QBs in the spotlight

Lake Forest's Tommy Rees (upper left), Wheaton North's Taylor Graham (upper right), Downers South's Chandler Whitmer (lower left) and Hinsdale Central's John Whitelaw are some of the top QBs in the area.
(Sun-Times News Group)

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If you had to put labels on them, you could describe Wheaton North’s Taylor Graham as the prototypical pro-style quarterback, Downers Grove South’s Chandler Whitmer as the athletic dual-threat and Lake Forest’s Tommy Rees as the productive combination of both.

Labels, though, are the least of their concerns with the football season starting. If it were up to Whitmer, he’d throw them out the door as fast as he can hit a receiver running a quick slant.

‘‘I don’t want to call myself a dual-threat,’’ Whitmer said. ‘‘I am a thrower that can run. I simply can make plays when the play breaks down.’’

Perhaps the most befitting label for all of them is ‘‘Division I player,’’ since all committed to major college programs — Graham to Ohio State, Whitmer to Illinois and Rees to Notre Dame. They head a talented Class of 2010 quarterbacks.

‘‘This year is a real good year for quarterbacks [in the area],’’ recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. ‘‘There’s a lot more.’’

Hinsdale Central’s John Whitelaw and Prospect’s Miles Osei are also prospects, and, Marist’s Mike Perish committed to Western Michigan.

Other standouts include Montini’s Brandon Pechloff, Bolingbrook’s Brad Geever, Glenbard West’s Tyler Warden and Geneva’s Brandon Beitzel. Wheaton Warrenville South’s Mack Tracey, who will also see time at receiver and Maine South’s Tyler Benz, a converted receiver, are others.

‘‘It’s pretty exciting to know that I am part of such a talented group,’’ said Graham, who impressed numerous colleges despite playing in only five games last year because of an ankle injury. ‘‘There are a lot of good quarterbacks.’’

The area has never been considered a hotbed for quarterbacks. But more teams are stretching the field – ultimately giving quarterbacks a better chance of showcasing their talents. The more time spent in the spotlight equates to more time on college teams’ radars.

“I think you’ll see even more quarterbacks coming out [of the area],’’ Lemming said. “It’s always been known for offensive lineman. It’s put a lot of them into the NFL. But high school coaches are much more proficient now at developing spread offenses.’’

The 2010 class — which Lemming called the deepest in years — comes a year after many area quarterbacks moved on, including Marian Central’s Jon Budmayr (Wisconsin), Glenbard North’s Evan Watkins (Northwestern), Thornton’s Darren Jones (New Mexico), Maine South’s Charlie Goro (Vanderbilt) and Mount Carmel’s Jordan Lynch (Northern Illinois).

Before that, the 2006 class with Juice Williams (Illinois), Scott Tolzien (Wisconsin) and Demetrius Jones (Notre Dame) was the most notable.

Consider the increase another sign that the area has become more pass-happy.

‘‘It’s a special class for QBs in Illinois,’’ Whitmer said. ‘‘It’s great to be a part of that. Taylor and I have already become good friends. If we ever play each other down the road [in college], it will definitely be a friendly rivalry.’’

QB SPOTLIGHT (YS will track the quarterbacks throughout the year.)

Tommy Rees, Lake Forest, 6-3, 198

College choice: Notre Dame

Quote: “I want to cut down on some of my errors and cut down on some of my interceptions. I want to have better numbers than last year, but that’s not my main goal. I’m focused more on my team goals.” – Rees

On the field: T.J. Jackson returns at RB and Connor Moutvic is back at WR for the Scouts. Colton Kunde and Parker Stride anchor the offensive line.

Taylor Graham, Wheaton North, 6-4, 215

College choice: Ohio State

Quote: “I don’t look at my personal stats. We all play football just to win the game.” – Graham

On the field: Ivan Tamba moves from WR to RB for the Falcons. Expect 6-6 tight end Hunter Thorsen, Graham’s “best friend growing up,” to be is primary target. Wheaton North will have four new starters on the offensive line.

Chandler Whitmer, Downers Grove South, 6-1, 185

College choice: Illinois

Quote: “He’s got all the intangibles and he’s competitor. He wants to be great. He wants a state championship. He wants to win a national championship in college. He wants to win the Heisman Trophy.” – Downers South John Belskis.

On the field: Jason Jozaites (6-3, 185) gives Whitmer a big target. Sophomore Josh Williams will start at running back. The Mustangs will have to replace four starters on its offensive line from a year ago.

John Whitelaw, Hinsdale Central, 6-1, 185

College choice: undetermined

Quote:‘‘John wins football games. We are successful in large part because of John Whitelaw and what he’s able to do.’’ - Red Devils coach Mike DiMatteo

On the field: The Red Devils return the majority of their receiving corps, including Alex Kirk, from last season. Hinsdale, though, will miss RB Rich Zajeski.

Adam L. Jahns