2015 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area Football Team

QB – Riley Lees, Libertyville, Sr.

Racked up 1,770 passing yards and 2,404 rushing yards this season and accounted for 57 touchdowns. The 6-1, 185 pound all-around athlete is headed to play at Northwestern next season and has the Wildcats in the Class 7A title game.

RB – Sam Brodner, Glenbard West, Sr.

One of the most explosive players in the senior class, Brodner has been nearly impossible to stop. The Vanderbilt recruit has rushed for 1,742 yards and 35 touchdowns. He’s led the Hilltoppers to the Class 7A title game.

RB – Deante Harley-Hampton, Homewood-Flossmoor, Sr.

One of the most explosive players in the state. Rushed for 1,260 yards and scored a total of 27 touchdowns on the season for one of the top offensives in the area.

RB – Devonte Harley-Hampton, Homewood-Flossmoor, Sr.

Equally as dynamic as his twin brother, Devonte averaged more than ten yards a carry and finished with 19 rushing touchdowns and 1,313 yards. Also caught 25 passes, averaging 19 yards per catch.

WR – Darshon McCullough, Marist, Sr.

Helpted Marist make an improbable run to the Class 8A state title game. Caught the ball 63 times for 1,003 yards, rushed for 607 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. A key cog in the high-flying RedHawks offense.

WR – Ricky Smalling, Brother Rice, Jr.

Good size at 6-2, 185 pounds and has a knack for coming up with big plays at the right time, notching 1,164 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Helped Brother Rice advance to the Class 8A state quarterfinals.

OL – Erik Swenson, Downers Grove South, Sr.

Standing 6-7, 305 pounds, he is of the most technically solid offensive lineman in the state, he’s a Michigan recruit and outperformed his man all season long.

OL – Justin Witt, Lincoln-Way West, Sr.

A 6-6, 275 pound anchors of one of the most talented offensive lines in the area. He’s helped the Warriors rushing attack put up 2,681 yards. Committed to North Carolina State.

OL – Tyler Caldwell, Waubonsie Valley, Sr.

Three year starter at center, the most experienced athlete one of the area’s best offensive lines. Caldwell helped the Warriors to the Class 8A state semifinals, despite being a No. 30 seed.

OL – Tyler Witt, Joliet Catholic, Sr.

Hard hitting, two-way lineman was the key to Joliet Catholic reaching the quarterfinals in Class 5A. Suiting up primarily at left tackle, has double-digit scholarship offers and is one of the top uncommitted athletes in the area.

OL – Joe Ware, Crete-Monee, Sr.

An Illinois State recruit, helped anchor a line that put up nearly eight yards a carry and gained 3,459 rushing yards. The 6-5, 260 pound athlete takes the field in the Class 6A state title game Saturday.

ATH: Quayvon Skanes, Phillips, Sr.

Spent most of the season under center, helped Wildcats back to Class 4A state title game. Connecticut recruit racked up 33 touchdowns and 1,886 total yards of offense. Also scored two special teams touchdowns.

LB – Tuf Borland, Bolingbrook, Sr.

A four-year varsity starter, will enroll in January at Ohio State. Recorded 153 tackles in eleven games along with eleven tackles for a loss and two interceptions. 6-2, 225 pound athlete was a fixture on one of the most talented defenses in the area for several years.

LB – Amani Jones, Phillips, Sr.

Although he only played part of the season due to injury, he’s one of the hardest hitting and most athletic linebackers in the state. An Iowa recruit, he recorded 55 tackles, two sacks and one interception in five games.

LB – Sean Williams, Morgan Park, Sr.

Recorded 113 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss. Forced three fumbles and picked up nine fumble recoveries resulting in six touchdowns. The 6-2, 225-pound athlete is a college prospect but currently uncommitted.

DL – Josh King, Hinsdale South, Sr.

A Michigan State recruit, the two time West Suburban Gold defensive lineman of the year is 6-6, 245 pounds and has rare length and athleticism. Recorded 51 tackles along with 20 hurries and is the defending Class 3A 220 pound wrestling state champ.

DL – Ben Kimpler, Libertyville, Sr.

The leader of the Wildcats’ defense, has 77 tackles, nine sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles. The Miami (Ohio) recruit has Libertyville playing for the Class 7A state title.

DL – Mike Panasiuk, Lake Park, Sr.

The 6-3, 285 pound Michigan State recruit notched 68 tackles, including 19 for loss. Was also one of the key cogs of the Lancers offense, often serving as the lead blocker for the rushing attack from the fullback position.

DB – Julian Love, Nazareth, Sr.

Can do it all. Impacted the field in every phase of the game and has the Roadrunners playing for a second consecutive state title. Has 86 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles while on defense. Notre Dame recruit rushed for 1,017 rushing yards and had 655 receiving yards averaging 25 yards a catch.

DB – Emmanuel Rugamba, Naperville Central, Sr.

Do-it-all athlete, Iowa recruit had five interceptions and 32 tackles from the defensive back slot. He also pulled in 65 catches for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver.

DB – Bobby Desherow, Loyola, Sr.

Helped make Loyola’s defense one of the best in the state, making big play after big play. Has 83 tackles and six pass breakups, including the crucial one that sealed a state semifinal win against Palatine.

DB – Travion Banks, Evanston, Sr.

Miami (Ohio) recruit accounted for 20 touchdowns. Scored 16 offensive as a receiver and four defensive, two of which were interception returns. Had 44 tackles.

Defensive/Special Teams ATH – Steven Wirtel, Mount Carmel, Sr.

A utility player, played defense, offense and long snapper. 6-4, 207 pound athlete was a three- year varsity contributor. Caravan’s leading receiver. Will play long snapper in college.