‘Edgy’ Tim: Who are some of the area’s top sophomore football recruits?
Recruiting evaluations are always ongoing, especially at this time of the year when the IHSA football playoffs are ramping up.
The Class of 2028 is starting to draw increased attention this fall. Here are some up-and-coming sophomore names in the Daily Herald coverage area you need to know.
Carmel Catholic tackle Wyatt Van Boening
The youngest of three Van Boening boys (Trenton is at Penn and Rhett is at West Point), Wyatt has the tools and potential to become the best of the three. Wyatt checks in at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, and he continues to develop his craft every time I've seen him. His overall length, reach and wingspan is impressive and he has a frame that will allow him to add much more good size and strength. Van Boening also continues to improve his bend and mobility.
Downers Grove South quarterback James Sobkowiak
We have seen quite a run of quarterbacks in Illinois over the 2026 and 2027 classes, and the 2028 class is already starting to highlight some impressive names. I've been aware of Sobkowiak (6-3, 175 pounds) since this summer taking part in 7-on-7 events. His overall arm talent along with impressive eyeball-passing physical tools were evident. His 2025 in-season video shows his ability to create and extend plays with his feet, then he has the arm strength and accuracy to deliver the football. Also a top baseball prospect, Sobkowiak led the Mustangs to the Class 8A playoffs this season.
Huntley quarterback Malik Carter
Watching Carter (6-5, 190 pounds) on video this season has been eye-opening, and his potential is unquestioned. Carter is confident in the pocket and has the strong arm talent to match. In many ways Carter is still a work in progress, especially from a physical growth and development standpoint. His will no question add much more size and strength over the next few seasons. Carter could become an athlete type who has the skills and physical tools to play at multiple positions down the line. I'm very excited to watch Carter develop over the next few seasons.
IC Catholic Prep athlete Grant Bowen
Bowen (6-4, 210 pounds), the son of former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Matt Bowen, is a high-level athlete who has already drawn scholarship offers from Illinois, Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern. Bowen plays receiver and safety/outside linebacker for the Knights. His overall size, speed and strength is already advanced along with his instincts. Bowen is a plus defender in run support and his coverage skills. His regular season defensive highlight video is some of the most impressive video I've watched this season. I fully expect more Power 4 colleges to take a closer look at Bowen this fall and winter.
Antioch running back Logan Lennon
Lennon (6-1, 180 pounds), who has been a starter for the Sequoits since his freshman year, is having a big season this fall. The three sport athlete (football/basketball/track) and strong student in the classroom shows his overall versatility as a wingback, receiver and defensive back. His biggest strength could be his work ethic. He still has two more years to continue to add more good weight and strength for the college level.
Barrington running back Lamar Osterhues
Osterhues (5-7, 165 pounds) has been on my radar since last season and his game has done nothing but progress this season. He has an impressive mix of quick feet, sprinters speed, and he’s a twitchy athlete who runs with power. I haven't seen a ton of running backs who have stood out in person so far this fall, but Osterhues is right at the top. While he doesn't have ideal high college-level running back size, I can see those same schools looking hard at him as a slot back and return specialist. His straight line speed is legitimate.