East St. Louis is well-established as one of the top high school football programs in the Midwest. The Flyers produce a treasure trove of Power 5 football players, so it behooves college coaches in the region to make the school a regular stop on the recruiting trail.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema and his staff have made East St. Louis a priority. The Illini broke through with two highly-regarded Flyers in the class of 2023 in linebacker Antwon Hayden and offensive lineman Brandon Henderson.
Orange and Blue News spoke with East St. Louis head coach Darren Sunkett to get his take on what Hayden and Henderson will bring to the field for the Illini.
ILLINOIS: RECRUITING CLASS | MESSAGE BOARD
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals100
SUNKETT ON ANTWON HAYDEN:
"In Hayden, they're getting a very versatile linebacker. He can play inside, he can play outside. He's a kid with great size. He's 6-3, 240. There are a lot of different things he can do. He can come off the edge and rush the passer. He can drop in coverage. He fits any system that you're trying to run, either a 3-4 or 4-3."
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SUNKETT ON BRANDON HENDERSON:
"Brandon is a kid with a very high ceiling. He just started playing football as a freshman, so he's only been playing for four years. He has improved each and every year. He's gotten bigger, he's gotten stronger, and more aggressive. He's a kid that one day you will see in the NFL if he keeps developing. He's 6-5, 295, so I believe he can play anywhere across the line."
