Yale- bound Awodiran at head of class
The annual preseason top- 10 lists kick off with the best defensive players. Lists of the best receivers, running backs and quarterbacks will follow.
1. Micah Awodiran, Marist linebacker ( 6- 1, 217 pounds): Awodiran, who has committed to Yale, began his high school career as a running back. But it was clear he would become an impact athlete when he made the transition to linebacker. He had 133 tackles as a junior and is going to be hard to stop this season.
2. Ian Swenson, Loyola defensive back ( 6- 2, 190): Swenson, who has committed to Connecticut, led Loyola to an undefeated season and a Class 8A state title in 2015. He’s a long- striding, hard- hitting defensive back who can make plays.
3. Jacub Panasiuk, Lake Park defensive lineman ( 6- 3, 235): Panasiuk, who has committed to Michigan State, is quick on his feet, has a good motor and has good explosiveness off the line. He is the younger brother of Michigan State defensive lineman Mike Panasiuk, who also played at Lake Park.
4. John Mitchell, CreteMonee defensive lineman ( 6- 2, 270): Mitchell has good strength, power and field vision, is disruptive and hits hard. He is uncommitted but has a handful of scholarship offers.
5. Erik Mueller, Wheaton North linebacker ( 6- 2, 230): Mueller, who is uncom- mitted, is big- bodied, versatile athlete who plays well up the middle. He’s expected to have a big season for the Falcons’ defense.
6. Robert Topps, Marist defensive back ( 6- 2, 185): Topps, who has committed to Kansas, had 56 tackles as a junior. He isn’t afraid to bring the heat from the outside and has good intuition to go with his speed.
7. Chris Elmore, Phillips defensive lineman ( 6- 1, 270): Elmore, who has committed to Western Michigan, had 146 tackles — including 22 for loss — last season to help Phillips win the Class 4A state title. He is one of the hardest hitters in the area.
8. Trey Telez, Lincoln Way- West linebacker ( 6- 1, 225): Telez, who is uncommitted, is a hard- hitting, playmaking athlete on a team that is expected to make a run this season. He had 83 tackles, including 31 for loss, as a junior.
9. Christian Sampleton, Nazareth defensive lineman ( 6- 3, 230): The athletic Sampleton, who is uncommitted, is explosive and dangerous off the edge. He is part of a high- powered front four for the Roadrunners.
10. Luke Turner, Naperville Central defensive back ( 6- 1, 200): Turner, who is uncommitted, is an athletic safety who is good against the run and the pass. He will be a key cog in the Redhawks’ defense.