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Scouting the Hinsdale South Hornets

How awesome was Josh King's off-season?

The Hinsdale South defensive lineman garnered a flurry of scholarship offers as he rose to become the state's top-rated junior football recruit, according to Rivals. Florida, Notre Dame, Oregon and most of the Big Ten have offered the 6-foot-7, 230-pounder, with more opportunities sure to come as he hones in on a decision.

More good news arrives this fall. King is among 12 returning starters for the improved Hornets, and he's one of the many juniors poised to make major contributions for a team banking on a return to the playoffs.

"Physically, with players like Josh we feel like we can compete with anyone," said Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry. "I'm super optimistic."

Six starters are back on defense, including three of the top four tacklers on last year's team. Linebacker Eric Dubose and cornerback Jawahn Downing are third-year starters, while linebacker Jake Hynek was last season's leading tackler.

With 6-4, 240-pound Matt Brandeis opposite King up front, Hinsdale South presents a brutal matchup for opposing offensive lines.

Six starters also return on offense led by quarterback Robert Regan, who last season piled up nearly 1,000 passing and rushing yards. He's surrounded by junior skill players like running back Marcus Curry and receivers Ravon Johnson, Jevais Harris, Dylan Boye and King, who will be an imposing figure at receiver and tight end.

There's an abundance of speed and athleticism on offense, even on a line featuring 6-5, 240-pound converted wide receiver Malik Gordon. It'll allow the Hornets to shift away from a grinding two-back system and back to a spread.

The combination of talent - strength and speed - makes Hinsdale South a threat to win the West Suburban Gold title and return to the playoffs after a year away.

"We started 0-3 last year, and, even though we couldn't overcome it, our kids learned how to deal with that adversity," Barry said. "I think that'll really make us a better team this year."

The breakdown

Coach: Mike Barry (fourth year, 15-13; seventh year overall, 24-31).

2013 record: 4-5, 4-2, third in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Josh King (DL, 6-7, 230, jr.); Robert Regan (QB, 6-2, 200, sr.); Eric Dubose (LB, 6-0, 235, sr.); Jawahn Downing (DB, 5-9, 165, sr.); Jake Hynek (LB, 5-10, 165, sr.); Marcus Curry (RB, 5-9, 203, jr.); Jevais Harris (WR, 6-2, 170, jr.); Matt Brandeis (DL, 6-4, 238, sr.); Malik Gordon (OL, 6-6, 230, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/29 Romeoville at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/5 Downers North at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/12 Hinsdale South at Willowbrook 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/19 Proviso East at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/26 Hinsdale South at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/3 Leyden at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Sat, 10/11 Hinsdale South at Hinsdale Central noon

Fri, 10/17 Hinsdale South at Morton 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/24 Downers South at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

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