Top 5 CFB signees from Illinois ft. Georgia's Talyn Taylor and Michigan's Nate Marshall

The 2024 high school football season was one to remeber and made some waves in the world of sports. Top talent from all over the country was on display. Other than on the field, players gained recognition in the recruiting phase as well with multiple athletes signing to play college football. In this article, the top college football signees from the state of Illinois will be broken down.

#5. Jaylen Williams, DL Wisconsin

Jaylen Williams, out of Palatine High School, is rated as a 4-star prospect, 27th defensive lineman and 7th best player in Illinois, according to 247sports. Williams held over 25 offers from schools like Florida, Michigan and Auburn but signed his letter of intent to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. The 6-foot-6, 265 pounder is athletic, fast off the ball and oftens wins 1on1 matchups against opposing offensive linemen in the run and pass game.

#4. Dierre Hill, RB Oregon

Dierre Hill of Althoff Catholic High School is a 4-star recruit, 13th best running back and the nunber 6th player in Illinois by 247sports. Hill held offers from schools like Arkansas, Georgia and others but will be suiting up to play college football for the Oregon Ducks. Dierre is a quick running back who has enough speed to get around the edge but also runs good routes out of the backfield creating mishmatches for linebackers.

#3. Nate Marshall, DL Michigan

Nate Marshall of Fenwick High School is a 4-star recruit, 15th best defensive linemen and 3rd best player in Iowa, according to 247sports. Marshall held offers from powerhouse football programs like Texas, Auburn, Alabama and others but will be playing college football for the Michigan Wolverines. The 6-foot-4, 265 pounder has showcased a lot of athleticism and he can play multiple positions on the defensive linemen which can be an asset to the versatility of a defense.

#2. Talyn Taylor, WR Georgia

Talyn Taylor of Genevea Community High School is a 4-star recruit, ninth-ranked receiver and and second best player in Illinois, ranked by 247sports. He held offers from multiple SEC programs like Alabama, Florida and others but will be a Georgia Bulldog next season. The 6-foot-1, 173 pound wide receiver excels against off coverage with speed closing the space between the defender and uses his athleticism to make the tough catches.

#1. Iose Epenesa, DL Iowa

Iose Epenesa of Edwardsville High School is a 5-star recruit, no. 3 defensive lineman and no. 1 player in Illinois, ranked by 247sports. Epenesa held over 20 offers, but is going to his brother AJ's alma mater in Iowa. The 6-foot-4, 270 pounder showcases versatility, playing multiple positions on the defensive line. Epenesa is skillful against the run game as his quickness and strength allows him to shed blocks and make tackles.