Iowa-Bound Star Ammar Banire Leads Oswego to Top Preseason Ranking
As high school football season approaches, one name stands above the rest in the Aurora/Elgin area: Ammar Banire. The Oswego junior running back, who already holds 11 Division I scholarship offers including one from the University of Iowa, headlines the preseason top 10 rankings compiled by the Beacon-News/Courier-News.
Banire didn't start a single game last season, yet his recruiting stock has exploded. Power Four programs Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Arkansas have all extended offers to the young back, who his coaches say shows no signs of complacency.
Here's a look at the complete preseason rankings and the storylines that matter for Iowa football fans watching these prospects.
No. 10: West Aurora's Bryce Riley Ready for Expanded Role
West Aurora senior Bryce Riley is adding outside linebacker to his duties this fall. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound running back and special teams standout says he never gets tired, even with the increased workload.
Coach Nate Eimer has a plan in place for Riley and other two-way players as the Blackhawks enter the season ranked 10th.
No. 9: South Elgin QB Carter McDonald Eyes College Career
South Elgin quarterback Carter McDonald has gained valuable experience over the past two seasons. Under coach Pat Pistorio, nearly every quarterback has gone on to play in college, and McDonald appears next in line after a strong offseason.
The Storm must replace Gavin Mueller, the program's highest-profile player who now plays tight end at Miami.
No. 8: Aurora Christian's Justin Douglas Jr. Brings Strength and Character
Aurora Christian's Justin Douglas Jr. emerged last season as a sophomore playing linebacker, fullback, and offensive line. His father, a Kane County Sheriff's Department sergeant, serves as the team's strength coach.
Coach David Beebe describes Douglas as strong as an ox but one of the nicest kids off the field.
No. 7: Jacobs' Jack Coates Anchors Defense with 122 Tackles
Jacobs junior Jack Coates recorded 122 tackles last season and is now taking on a leadership role. Coates started on varsity as a freshman and has become the Golden Eagles' defensive stalwart while attracting college interest.
No. 6: Kaneland's Rogan O'Neil Returns Stronger After Surgery
Kaneland senior Rogan O'Neil is back after undergoing unexpected shoulder surgery. An MRI revealed a torn labrum and bone fragments from an apparent clavicle fracture, but O'Neil graduated from physical therapy early.
He says his shoulder strength is better than before the injury.
No. 5: Burlington Central's Tobi Oduwa Found His Groove
Burlington Central defensive tackle Tobi Oduwa says something clicked early last season. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior has picked up offers from Butler and St. Thomas and is ready for a big final campaign.
No. 4: Geneva's Tate Beran Tested by Elite Competition
Geneva defensive back Tate Beran has faced some of the state's best receivers in practice, including Illinois-bound Bennett Konkey. That experience has made him one of the premier cornerbacks in the area.
No. 3: St. Charles North's Tommy Vendl Ready to Carry Load
Senior running back Tommy Vendl split carries last season but now sees this as his time to shine. He's even checked the program's rushing records as the North Stars look to make noise.
No. 2: Batavia's Brennon Zeng Joins Loaded Receiving Corps
Batavia's Brennon Zeng committed to Northern Illinois this summer, becoming the third senior receiver on the team to earn a Division I scholarship. He joins Darin Ashiru (Western Michigan) and Thomas Prescott (Wyoming) in a loaded skill group.
No. 1: Oswego's Ammar Banire Ready to Feed the Beast
Oswego coaches are preparing to turn Ammar Banire loose this season. Despite not starting a single game last fall, the junior running back has 11 Division I offers, including from Iowa.
Banire insists there's more to come, both for himself and for the team.
What This Means for Iowa Football Fans
Iowa fans should keep an eye on Banire, who has the Hawkeyes among his top suitors. His combination of power and speed could make him a difference-maker at the next level.
The rankings highlight a deep pool of talent in the Aurora/Elgin area, with several players already holding college offers and others poised to break out this season.
High school football kicks off in the coming weeks, and these teams will look to prove their rankings on the field.