‘Edgy’ Tim: Local football players to watch from last week’s early signing period
While the IHSA wrapped up the 2025 football season Wednesday in DeKalb with the Class 7A and 8A state title games, several recruits throughout Illinois put pen to paper as the early signing period for colleges began.
Here are some names from the Daily Herald readership area who signed and could become impact players next fall, starting with a player who had an interesting path to forging his decision.
St. Francis WR Zachary Washington
Needless to say it's been an interesting few weeks for Washington (6-foot-2, 180 pounds). Washington, who had been verbally committed to Michigan State since June 16, saw the Spartans fire head coach Jonathan Smith on November 30. Washington was also waiting to play in the 5A state title game, which was rescheduled from Nov. 29 to last Tuesday due to weather issues.
Last Monday, Michigan State hired former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. One of his first calls was to Washington and that relationship was launched. Washington spoke after the Spartans won the state title over Providence about his wild few days. He pointed toward Michigan State retaining wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins as one of the key factors in his decision to sign with the Spartans, along with his longtime relationship with former St. Francis and current Michigan State QB Alessio Milivojevic.
“He's been balling out this season,” Washington said. “We have a great relationship already and having that chemistry is important.”
Washington, who had 15 Division I offers form the likes of Wisconsin, Miami (Fla.), Illinois and Ole Miss, signed with Michigan State on Wednesday. His overall speed, size and big-play ability has been a constant in the St. Francis offense over the past four seasons. Look for Washington to adjust his game to the Big Ten sooner rather than later.
West Aurora QB Mason Atkins
Atkins (6-3, 210), a three-star ranked player according to Rivals.com, locked in his commitment to Ball State on Wednesday. Atkins will graduate from West Aurora as the program's career leader in passing yards (4,467) and touchdown passes (62). Atkins has impressive overall arm talent and accuracy, and in many ways he’s physically ready to play at the Division I level right now. Atkins drew considerable attention from various Big Ten schools this fall. He will have a chance to compete for playing time at Ball State.
St. Charles North S/OLB Matthew Plumb
Plumb (6-4, 235 pounds), who is also a three-star ranked recruit, played quarterback and linebacker for the North Stars in his high school career. Plumb, who projects to play as a rush end for Central Michigan, has an impressive frame and size, and he’ll continue to add good weight and strength. I would not be stunned to see Plumb play a few different spots on the defensive line when needed. His football IQ, motor and instincts are high level and his work ethic has always been one of the constants in his career. I feel Plumb has higher-level upside. His athletic tools, production and versatility were a bit overlooked in my opinion.
Mundelein OL Cutler Wyss
Wyss (6-6, 320 pounds) is a big, long and athletic lineman who was one of 10 names inked by Southern Illinois University head coach Nick Hill on Wednesday. Wyss, who also plays basketball and volleyball, has the physical tools, upside and potential to develop into an impact player for the Salukis. You seldom see offensive linemen at the FCS level coming out of high school with Wyss’ overall size and potential.