Bolingbrook's Damon Walters could become the fourth Division-I athlete in his family, and he's had the blueprint and family support to help him get here.

Marian Central graduate Cody O'Neill is 16 months out from a heart transplant and enjoys his family time with two young children. He misses coaching college football, but may return to that some day. For now, he's just grateful to be alive.

Johnsburg's Jacob Welch made the most of a bad situation during the pandemic, continuing to push himself and work hard. His perseverance is paying off with NCAA Division I offers.

Huntley's Chet Andrews made the most of his one season of high school football, landing a preferred walk-on offer from Iowa State.

At Downers Grove North, he was an option quarterback for the varsity team for three seasons. He was recruited to play tight end in college. Now David Edwards is the starting left guard for the Los Angeles Rams, who will play the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13.

McHenry West graduate Andrew Rupcich, who just received an invite to the NFL Combine, will compete Saturday in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which provides him an excellent chance of raising his NFL draft stock.

Richmond-Burton's Brock Wood was exemplary in every way while leading the Rockets to the Class 4A semifinals for the third consecutive year. He is Friday Night Drive's Defensive Player of the Year.

East St. Louis wide receiver Luther Burden III had one goal before his senior season: be the best. After a strong campaign, the Missouri signee is Friday Night Drive's Offensive Player of the Year.

Erie-Prophetstown senior quarterback Kolby Franks accounted for more than 2,500 yards of offense and 33 total touchdowns this season with his arm and legs, and led the Panthers to the first conference crown and just the second playoff victory in co-op history. He is the 2021 SVM Football Player of the Year.