‘Edgy’ Tim: Area underclassmen making an impact in football playoffs
Heading into the semifinal round of the IHSA football playoffs, several underclassmen are making the most of the state's biggest stage with strong performances.
Here is a list of Daily Herald area underclassmen thriving from teams still alive in the postseason.
Class 7A
Downers Grove North
The Trojans have a nice core of underclassmen who will be keys for the remainder of the playoffs. Junior tight end and defensive end Declan Davies (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) has been a disruptive force all season. Davies has the size, length and overall physical tools to develop into a high-major college-level player in my opinion. Davies’ motor, speed and quickness set him apart from others at the same position. Also keep an eye on junior running back Grant Georgas (5-10, 190 pounds) along with junior lefty quarterback Joey Goodwin (6-2, 185 pounds). Georgas has been a big part of a productive one-two ground game along with senior Kevin Jay. Goodwin is coming off his most productive game of the season in Saturday's win over Richards.
Hersey
The Huskies also have a solid core of underclassmen to watch this weekend. Junior receiver Jaxon Saint Paul (6-3, 191 pounds) has been one of the main targets for Kentucky commit and senior four-star ranked quarterback Jake Nawrot. Saint Paul has seen his overall recruiting stock take off this season. He has added in-season offers from Penn State, UCLA, Texas A&M, Kansas, Illinois, Purdue and Western Kentucky. Hersey junior running back Jackson Travis (6-foot, 205 pounds) is also making waves and could see increased recruiting this fall and winter.
Class 6A
Wheaton Warrenville South
The Tigers feature impressive underclassmen names to watch heading into the semifinals at home against Nazareth Academy. Junior quarterback AJ Rogers has opened eyes with his strong season. Rogers (6-2, 185 pounds) was named honorable mention on the IHSFCA Class 6A All State team and has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Hopefully Rogers, who left Saturday's win over Normal West with an apparent injury, can return healthy this week for the Tigers.
Class 5A
Cary Grove
The Trojans might have one of the youngest starting lineups remaining in the playoff field. Junior quarterback Jackson Berndt (6-3, 215 pounds) is the trigger man for the Trojans' vaunted option game. His size, athletic ability and football IQ could bring him serious recruiting looks at multiple positions. Sophomore fullback-linebacker Luke Cerasa (6-2, 215 pounds) is a two-way starter and a name to watch.
Class 3A
IC Catholic Prep
The Knights feature the top-ranked athlete recruit in the nation's Class of 2028, according to Rivals.com, in Grant Bowen (6-4, 225 pounds). Bowen has offers from Notre Dame, Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama and several more Power Four schools. Sophomore running back Jakobe Baldwin (6-foot, 175 pounds) is coming off one of his best games of the season in Saturday's win over Byron. Junior Will Schmidt (6-1, 195 pounds) is another versatile name to watch for the Knights.
Class 2A
Aurora Christian
The Eagles are coming off a comeback win over top-seeded El Paso-Gridley to advance in the semifinals at home against Wilmington. They have a very young starting lineup led by sophomore JuJu Rodriguez (6-3, 200 pounds) and junior running back Jalen Callaway. Both players have made a big impression this postseason, and more and more colleges will take notice.