Two highly ranked prospects from the CCL/ESCC superconference highlight the list of the area’s top 10 quarterbacks.
1. Kaden Cobb, Fenwick
The top-ranked quarterback in the state’s senior class will be leading what could be the most prolific passing game around. The 6-3, 180-pounder is committed to defending Mid-American Conference champ Ball State, and he has two D-I receivers to throw to: Eian Pugh (Illinois and Max Reese, who has Power Five offers from Arizona State and Kansas.
2. Dontrell Jackson, Marist
Another three-star prospect, Jackson is a consensus top-25 recruit in Illinois and top-75 QB in the nation. The son of the former Thornton standout and coach of the same name picked up his first D-I offer before his sophomore season and is headed for rising power Coastal Carolina.
3. Jack Lausch, Brother Rice
One of the state’s premier multisport athletes, Lausch will be a preferred walk-on for football and baseball at Notre Dame. He’s a two-time All-Catholic League quarterback and ranked as one of the top outfielders in the Midwest. The 6-3, 195-pounder also is an academic standout — he ranks No. 2 in his class.
4. Tre Jones, Oswego East
It’s been a busy couple years for Jones, a junior who started his prep career at Montini, transferred to Denmark High in Georgia last fall and returned to play at Montini this spring before being sidelined by a broken finger. Now he’s healthy and back in his hometown at Oswego East. The 6-2, 180-pounder has a Power Five offer from Arizona State.
5. Tommy Ulatowski. St. Rita
The starting quarterback for the Mustangs in the 2019 Class 5A state final is back and has the area’s best player — Ohio State-bound receiver Kaleb Brown — returning as his prime target. Expect recruiting interest to pick up for Ulatowski, a 6-2, 180-pounder, as the season goes on.
6. Mark Forcucci, Wheaton North
The Falcons were one of the breakout teams of the abbreviated spring season, thanks to a standout junior class. Forcucci, a 6-1, 190-pounder, was one of the leaders of that resurgence, which should continue this fall. He’s committed to Holy Cross.
7. Nathan Hayes, St. Charles East
As a sophomore in 2019, Hayes passed for 1,357 yards and 12 TDs for a Class 8A playoff qualifier. The 6-4, 195-pounder also is an elite pitcher with a 90 mph fastball. He’s committed to FBS power North Dakota State.
8. Aidan Gray, Naperville North
The 6-2, 175-pound junior could be primed for a breakout year after a pandemic-shortened spring season. He’s already caught some college coaches’ eyes as a three-star recruit and has a Western Michigan offer.
9. Jameson Sheehan, Cary-Grove
Historically, the Trojans have been very good when they have veterans at quarterback and fullback to lead their option offense. Sheehan, a 6-4, 190-pounder, and Nick Hissong are both back from this spring’s 4-0 team, so the arrow is pointing up for Cary-Grove.
10. Aaron Warren, Morgan Park
How good of a quarterback is Warren? Good enough for the Mustangs to switch Camron Fulton, an established starter, to defense last spring to allow Warren to get a head start on adjusting to the position. Long and athletic at 6-4, he can make plays with his arm and his feet.