Best Version Media (BVM) Sports presents its list of the Top 10 IHSA pass catchers entering the 2022 season:

While offense has received a lot of love in Illinois, the state has proven they have an abundance of talented playmakers on the defensive side that will look to showcase their ability during the high school football season. With some already garnering attention from the next level, and others hoping to make their case, the year presents an opportunity for many. Here are the top 10 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) defensive playmakers to keep an eye out for in the 2022 season.

Honorable Mentions:
Kareem Parker, S, IC Catholic Prep 
The IC Catholic Prep junior was one of the true ball-hawking safeties in 2021, securing eight interceptions with 16 pass deflections throughout his sophomore campaign. Following an 11-2 season, Parker is ready to prove that he can repeat his breakout year as the Knights look to return to the IHSA postseason.

Dakota Wiegand, DE, Eureka High School
The Eureka defensive end enjoyed a standout junior season behind 12 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. With one of the more impressive stat lines in the state, Wiegand is ready to show that he can duplicate his success in 2022.


10. Eddie Tuerk, DL, Lyons Township
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end had a solid 2021 campaign at the varsity level, earning a spot on the West Suburban Silver All-Conference Team after racking up 32 tackles and three sacks. As Lyons looks to improve on its 5-5 season, one of the leaders of its defense has the chance to become one of the biggest risers throughout the 2022 campaign. Tuerk has already caught the attention of scouts around the country and with another year to add to his production, the Lions junior can become one of the names to know around the state. In the past year, Tuerk has already made visits to Big Ten programs like Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, along with a handful of other collegiate programs.

Click here to see Defenders 1-9 on BVM Sports