These players have gift of grab
Dynamic dual-position athletes are the theme among the top receivers this season. The list is highlighted by three Public League players, all of whom are committed to FBS colleges.
1. Jahleel Billingsley, Phillips, Sr. (6-5, 227)
Billingsley, an Alabama recruit, has great size and is a playmaker. He is one of the most touted prospects the state has seen in a long time. He can play all over the field, but his specialty is as a receiver. With his size and athleticism, he’s hard to stop.
2. Tyler Nubin, St. Charles North, Sr. (6-2, 185)
Nubin, a Minnesota recruit, had seven touchdowns and more than 700 receiving yards last season. He’s a big-play machine who sees the field well and uses his size and athleticism well on both sides of the ball. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the area, regardless of position.
3. Rory Boos, Loyola, Sr. (6-1, 175)
Boos was responsible for 827 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He can stretch the field and go up and get the ball. He also moves well and thrives against man-to-man coverage.
4. Michael Love, Nazareth, Sr. (5-9, 170)
Love, a Bowling Green recruit, is so athletic that it’s hard to pick which position fits him best. He had 1,057 all-purpose yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 2017. He was the go-to playmaker for a Roadrunners team that reached the Class 6A state finals.
5. Jadon Thompson, Marist, Jr. (6-2, 160)
Thompson’s length is a weapon and helps him stretch the field for big plays. He has scholarship offers from Michigan State, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and more. His ceiling is high, and consistency will take him to the next level.
6. Matt Judd, Lincoln-Way East, Sr. (6-2, 200)
Judd runs smooth routes and will be one of the standouts on the defending Class 8A state champs. He knows how to get open and isn’t afraid of contact. Judd and big-bodied Jackson Ritter have the potential to be the best one-two punch in the area.
7. Marshawn Foster, Raby, Sr. (6-4, 170)
Foster, a Western Michigan recruit, is quick, aggressive and a natural leader on the field. He was a big reason the Raiders reached the Class 4A state semifinals last season, and he’s primed to have an even bigger year.
8. Jack Moses, Lake Zurich, Jr. (5-10, 175)
Moses is a jack-of-all-trades who catches the ball like a natural. He played receiver, quarterback, safety and special teams last season, and his understanding of the Bears’ playbook and scheme is unmatched.
9. Messiah Travis, Solorio, Sr. (5-10, 170)
Travis, a Northern Illinois recruit, is a dynamic athlete, and there aren’t many defenders who can bring him down when he finds space. He’s quick and uses his speed to make plays.
10. Maurion Scott, HomewoodFlossmoor, Sr. (6-5, 190)
Scott, who also plays basketball, is expected to contribute in a big way for the Vikings. He has picked up a lot of recruiting interest this offseason and has great size and hands.