Five Names Emerging on the High School Scene in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been less than two weeks into the boys high school season in Illinois and there's already a handful of names that have emerged this season. Here's a quick look at a few to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jay Carroll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carroll's a 2025 senior attending DePaul Prep and plays for the Chicago Fire Juniors. He's been a true differnece maker up top and already has three hat-tricks in four games this season. As a player, he's super technical around the ball with a wicked strong shot. Does a sensational job of separating himself in the attacking third and making it easy for his guys to get the ball to him, Capable of playing as a winger or striker. Programs looking for a goal-scorer should take a strong look at him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Smucker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smucker's a 2025 Midfielder who plays for FC United and Maine South High School. He's made a tremendous impact this season for the Hawks en route to a 2-0-1 start to the year. Showing an ability to shoot with power and finesse from anywhere in and around the box. Plays at an extremely fast pace too, with an ability to stop counterattacks in the middle of the field defensively and create plays off the dribble on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patrick Waller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a 2026 prospect playing for St. Igantius. Already off to a fast start with five goals in his first two varsity games. Great size at 5'10" and has already shown an ability to win headers on crosses. Adds a terrific touch around the ball with the ability to make plays with both feet and keep his head up. Looking to be a difference-maker in the Catholic League this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nicholas Prus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prus is a 2025 Midfielder who's been flashing glimpses of brilliance for a while now. He displayed terrific vision in the midfield and knows exactly what to do in given situations. Capable to taking defenders 1v1 or getting the ball to his teammates on the counter. He's already scored eight times in just four games this season to go along with four assists. 29 goals and 15 assists so far in his varsity career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jhon Espinoza</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sophomore CAM to watch from central Illinois. Six goals and four assists to kick off his season at Bloomington with the team starting the season at 4-2. Purple Raiders will have a tough date with Normal U-High Wednesday afternoon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->