‘Edgy’ Tim: Under-the-radar area football players to watch this season

As we get closer to the start of the 2025 IHSA football season, here are five names from the Daily Herald coverage area you will soon know.

Montini Catholic RB/LB Isaac Alexander

Alexander, a 5-11, 205 senior, has been the Broncos’ version of a Swiss Army knife while playing defensive back and running back. This season he’ll be asked to play running back and linebacker. Alexander was one of the Broncos’ leading tacklers on the Class 3A state title team in 2024, and his nonstop motor and work ethic will no question draw more college looks this fall.

Hinsdale Central QB/DB Riley Contreras

Riley Contreras, 6-0, 190 pounds, is a multisport and a multi-positional impact performer for the Red Devils. Contreras has added college scholarship offers and roster spot offers on several different levels at both quarterback and defensive back. The Red Devils are a team filled with experienced talent and have big expectations. If Hinsdale Central gets off to a good start, I fully expect Contreras to lead the way.

Geneva WR Bennett Konkey

The 6-1, 180-pound junior, had a breakout season for the Class 6A state runner-up Vikings. Konkey was the team’s third receiver in an impressive group led by Talyn Taylor, now a freshman at Georgia, and graduated Finn Weppner. Konkey has impressive hands, speed and a knack of making the hard catches. He makes over-the-middle routes look easy. Konkey will have another talented quarterback throwing to him this season in junior Ben Peterson, who is already adding Division I offers. Konkey will have plenty of college looks at his early-season highlights this fall.

Glenbard West QB AJ Rayford

Rayford (6-foot-1, 175 pounds), a junior who was the varsity starting quarterback last season for Providence Catholic, transferred to Glenbard West this summer and has been making an impact. Rayford has impressive arm talent, touch and can make every required throw. Rayford also brings a dual threat element to Glenbard West’s offense. The Hilltoppers, who missed the playoffs in 2024, have another loaded schedule including a season-opener at Batavia.

Downers Grove North WR/S Oliver Thulin

The 6-1, 165-pound senior has quietly become an impact player on both sides of the football over the last three seasons for the Trojans. Thulin plays with a high motor, has a very high football IQ and is able to make plays on a consistent basis. Thulin has a ton of varsity reps, and that experience makes him that much more valuable, especially as a leader for the underclassmen.