The Illinois football program hit it big with the class of 2027, as the Illini's top two receivers are putting on a show in their final high school seasons.
Bennett Konkey, for starters, recorded 14 receptions, 395 yards, six touchdowns, and one kick return touchdown through his first two games. He is Illinois' No. 2-ranked commit for the class of 2027 with an 89.03 rating via On3.
Three-star commit Brody Knowles is also showing why he's a name to keep an eye on, especially after his monster performance in Southlake Carroll's comeback win vs. Jenks (Oka) on Thursday night.
NEVER. GIVE. UP. 😤
— SportsDayHS (@SportsDayHS) August 28, 2026
Southlake Carroll was down 27-0 in the second quarter. It came back to win 34-33!!! 🔥🔥🔥
🎯 Tomcheck: 322 YDS, 2 TD
🥶 Knowles: 7 REC, 180 YDS, 2 TD
Story by @DMNGregRiddle: https://t.co/3jUbTnUKOP#TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/XgctEBhGhl
Knowles was a key factor in Southlake's 34-33 comeback win against Jenks (Okla), recording seven receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He was all over the field for the Dragons, finding the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown late in the second quarter and a 54-yard bomb in the fourth quarter.
The 6-foot-5 receiver will look to continue his success in Week 2 when Southlake Carroll goes on the road to take on North Crowley, who are coming off of a 26-0 shutout against the Aledo Bearcats at home.
Bret Bielema will need a big body at receiver for Illinois, and Brody Knowles is the perfect person to fill that role
Knowles will provide a unique skill set to Illinois' offense come 2027. In a receiver room that will be filled with speed, Knowles will stand out as a physical, big-bodied receiver who can contest the 50-50 balls on the perimeter.
Knowles is a physical specimen at wide receiver, with an elite catch radius and spatial awareness that were on full display in double-coverage against Jenks on Thursday.
Southlake Carroll's No. 1 Brody Knowles made an amazing catch at the end zone to bring the score to 27-14 just before halftime with Jenks leading.
— WFAA (@wfaa) August 28, 2026
Watch live: https://t.co/FvyJzp6ZVa pic.twitter.com/0fZ2efaYK0
In an offense like Illinois', Knowles has a chance to become the receiver that Justin Bowick was supposed to be. He has the intangibles to be an elite downfield threat and someone who will be a matchup nightmare later in his career.
This was a stellar start for Knowles in his senior season, and it has made the future of the Illinois football program look even brighter. It would be hard for him to repeat this performance on a consistent basis, but don't be surprised if his name continues to pop up in the media.
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