While Illinois might be more known for producing exceptional high school basketball talent, the players competing in football are pretty dang good, too.
MORE: Latest Midwest High School Football Top 25 from The Sporting News
That is why we need your help in deciding who has been the top Illinois high school football player this year.
Cast your vote, and feel free to vote as many times as you want.
Vote for The Sporting News Illinois player of the year
The nominees for The Sporting News Illinois high school football player of the year are below. Players were selected based on stats uploaded to MaxPreps.
Nominees for The Sporting News Illinois high school football player of the year
Trae Taylor, Carmel: The future Nebraska quarterback has been incredible this year, throwing for 1,663 yards and 23 touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Ryne Sheppard, Maroa-Forsyth: Sheppard has been nearly perfect this year, completing 79 percent of his passes for 1,599 yards with 24 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Jake Nawrot, John Hersey: With 1,537 yards and 23 touchdowns on 118 attempts, Nawrot has yet to thrown an interception.
Brody Scheffler, Springfield: Scheffer has been a force, throwing for 257 yards per game with 20 touchdowns.
Aaron Stewart, Warren Township: The state's rushing leader, Stewart has racked up 1,709 yards and 28 touchdowns on 177 attempts, averaging 285 yards per game.
Nate Oller, Staunton: Oller has posted almost 207 yards per game over six games this season, scoring 14 touchdowns.
Gavyn Cothern, Richland County: A touchdown machine, Cothern has 19 rushing scores and 1,076 yards on the ground.
Max Hembrey, Fox Lake: Hembrey has recorded just 28 receptions, but they have gone for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Noah Crandall, Machesney Park: Crandall has nine quarterback sacks in six games played.
Kye Weinzierl, Geneseo: Weinzierl has been all over the field, recording 101 tackles with five for loss and three sacks.
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