Football Preview: The Top 10 quarterbacks

This isn’t an easy list to make. There are more than 250 starting quarterbacks in the Sun-Times coverage area but these are the top ten to watch. Not necessarily the top ten college prospects, but the ten players that should be the best at the position this season.

1. Riley Lees, Libertyville, Sr.

Lees committed to Northwestern in the offseason, but as an athlete, not necessarily a future quarterback. The 6-1, 185-pound senior grabs the top spot after accumulating nearly 3,300 all-purpose yards and throwing for 45 touchdowns last season.

2. Bryce Gray, Homewood-Flossmoor, Sr.

Gray, who is equally impressive on the baseball diamond, helped lead the Vikings to the 8A state championship game last season. Gray is surrounded by plenty of weapons and the Homewood-Flossmoor offense looks like the best in the area, mainly due to the accuracy and arm.

3. Brian Collis, Maine South, Sr.

With two seasons of varsity experience under his belt Collis is on track for another promising year. It definitely helps that he has a talented offensive line leading the way for him. Maine South begins the year at No. 4 in the Super 25.

4. Steven Frank, Oswego, Sr.

The 6-5, 220-pounder is one is one of the few uncommitted top prospects left in the local senior class. Frank’s strong arm helped lead the Panthers to the second round of the state playoffs last year, where they lost to Bolingbrook in overtime.

5. Anthony Thompson, Mount Carmel, Sr.

Thompson is a second-year starter for the Caravan. The 6-1, 195-pound Northern Illinois commit has the recruiting process behind him and can focus on the high school season. Mount Carmel finished strong last year and seemed to have all cylinders clicking.

6. Matt Little, Evanston, Sr.

An athlete with imposing size, Little is 6-4, 230-pounds and had an impressive off season on the 7-on-7 circuit. Evanston has the pieces to have a successful season, but its success will hinge on the Western Michigan commit’s performance at quarterback.

7. Quayvon Skanes, Phillips, Sr.

Skanes makes this list because he is one of the best athletes in the area. He’s is moving to quarterback for the Wildcats this season. The Connecticut commit will play wide receiver in college but has the potential to spearhead a potent offense for Phillips. The Wildcats are ranked 19th in the preseason Super 25.

8. Johnny Carnagio, Minooka, Jr.

A bit of an unknown to most, Carnagio has smooth footwork and is returning for his second season under center at Minooka. The 6-2, 190 pounder could help Minooka could be one of this season’s surprise teams.

9. Tyler Tsagalis, Notre Dame, Sr.

Tsagalis committed to Western Illinois shortly after receiving an offer in April and at 6-3, 205 pounds he certainly has the size to succeed in college. Tsagalis should bring some serious firepower to the Dons offense and is one to watch this fall.

10. Chris Katrenick, Jacobs, Jr.

Katrenick, at 6-2 and 195 pounds, has the size and power to succeed and recruiters are starting to notice. He added an offer from Virginia in the offseason and should continue to improve all season for Jacobs.

Check out the area’s Top 10 running backs and Top 10 receivers.