball off under pressure by putting it in the receiver’s basket. He continues to impress by making throws in tight windows by putting zip on the ball showcasing his arm strength. Mr. Anderson finishes off his impressive performance by evading the pocket pressure by scrambling where he isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder to play through contact.
QB Michael Brescia Michael Brescia 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Hinsdale Central | 2021 IL 21’ Hinsdale Central HS Twitter
Mr. Brescia is from Hinsdale Central, he’s another QB in 8A that can get it done in both offensive attacks (passing and ground game). He gets the ball off under pressure where he showcases his throw on the run ability, puts zip on the ball when doing so, and puts the ball in the receiver’s basket. Mr. Brescia has a touch on the deep ball that he uses to make level 1 2 and 3 throws, gets the ball out quickly when running RPOs, and escapes the collapsed pocket by scrambling for the 1st down. When he scrambles he isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder by running the defenders over, especially when he runs the read-option.
RB Jamal Johnson Jamal Johnson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Lincoln Way East | 2021 IL 21’ Lincoln-Way East HS Twitter
Mr. Johnson is from Lincoln-Way East, he’s an N/S runner that fights for extra yards by keeping his feet driving. He bursts through the line of scrimmage with his quick acceleration topped with his killer speed and plays through contact by breaking arm tackles. Mr. Johnson can also catch coming out of the backfield where he makes contested catches, reads his blocks well, and to top it off is a deadly return man.
RB Justin Johnson Justin Johnson 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Edwardsville | 2021 State IL 21′ Edwardsville HS Twitter
Mr. Johnson is from Edwardsville, he uses his speed to burst through the line of scrimmage and uses this speed when he bounces the plays outside to turn the corner. He breaks arm tackles by keeping his feet driving playing through the contact, uses his jump cuts to make defenders miss, and can catch out of the backfield.
WR Reggie Fleurima Reggie Fleurima 6'2" | 200 lbs | WR Naperville Central | 2022 State IL 22’ Naperville Central HS Twitter
Mr. Fleurima is from Naperville Central, he’s a deep threat that is quick off of the line of scrimmage and makes contested catches. Once he secures the catch he plants his foot to turn upfield and uses his body to shield defenders as well. Mr. Fleurima plays through contact, blocks downfield, and keeps his feet driving resulting in pancaking the defender. He is a good route runner that is a big playmaker for his team and is a deadly return man as well.
WR Jordan Knowles 21’ Plainfield East HS Twitter
Mr. Knowles is from Plainfield East, he is a deep threat that makes contested catches by high pointing the ball, and has quick acceleration. He finds the soft spot in defenses where once he secures the catch he plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield. His change of direction comes into play when he runs jet sweeps and by making the first defender miss with his elusiveness. Mr. Knowles’s playmaking abilities are not only seen on offense, they are also seen in the return game where he is deadly at reading his blocks and returning the kicks/punts for touchdowns.
WR Trevor Hudak 22’ Minooka HS Twitter
Mr. Hudak is from Minooka, he makes contested catches by high pointing the ball, is quick off the line of scrimmage, and runs jet sweeps. He finds the soft spot in the defense where he uses his body to shield defenders off and plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield after securing the catch. Mr. Hudak is a deep threat with his quick acceleration, plays through contact by breaking arm tackles, and is elusive making the first defender miss. He’s a playmaker on offense and in the return game where he reads his blocks well setting his team in great field position to start their drive as well as returning them for touchdowns.
WR Max Tomczak 21’ Lincoln-Way East HS Twitter
Mr. Tomczak is from Lincoln-Way East, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage. Pairing this with his speed, he’s a deep threat that makes contested catches by high pointing the ball. Mr. Tomczak stacks the defender to create separation by breaking the defender off at the top of the route as this showcases his good route running. He finds holes in the defense where he catches the ball, plants his foot, and gets upfield quickly. Mr. Tomczak also blocks downfield for his teammates and plays through the whistle getting in on every play.
TE Denin Limouris Denin Limouris 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Glenbard West | 2021 IL 21’ Glenbard West HS Twitter
Mr. Limouris is from Glenbard West, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage, is a deep threat, and makes contested catches. He gets his hands on quickly when blocking and keeps his feet driving which results in pancaking the defender. Mr. Limouris plays through the whistle getting it done in both the pass and ground attack.
TE Henry Boyer Henry Boyer 6'7" | 250 lbs | TE Brother Rice | 2022 State IL 22’ Brother Rice HS Twitter
Mr. Boyer is from Brother Rice, once he secures the catch he plants his foot in the ground and gets upfield. He blocks downfield, creates running lanes, and gets to the 2nd level blocks. Mr. Boyer is used as a lead blocker where he keeps his feet driving to pancake defenders and plays through the whistle.
OL Pat Coogan Pat Coogan 6'5" | 280 lbs | OL Marist | 2021 State IL 21’ Marist HS Twitter
Mr. Coogan is from Marist, he fires off of the ball and gets hands-on quickly. He creates running lanes (pulling and drive blocking), holds his own one-on-one in pass pro, and keeps his feet driving to pancake defenders. Mr. Coogan washes the defensive line down, is used as a lead blocker, and plays through the whistle. His strength is showcased by driving defenders back on each play and his aggressiveness comes to light on every down.
OL Jack Walsh Jack Walsh 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Fremd | 2021 IL 21’ Fremd HS Twitter
Mr. Walsh is from Fremd, he creates running lanes when he’s pulling, washes the defensive line down, and gets to 2nd level blocks. He holds his own one-on-one in pass pro where he forces the outside pass rush, keeps his feet driving to pancake defenders, and plays through the whistle.
OL Deuce McGuire Deuce McGuire 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Marist | 2022 State IL 22’ Marist HS Twitter
Mr. McGuire is from Marist, he creates running lanes by pulling, is quick off the ball, and is dominant at the point of attack. Mr. McGuire keeps his feet driving which results in pancaking the defender, holds his own one-on-one in pass pro and plays through the whistle with his aggressive play.
OL Zach Barlev Zach Barlev 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Plainfield East | 2021 IL 21’ Plainfield East HS Twitter
Mr. Barlev is from Plainfield East, he blocks in open space, washes the defensive line down, and gets to the 2nd level blocks. He creates running lanes by pulling, keeps his feet driving resulting in pancaking the defender, and holds his own one-on-one in pass pro. Mr. Barlev gets after it on both offensive attacks by firing off the ball showcasing his aggressive playstyle.
OL Otto Hess Otto Hess 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL Oswego | 2021 IL 21’ Oswego HS Twitter
Mr. Hess is from Oswego, he fires off the ball where he washes the defensive line down, creates running lanes, and blocks in open space. He holds his own one-on-one in pass pro, keeps his feet driving pancaking defenders, and gets hands-on quickly. All of which he does by playing through the whistle.
Second Team
QB Jack Lausch Jack Lausch 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Brother Rice | 2022 State IL 22’ Brother Rice HS Twitter
Mr. Lausch is from Brother Rice, he gets the ball off under pressure, has a touch on the deep ball, and puts the ball in the receiver’s basket. He can make level 3 throws, makes throws in tight windows by putting zip on the ball, and has good pocket footwork. Mr. Lausch is mobile, which is where his athletic ability comes to light, runs the read-option, and has quick acceleration. He’s a playmaker for this dominant Brother Rice offense and is going to be a name to know heading into the fall season.
QB Rowan Keefe 22’ Maine South HS Twitter
Mr. Keefe is from Maine South, he gets the ball out fast, has quick feet in the pocket, and gets the ball off under pressure. He has a touch on the deep ball, makes throws in tight windows, and puts the ball in the receiver’s basket. Mr. Keefe can make level 1 2 and 3 throws showcasing his arm talent. He can also throw on the run when escaping the pocket where he finds the open man downfield.
RB Vaughn Pemberton Vaughn Pemberton 6'0" | 210 lbs | ATH Loyola | 2021 IL 21’ Loyola Academy HS Twitter
Mr. Pemberton is from Loyola Academy, he’s a patient runner that waits for holes to open up before bursting through them. He can bounce plays outside where he uses his speed to turn the corner and hits second gear quickly when doing so. Mr. Pemberton has good body control, is shifty making the first defender miss, and has good vision which he uses to see cutback lanes. He lines up at WR, RB, and QB (in wildcat formation) showcasing his versatility, he can catch out of the backfield, and once he does he plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield.
RB Maurice Edwards Maurice Edwards 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Warren Township | 2022 State IL 22’ Warren Township HS Twitter
Mr. Edwards is from Warren Township, he’s an N/S runner that bursts through the line of scrimmage with his quick acceleration and blows by the 2nd level of defenders. He reads his blocks well, plays through contact by breaking arm tackles, and picks up the blitz when in pass pro. Mr. Edwards uses his jump cuts and change of direction to enhance his playmaking abilities which also includes lowering his shoulder to run defenders over.
WR Archie Cox 22’ Fremd HS Twitter
Mr. Cox is from Fremd, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage, makes contested catches by high pointing the ball, and works back to the ball. He’s a deep threat that plays through contact by lowering his shoulder and not going down easily. Mr. Cox is elusive making the first defender miss, has a good break at the top of his route creating separation from the defender, and finds the soft spot in the defense. Once he secures the catch he plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield where he reads his blocks and showcases his playmaking abilities. Mr. Cox is going to be a name to know this fall and one to keep an eye on moving forward.
WR Dwayne Moorehead Dwayne Moorehead 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Brother Rice | 2021 IL 21’ Brother Rice HS Twitter
Mr. Moorehead is from Brother Rice, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage and is a deep threat that makes contested catches. He is able to stack defenders and break them off at the top of the route creating separation which showcases his good route running. Mr. Moorehead can make the catch in traffic, use a toe tap to make the sideline grab, and turns upfield once he secures the catch. He doesn’t only get it done in the air attack, he also gets it done in the run game by blocking downfield for his teammates.
WR Kamau Ranson 22’ Evanston HS Twitter
Mr. Ranson is from Evanston, he’s a deep threat that makes contested catches by high pointing the ball and has quick acceleration to pair with it. He gets upfield after securing the catch, plays through contact by breaking arm tackles, and makes the sideline grab by using his toe-tap. Mr. Ranson is elusive where he makes the first defender miss and has a good change of direction where he can stop on a dime and get back to full speed in a heartbeat.
WR Eli Reed Eli Reed 5'11" | 185 lbs | WR Downers Grove South | 2022 State IL 22’ Downers Grove South HS Twitter
Mr. Reed is from Downers Grove South, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage where he makes contested catches and has a good break at the top of his route creating separation from his defender. He plants his foot to turn upfield once he secures the catch, plays through contact by breaking arm tackles, and blocks downfield for his teammates. Mr. Reed also reads his blocks well and is going to be a name to know during the fall season and a playmaker for his team.
TE Jamari Jenkins 21’ Evanston HS Twitter
Mr. Jenkins is from Evanston, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage that makes contested catches by high pointing the ball, and once he secures the catch he plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield. Mr. Jenkins gets after it on this side of the field with his aggressive playstyle and is one heck of a catching TE.
TE Mack O"Halloran 23’ Downers Grove South HS Twitter
Mr. O’Halloran is from Downers Grove South, he makes contested catches, finds the soft spot in the defense, and plays through contact. He gets upfield after securing the catch, plays through the whistle, and gets to 2nd level blocks. Mr. O’Halloran gets to the 2nd level blocks, holds his own in pass pro, and gets after it showcasing his aggressive play.
OL Jack McGarry 22’ Hinsdale Central HS Twitter
Mr. McGarry is from Hinsdale Central, he washes the defensive line down and is aggressive at the point of attack. He gets to the 2nd level blocks, holds one on one in pass pro, and keeps his feet driving to pancake defenders. Mr. McGarry fires off the ball during run blocking where he plays through the whistle and his aggressiveness comes to light.
OL Wes Hoeh Wes Hoeh 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL Glenbard West | 2021 IL 21’ Glenbard West HS Twitter
Mr. Hoeh is from Glenbard West, he gets hands-on quickly where he keeps his feet driving to pancake defenders. He washes the defensive lineman down, creates running lanes, and gets to 2nd level blocks. Mr. Hoeah holds his own one-on-one in pass pro where he stays square to the defender forcing the outside pass rush and fires off of the ball showcasing his aggressive play.
OL Marvin Phipps Marvin Phipps 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Curie | 2021 IL 21’ Curie HS Twitter
Mr. Phipps is from Curie, he blocks in open space creating running lanes, keeps his feet driving pancaking defenders, and gets to 2nd level blocks. He holds his own one-on-one in pass pro and gets after it in all aspects of the game showcasing his aggressive playstyle.
OL Aidan Tweedy Aidan Tweedy 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL Oswego | 2021 IL 21’ Oswego HS Twitter
Mr. Tweedy is from Oswego, he gets to 2nd level blocks, washes down the defensive lineman, and gets hands-on quickly. He keeps his feet driving resulting in pancaking the defender, picks up stunts in pass pro, and can hold his own one-on-one in pass pro.
OL Cooper Tamisiea 21’ Loyola Academy HS Twitter
Mr. Tamisiea is from Loyola Academy, he washes the defensive line down and keeps his feet driving resulting in pancaking defenders. He picks up the blitz in pass pro forcing the outside rush, creates running lanes when pulling, and plays through the whistle.
Honorable Mention
QB Dontrell Jackson 22’ Marist HS Twitter
QB Nevan Cremascoli Nevan Cremascoli 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB New Trier | 2022 State IL 22’ New Trier HS Twitter
QB Vincenzo Meschi Vincenzo Meschi 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Bolingbrook | 2021 IL 21’ Bolingbrook HS Twitter
QB Brett Winiecki 21’ Plainfield East HS Twitter
QB Ryan Saxe Ryan Saxe 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Fremd | 2021 IL 21’ Fremd HS Twitter
RB Mike Sajenko Mike Sajenko 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Maine South | 2022 State IL 21’ Maine South HS Twitter
RB Davion Cherwin 21’ South Elgin HS Twitter
RB Bryan Smith 21’ Barrington HS
RB Malik Frederick Malik Frederick 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Conant | 2021 IL 21’ Conant HS Twitter
RB Armani Moreno Armani Moreno 6'2" | 220 lbs | ATH Neuqua Valley | 2021 IL 21’ Neuqua Valley HS Twitter
WR Remick Ware II 21’ Taft HS Twitter
WR Hayden Angell 21’ Bartlett HS Twitter
WR Mason Pierre-Antoine Mason Pierre-Antoine 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Lincoln Way East | 2021 IL 22’ Lincoln-Way East HS Twitter
WR Jack Tremblay Jack Tremblay 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Lincoln Way East | 2022 State IL 22’ Lincoln-Way East HS Twitter
WR Nikolas Hampton 21’ Oswego HS Twitter
WR Connor Bright 21’ Plainfield East HS Twitter
WR Patrick O’Neil 22’ Downers Grove South HS Twitter
WR Matthew Rolek 21’ Marist HS Twitter
WR Collin McGlynn 21’ Brother Rice HS Twitter
WR Kevin Jurkovic 21’ Oswego HS Twitter
WR Perrion McClinton Perrion McClinton 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Loyola | 2021 IL 21’ Loyola Academy HS Twitter
TE Bill Unyi 21’ Plainfield South HS Twitter
TE Chris Petrucci Chris Petrucci 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Maine South | 2022 State IL 22’ Maine South HS Twitter
OL Thomas Matheson 21’ Warren Township HS Twitter
OL Ryan Stewart Ryan Stewart 6'5" | 250 lbs | OL Lincoln Way East | 2021 IL 21’ Lincoln-Way East HS Twitter
OL Joshua Kreutz 21’ Loyola Academy HS Twitter
OL Michael Roath 21’ South Elgin HS Twitter
There is an abundance of talented athletes in 8A Football throughout the state of Illinois. That being said, this is your 8A Football All-State Team Offensive Edition. I wish all of the seniors the best on their journey after they graduate high school. There’s still work left to do for the juniors and sophomores, and I’m excited to watch you all compete.
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