The next stop in our look at recruiting in each of the 50 states takes us to the heart of the Midwest. Illinois is a big state full of farms and rural towns, as well as a major urban area in Chicago. There has never been any doubt about the ability to get top talent out of this state. There are several current NFL stars from this state like Simeon Rice, Rodney Harrison, Antwaan Randle El, Donovan McNabb and Mike Alstott -- not to mention 16 Pro Football Hall of Famers, more than California. Those names include legends of the game like Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, George Halas, Otto Graham, and Marv Levy.
Although we don't know whether the 2006 class has any future Hall of Famers, there are some pretty talented players. Three young Illinois residents are ESPN 150 members, and two of the three are teammates at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, where they have helped each other look good. Quarterback Demetrius Jones and wide receiver Chris James are two special players. Jones is a dual-threat quarterback with a good arm. He can throw on the run and is elusive as a runner in the open field. James is a competitive, big-play receiver. He has good football speed and can make the acrobatic catch. James is an exciting player to watch. The third member of the 150 club out of Illinois is defensive end Jamie Cumbie. Cumbie is an intense and physical player that runs very well. The instate talent does not stop there, though.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
By Craig Haubert