Gimme him: Illinois high school football players pick an opponent they want as a teammate

PEORIA — Building a high school football team would be fun.

Filling in each position could be a tough task, sorting through all the skill guys, lineman and special teamers. But as much as talent would play a factor, there are intangibles that certain players would bring to the squad.

Building team chemistry is also important, so mixing together several unfamiliar players adds another wrinkle to forming the team.

This is the third of a multi-part series where the Journal Star talks with coaches and players about numerous topics relating to the world of high school football. Some of those questions range from favorite game moment, opponents they would want as a teammate, toughest teammate and go-to postgame meal. Look for more stories as the season progresses.

Here’s who Peoria-area football players want on their team.

Conference rivals

• “JJ Barnes from Morton. We already play lacrosse together. He’s a hard worker and great teammate.” — Will Freeman, Washington
• “Nobody, but if I had to choose probably Connor Daum from Stark County. He’s fast and that is something every team could use more of.” — Noah Geiger, Princeville
• “Layne Johnson (from Elmwood/Brimfield). Hard, physical athlete.” — Noah Passmore, Farmington
• “Tre Hoggard from Tolono Unity, because he is good at what he does.” — Tom Davis, Illinois Valley Central
• “Aidin Hindert from East Peoria. I work with him, and it would be awesome to suit up together.” — Tyler Hammond, Limestone

Division-I athletes

• “Jaiduan Cranford (from Metamora), because he’s a buddy of mine and would fit in with our offense.” — Layne Johnson, Elmwood/Brimfield
• “Mack Sutter (from Dunlap), because (he) is a good player and isn’t cocky about his talent.” — Gavin Otto, Canton
• “I would want Jaquarius Green (from Peoria High) on my team because I think the sheer size that he has could help our team on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.” — Mitch Sager, Peoria Notre Dame
• “Jack Gronewold and Landon Crawford (from Farmington) because I know they are great players who work hard and are overall great guys.” — Dylan Shane, Elmwood/Brimfield
• “Mack Sutter, because he’s a versatile athlete, can play multiple positions and is a good leader.” — RJ Jackson, East Peoria
• “Jaiduan (Cranford) from Metamora, because he’s a great player and a better guy.” — Jack Steffen, Dunlap
• “Jack Gronewold, because he’s a two-way player and a good teammate.” — Dalton Oakman, East Peoria
• “Mack Sutter. Highly-rated prospect that can both block and catch.” — Boh Johnson, Limestone
• “Nasir Rankin. He (is) a great wide receiver from (Chicago) Morgan Park and caught every ball.” — Riley Blue, Metamora
• “Big Baby (Jaquarius Green) from Peoria High, because we have played together before and we need more size on the line.” — Josh Hoffer, Washington
• “I would want Mack Sutter on my team. Every team could use a 6’5″, 230-pound athlete. Who doesn’t want a ‘Bama commit on their team?” — Brady Mullens, Peoria Notre Dame

Other talented guys

• “Collin Lower from Princeville. Strong, smart and would well in our system.” — Walter Lampe, Elmwood/Brimfield
• “Kylan McMillen (from Metamora). We played 7-on-7 together.” — Jack Gronewold, Farmington
• “Josh Papenhause from Tremont. I have played other sports with him and he always made sure to keep team morale high.” — Easton Orwig, Canton
• “Keimon Lee (from East Peoria). We are childhood best friends and played growing up when we were younger.” — Ty Jackson, Pekin
• “Aaden LaMar (from Morton). I work with him at Morton Dairy Queen and he is a great guy. He also is a big boy and from experience in football, big boys run people over and I like the sound of that. Also, he is 6-foot-7, 300 pounds.” — Hunter Fogle, Deer Creek-Mackinaw
• “Dalton Oakman (from East Peoria). I’ve been training with him since eighth grade and we’ve always got along really well. I think we’d have a fun quarterback room.” — Brett Bane II, Tremont
• “Will Freeman (from Washington). He’s a good athlete and physical player.” — Teigan McCoy, Pekin
• “Colton Barlow (from Dunlap). Definitely a playmaker as a lineman and was a ball of energy to be around when we played together.” — Daryl Barfield III, Richwoods

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.