Vernon Hills loaded with 'skills'

Normally, Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken might be a little concerned knowing that the two players fighting to be his starting quarterback are both sophomores.

But the Cougars' inexperience at that position with newcomers Steve Nelson and Tyler Peterson might barely be noticeable next to all of the extremely noticeable star power at some other key positions on the field.

Junior DaVaris Daniels will be a defensive distraction, to say the least. Considered one of the top prospects in his class nationally, he is so versatile that he could literally play anywhere on the field, even at quarterback if need be.

He'll likely get most of his time at wide receiver, where he has been known to outrun and out-jump defenders seemingly with little effort.

Then there's his partner in crime, Evan Spencer, the Cougars' other electric wide receiver. He's also a handful for any defense.

Add in another standout wide receiver, Zach Kisley, veteran running back Eric Oberwise and an experienced line headlined by a three-year starter in EJ Lannan and Vernon Hills' young quarterbacks should be feeling confident in no time.

"It will make a big difference to have that kind of talent around (the young quarterbacks)," Monken said. "If they had to be the creators of the offense, it might be a little tough. This way, they'll (assimilate) a lot easier."

The pressure will still be there, though.

Expectations are high for the Cougars, who are hungry to make amends for last season's early playoff exit. After cruising through the regular season with an 8-1 record, Vernon Hills lost in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs to NSC Prairie Division rival Grant.

"Part of us feels cheated," Monken said. "The season ended just way too quick."

Part of the problem was that Daniels went down with a late-season ankle injury that made him less than 100 percent effective in the Grant playoff game.

A healthy Daniels gives Vernon Hills a much better chance of prolonging its season.

"He had a great summer and preseason," Monken said of Daniels. "His 40 time has dropped, he's a lot stronger than he used to be. He's one of the most explosive players I've ever seen and we could play him on offense or defense. We could even have him kick. He's going to be successful everywhere."

With only 34 players on the varsity roster, playing Daniels both ways might not be just a luxury but a necessity.

He'll also likely start in the defensive secondary along with Spencer.

Lannan will anchor the defense at linebacker. He has led the team in tackles the last two years. A standout student, Lannan will likely be playing football in the Ivy League next year.

"EJ is a role model for all the kids in this program," Monken said. "Great student, great football player. He's the kind of guy who has fun hitting people. You need that kind of guy on your team because other guys see that and feed off of it."

VERNON HILLS COUGARS

Coach: Tony Monken (10th season)

2008 record: 8-2

2008 playoffs: Lost to Grant (32-31) in Class 6A first round