People outside of South Elgin’s football program didn’t really know much about junior tight end Ishmael George coming into the 2023 season. And understandably so.
While he was on the varsity roster last year, George only touched the ball a few times.
Over the summer during a camp at Lake Zurich, however, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound George started to realize that he had a surprise in store for everybody — and himself.
“I was balling out,” George said, fondly looking back at the memory. “And I was like, ‘I’m going to have a year this year.’ I just knew it was going to be a great year.”
So far, it has gone better than anyone could have expected for the Storm (5-0, 5-0).
In the process, George has emerged as one of the area’s breakout stars, hauling in 24 catches for 371 yards and nine touchdowns. He only plays the first half in lopsided games.
“I definitely came out of nowhere,” George said. “I just try to stay incognito and stay quiet. It’s a great feeling, and now people have to scheme for me.
“I see people double-teaming me a lot. It’s like, ‘Wow, I’m the focal point of the offense.’ It’s crazy that they scheme for me.”
At his size, George is a tough matchup at the high school level. He has taken advantage of that, becoming dominant in the red zone.
“He’s just got smooth, great hands,” South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic said. “We thought we could lean on him. He’s a really tough kid, exceptional blocker.
“He can also play wide receiver, play in the slot. He’s got a big frame. He has surprising speed. He uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball. That is dangerous.”
George also plays basketball. He’s settled in at shooting guard, but growing up, he was usually the tallest so he played in the post. That has served him well as a tight end.
“When I was a big man, boxing out was the most important part of the game,” George said. “It definitely helped me with football, especially on a slant.”
Junior quarterback Jack Ginnan spoke about his bond on and off the field with George earlier this season. That connection has only deepened as the games have gone on.
Ginnan also is off to a fast start, completing 42 of 72 passes for 613 yards and 17 TDs with only two interceptions. George has accounted for nearly half of that production.
“I didn’t really put a goal on how many touchdowns he’d have,” Ginnan said. “He’s just always open. He’s my safety valve. He’s always going to be a mismatch.
“I wouldn’t say it’s shocking, but it’s up there. It’s exciting to see what we’re doing, and we’re only juniors.”
According to Ginnan, as the wins have piled up, he has felt a buzz surrounding the team.
That will be put to the test Friday as the Storm host the Upstate Eight Conference’s other unbeaten team, Glenbard South, which is led by Notre Dame recruit Cam Williams at receiver.
“I don’t think anybody expected anything great with our offense this year, especially passing,” Ginnan said. “It’s pretty exciting to see what we’ve done and how the community has responded to us,”
Through it all, George has remained himself while experiencing a breakout season. He plays a determined style with a quiet confidence.
But even he knows, though, what’s on the line Friday — both for himself and the Storm.
“A game like this week, I love being the game of the week,” George said. “Two undefeated teams, I like games like this. Everybody is watching.
“I’m going to put my name on the map right here, right now.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
