Top 10 Illinois defensive players for 2022 IHSA football season
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (BVM) – While offense has received a lot of love in Illinois, the state has proven they have an abundance of talented playmakers on the defensive side that will look to showcase their ability during the high school football season. With some already garnering attention from the next level, and others hoping to make their case, the year presents an opportunity for many. Here are the top 10 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) defensive playmakers to keep an eye out for in the 2022 season.
Honorable mentions:
Kareem Parker, S, IC Catholic Prep
The IC Catholic Prep junior was one of the true ball-hawking safeties in 2021, securing eight interceptions with 16 pass deflections throughout his sophomore campaign. Following an 11-2 season, Parker is ready to prove that he can repeat his breakout year as the Knights look to return to the IHSA postseason.
Dakota Wiegand, DE, Eureka High School
The Eureka defensive end enjoyed a standout junior season behind 12 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. With one of the more impressive stat lines in the state, Wiegand is ready to show that he can duplicate his success in 2022.
10. Eddie Tuerk, DL, Lyons Township
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end had a solid 2021 campaign at the varsity level, earning a spot on the West Suburban Silver All-Conference Team after racking up 32 tackles and three sacks. As Lyons looks to improve on its 5-5 season, one of the leaders of its defense has the chance to become one of the biggest risers throughout the 2022 campaign. Tuerk has already caught the attention of scouts around the country and with another year to add to his production, the Lions junior can become one of the names to know around the state. In the past year, Tuerk has already made visits to Big Ten programs like Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, along with a handful of other collegiate programs.
First sack of my varsity highschool career and a solid win 22-3 @LyonsTwpFball @DSP__Training @MikeFChen @EDGYTIM pic.twitter.com/DciFkNYFZy
— Eddie Tuerk (@eddietuerk78) April 17, 2021
9. Dominique Dixon, LB, East St. Louis
Standing out at East St. Louis has become a difficult task over the past few years, with the program showcasing playmakers on both sides of the ball. With some of the top offensive players in the state, Dixon has flown somewhat under the radar on the defensive side. As a sophomore on a contending Flyers team last season, the 6-foot, 195-pound linebacker racked up 116 solo tackles and 10 sacks during the 2021 year. The impressive campaign coincided with the Flyers near state championship season, which fell just short in the title game matchup. With another year to put his name on the map, Dixon is hoping he and his team can build off the Cary-Grove loss and return back to the final game in 2022.
Round 3 next #0-0 pic.twitter.com/RyVPCr4xec
— Dominique Dixon (@DominiqueDixon_) November 7, 2021
8. Marquise Lightfoot, EDGE, Kenwood Academy
Lightfoot found a way to impress on a Broncos team that featured a plethora of collegiate prospects. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher had 61 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while appearing in 10 games throughout the 2021 season. As Kenwood enjoyed a 10-3 campaign, Lightfoot and the Broncos defense allowed just 12.3 points per game. With an early impression as a sophomore, the Kenwood edge has a chance to really burst out with another year of experience. The junior currently ranks as the the No. 1 edge rusher in the state for the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports, and holds offers from over 20 Division I programs.
Chicago Kenwood @KAHS_Football 2024 3 star ranked DE @MarquiseL01 Marquise Lightfoot had an MVP performance at the recently held @RivalsCamp Rivals Underclassmen Challenge in Atlanta more here from @ByKyleKelly https://t.co/UTco9JmL39 pic.twitter.com/Ctt40DH7Dm
— Timothy “EDGYTIM” OHalloran (@EDGYTIM) June 19, 2022
7. Tysean Griffin, CB, Morgan Park
Griffin has become one of the areas most talked about players after lighting up the Chicago Public League with his top flight speed last season. With a lot of his work coming on the offensive side, the Morgan Park junior will look to show even more as a defensive back this year after benefiting from some added weight this offseason. With his athleticism, the 5-foot-11 cornerback has shown the ability to handle some of the top wideouts in the state and has improved on his coverage skills throughout his time with the program. As one of the better man coverage defensive backs in Illinois, Griffin should be primed for a breakout year on the defensive side of the football.
Love what you Do.. and Do what you Love 🥷💰#CFK#GOFFOLOGY
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.🎥: @23Kvisuals
📸: @CGTheGoat2
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Trained by: @CGTheGoat2 pic.twitter.com/CEwcOl8uBy— Tysean Griffin 🎈 (@tysean_griffin) April 25, 2022
6. Nick Golden, LB/EDGE, Mahomet-Seymour
The Bulldogs offense got a lot of credit for their 11-1 season, but Golden and the Mahomet-Seymour defense allowed just 14.6 points per game during the team’s quarterfinal run in 2021. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound edge rusher racked up an impressive stat line totaling 98 combined tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks during his junior campaign. As Golden looks to lead the Bulldogs defense even farther in 2022, the senior’s play has likely garnered the attention of opposing coaches as he aims to put his name on the map.
Class of '23 LB Nick Golden @NickGGolden out of Mahomet-Seymour HS (IL) Highly regarded by his HC @Ftblcoach and will be a great addition to any program due to his drive and ability. pic.twitter.com/y0U8qJrgR6
— Recruiting Edge (@edge_recruiting) July 20, 2022
5. John Nestor, CB, Marist High School
The Iowa commit is one of two future Hawkeyes on the list after announcing his commitment to the program back in April. The Marist senior has become one of the top defensive backs in the Class of 2023, impressing coaches and recruiters alike. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Nestor shined when given the chance outside, totaling four interceptions, 43 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three forced fumbles during the 2021 campaign. After a loss to Maine South in the IHSA 8A semifinals, Nestor and the RedHawks are looking to build off their 9-4 record as he aims for a state championship in his final high school season.
‘23 @johnnestor_7 INT and multiple PBU’s against Loyola pic.twitter.com/JT6y3hyv8i
— 23 (@23kvisualz) February 17, 2022
4. Kahlil Tate, S, Kenwood Academy
Tate cracked the all-conference list after totaling 63 tackles, five interceptions and two forced fumbles during his junior year. The 6-foot-1 safety was a major factor on the Kenwood defense which featured playmakers at all three levels. Even with the talent around him, Tate was able to leave a lasting impact during the Broncos’ impressive 2021 campaign. With a chance to build on the previous season, look for the Iowa commit to lead the charge.
Truly Blessed❤️🙏🏽#BallHawks#DoughBoys@CoachSWallace@HawkeyeFootball@TylerBarnesIOWA pic.twitter.com/qGMxlQR0Y3
— Kahlil Tate ✞ (@TateKahlil) July 13, 2022
3. Damon Walters, S, Bolingbrook
Walters is arguably the top safety in the state, and at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, the Bolingbrook senior has proven that he has a real nose for the football. Walters has shown an impressive ability to get downhill and make tackles in both the run and the pass, reading things quickly as plays unfold. Behind a standout defense, Walters and the Raiders enjoyed an impressive campaign at 7-3 during the 2021 season. After an early exit in the IHSA Class 8A playoffs, the senior safety is hoping he can lead his squad even further into the 2022 postseason before heading off to play at Northwestern.
Thankful.💜@NUFBFamily #GoCats pic.twitter.com/LD8tkoI86h
— Damon Walters (@Damon3Walters) August 4, 2022
2. Jyaire Hill, CB, Kankakee
Hill has turned into one of true lock-down cornerbacks in the state and was one of the main reasons Kankakee enjoyed a 14-1 season. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior dominated outside in 2021, finishing with nine interceptions and 56 tackles throughout the campaign. Following their appearance in the Illinois 5A state championship game, Hill and the Kays are ready to use their near title winning experience in 2022. The senior has also garnered the attention of college scouts, racking up 20 collegiate offers.
2023 CB Jyaire Hill is balling out here right now. Deflection and near interception on this rep in 1-on-1’s.@JyaireSuga pic.twitter.com/oKI16UTvld
— Marshall Levenson (@MarshallLevyOn3) April 10, 2022
1. Justin Scott, DL, St. Ignatius
With a basketball background growing up, Scott has made just 15 appearances at the high school level playing football. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman has become an intimidating force for opposing offensive lineman in his young football career and has found a way to become a difference-maker even with his limited experience. After just a handful of varsity games in 2021, Scott picked up an offer from the University of Illinois, now closing in on nearly 20 collegiate offers. The St. Ignatius junior has become one of the most intriguing players in the state and has the chance to be a game wrecker throughout the 2022 high school football season.
Just the beginning🙏🏾‼️ pic.twitter.com/BVWEiqSL8a
— Justin Scott (@juustinscott) March 22, 2022
