Herald Athlete of the Month: Tommy Corbett, Glenbrook South

Win or lose on the football field, Glenbrook South senior Tommy Corbett didn't feel comfortable talking to the media -- at least this outlet -- after a game.

Like they say, he preferred to let his play do the talking.

Partly because of his dominant play at defensive end the Titans won much more often than they lost in 2021. Glenbrook South's 9-3 record and Class 8A quarterfinal appearance were its highest gridiron accomplishments since the program reached those marks both in the 2009 season.

"Tommy Corbett had an outstanding year for our team and was a dominating presence in every game we played," Titans coach Dave Schoenwetter said.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Corbett, named the Central Suburban League South division lineman of the year, received a nice present on Christmas Day. It was then that The News-Gazette in Champaign released its 86th All-State Football Team, coordinated by News-Gazette prep sports editor Colin Likas.

Corbett is the first News-Gazette first-team selection for Glenbrook South since lineman Sean Cascarano in 2008. Cascarano went on to play at Virginia and is now offensive line coach at Cornell University.

A prestigious group with true statewide representation that cut across all classes of Illinois football, Corbett made The News-Gazette First Team as a defensive lineman. Loyola linebacker James Kreutz and Maine South running back Mike Sajenko also were First Team selections.

Corbett made 65 tackles on the season, 40 of them solo tackles. Of those, Corbett registered 14 quarterback sacks, with 19 additional quarterback hurries. He caused 2 fumbles and deflected a pass as well.

"He gave relentless effort and his speed and strength were a real challenge for all offensive lines that we faced. His physicality was unmatched in most games. He will go down as one of the best to ever play at Glenbrook South," Schoenwetter said.