‘Edgy’ Tim O’Halloran: Getting a live look at some great prep football players

One of the many favorite parts of my job is getting to see and evaluate potential recruits on video and, most importantly, in person. I've always taken pride in getting out to see as many of the top names across the state in person in live game action.

Here are some of the more impressive eyeball-passing performances I saw last weekend within the Daily Herald readership area.

Barrington WR/TE Austin Coles

Coles (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) in just one play (that was called back due to a penalty) on Saturday was able to show me everything I needed to know about the junior’s upside and potential. Coles, playing receiver, made a catch across the middle, shook off a tackle and outran three defenders down the sideline for an apparent touchdown. Coles has impressive hands, speed and ball skills, and also the frame to add more good weight and strength. Ranked by Rivals.com as a three-star recruit, Coles is already holding Power 4 offers — and his stock will continue to climb this fall.

Barrington OL Owen Fors

Fors (6-4, 280 pounds), a three-star ranked senior interior offensive linemen by Rivals.com, saw full-time action on both sides of the football on Saturday. His impact was felt all day in a 42-12 win over Palatine. Fors has impressive power and punch, moves well and played with a ton of energy all day in what felt like mid-August temperatures.

Palatine OL/DL Tony Balanganayi

“Showtime” Tony Balanganayi (6-4, 260), who is committed to Illinois, also played full time on both sides of the offensive and defensive line in the Pirates’ loss to Barrington. The senior has all the expected and required physical tools, and his game, effort and overall motor is high level. He also showed impressive vocal leadership in the heat of the battle on Saturday. Illinois is getting a college-ready athlete who could become a recruiting steal for the Fighting Illini.

Palatine OL/DL Evan Downer

Downer (6-4, 285 pounds), verbally committed to Ball State, also played on both sides of the line against Barrington. The senior has impressive size, strength and took a ton of reps in hot weather on Saturday. He never lacked energy and/or effort.

Batavia QB Michael Vander Luitgaren

Vander Luitgaren (6-2, 190 pounds) took full advantage of his playing time late in the 2024 season and has been on recruiting radar screens since. The junior’s use of his impressive arm talent and his ability to feel oncoming pressure — then his scrambling and creation outside of the pocket — is advanced for a high school quarterback. Vander Luitgaren's overall accuracy and consistency stood out to me in a 43-42 loss to St. Charles North on Friday.

Batavia OL Ryan Myers

Myers (6-5, 280 pounds), a senior committed to Princeton, has made impressive gains in his overall game since I saw him live a season ago. Myers added considerable muscle while also greatly improving his overall speed, first-step quickness and agility and bend. The Bulldogs had a ton of success running toward Myers’ side of the field against St. Charles North.

St. Charles North WR Keaton Reinke

Reinke (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), a senior three-star ranked wide receiver committed to Northwestern, was really impressive against Batavia. Reinke had 10 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His overall physical tools, ability to catch anything thrown in his area code and his instincts are very high level. He can play pretty much anywhere on the field and have success. Reinke is simply playing at a higher level of football than most other high school receivers.

St. Charles North LB Matthew Plumb

Plumb (6-4, 235 pounds), who is committed to Central Michigan, has been on my radar since he was a freshman quarterback. The senior has added considerable weight and strength since then, and he’s made quite an adjustment since his quarterbacking days. Plumb has good strength, runs well for his size and plays with a high football IQ and motor. I would not be shocked to see more schools take a second look at him this fall. Anyone in the market for a big, strong athlete who can run?