Raby wide receiver Travis Powell is another sign that the Public League is quickly becoming a force in high school football. The senior leads the list of the area’s top 10 receivers. There are several wide-outs, a tight end and even a quarterback that make the final cut.
1. Travis Powell, Raby, Senior
Powell sees the field exceptionally well and shows precision in every aspect of his game. He takes the number one spot on a list full of talented prospects because of his work ethic and ability. It’s a combination that is hard to rival no matter where he plays on the field.
2. Emmanuel Rugamba, Naperville Central, Senior
Rugamba had a good summer on the camp circuit and is poised to be one of the best receivers in the area as a senior. At 6-0, 175-pounds, he was a reliable threat last season and should have a featured role this season.
3. Kendric Pryor, Homewood-Flossmoor, Senior
Pryor is an athlete that can do anything asked of him. He will likely play both receiver and defensive back this season for the Vikings. Pryor has offers from Wisconsin, Iowa and more.
4. Noah Turner, Carmel, Senior
The North Carolina recruit plays tight end but has one of the best piar of hands in the area. He’s solidly built at 6-3, 235-pounds and should be a match-up problem for defensive backs when he gets out into coverage.
5. Phillip Powell, King, Senior
An under the radar athlete, there is plenty to like about King, an extremely talented receiver. Powell played for EFT athletes 7-on-7 team this summer and showed he runs crisp routes and has good hands. He has committed to Western Illinois.
6. Isaiah Robertson, Neuqua Valley, Junior
Robertson has great size at 6-3, 190-pounds and has recorded a 4.6 40-yard dash time, so he’s fast too. He should be one of the top targets for Neuqua Valley, a team with a tremendous amount of offensive potential.
7. Ricky Smalling, Brother Rice, Junior
malling should step up in a big way for the Crusaders. His sure hands and well-run routes will set the tone for the offense this season. The 6-foot, 180-pound receiver has offers from Illinois and Virginia.
8. Eric Rooks, De La Salle, Junior
A big bodied athlete, Rooks stands 6-3, 190-pounds and moves well. He’s very capable of going up and getting the ball. In the offseason he picked up offers from Kansas and Toledo.
9. Jack Sorenson, Stevenson, Senior
Perhaps the top returning player for the defending Class 8A state champions. Sorenson is expected to see most of his time at quarterback, but when he does get time out wide he is one of the area’s best. Sorenson stands 6-1, 180-pounds and will play wide receiver in college.
10. Maurice Robinson, Tinley Park, Senior
Robinson makes this list based on potential and the improvement that he showed over the summer on the camp circuit. He had several dominant outings on the team 7-on-7 circuit and is poised for a big season. At 6-4, 195-pounds the sky is the limit.
Check out the Top 10 quarterbacks and the Top 10 running backs.