The last four days have produced spirited debates in our look at the IHSA All-Decade team (2010-19). We have the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight end positions set. Let’s take a look at several names to consider on the offensive line— our “Best of the Best” in the IHSA over the past 10 years.
The list of worthy offensive linemen over the past decade, as with other positions, seems endless. Do you factor in just strictly high school production and program winning/success, or does a particular player's post high school success also become a factor? Let the debate begin:
Ethan Pocic, Lemont’s Class of 2012 (LSU): Pocic, who followed in the footsteps of his older brother Graham Pocic (Illinois), was a multi-year starter for the Indians. He was ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and the No. 3 ranked offensive linemen in the nation in the Class of 2012. Pocic went on to have a terrific college career at LSU. He was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and played in four games this season.
Brian Allen, Hinsdale Central’s Class of 2013 (Michigan State): Brian Allen was the middle of three Allen brothers who were standout football players and wrestlers at Hinsdale Central. Allen was a three-year varsity starter and a two-time All-State player for the Red Devils who was also ranked as one of the top interior linemen in the nation. Allen was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and was the starting center for the Rams this season until suffering a season ending injury in Week 10.
Jamarco Jones, De La Salle’s Class of 2014 (Ohio State): Jamarco Jones was a multi-year impact starter for the Meteors during his high school career. Jones, who was a four-star ranked offensive tackle recruit by Rivals.com and was also ranked as the No. 94 best recruit in the nation. Jones wound up committing to Ohio State after drawing scholarship offers from national football power programs from across the county. Jones was a multi-year year starter at Ohio State who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jones is on the Seahawks active roster and has played in 15 games so far this season for Seattle.
Kevin Jarvis, Maine South’s Class of 2017 (Michigan State): Jarvis was a three-year varsity mainstay for the Hawks and head coach Dave Inserra. Jarvis was a four-star ranked recruit in the Class of 2017 by Rivals.com and was also a key in leading the Hawks to the Class 8A state title in 2016. He was simply a dominant two-way starter who is also off to a strong start in his college playing career at Michigan State. Jarvis is currently listed as a junior on the MIchigan State roster.
Nick Allegretti, Lincoln-Way East’s Class of 2014 (Illinois): Allegretti was another multi-year starter for the Griffins and head coach Rob Zvonar. He was named as an All-State player in his junior and senior season. Allegretti was also a top wrestler as well at the Frankfort school who wound up signing with Illinois. Allegretti was a two-time team captain in Champaign who played in 48 games (including 36 consecutive starts) for the Fighting Illini. Allegretti was a seventh round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft and has played in seven games this season for the Chiefs.
Next in?
Dan Voltz, Barrington’s Class of 2012 (Wisconsin)
Dan Feeney, Sandburg’s Class of 2012 (Indiana)
Tanner Farmer, Highland’s Class of 2014 (Nebraska)
Trevor Ruhland, Cary-Grove’s Class of 2015 (Notre Dame)
Erik Swenson, Downers Grove South‘s Class of 2016 (Oklahoma)
Peter Skoronski, Maine South’s Class of 2020 (Northwestern)
Jordan Diamond, Simeon’s Class of 2012 (Auburn/Miami of Ohio)
Jack Allen, Hinsdale Central’s Class of 2011 (Michigan State)
Trevor Keegan, Crystal Lake South’s Class of 2019 (Michigan)