Geneva senior wide receiver Bennett Konkey had a memorable offseason.
After earning the unofficial title as the fastest athlete in the state in late May, Konkey added to his offseason momentum by committing to play football for Illinois.
Konkey, who won the Class 3A state track 100 and 200-meter championships, is looking to make a splash in his main sport this fall. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was limited in his junior season due to a severe hamstring injury.
“I feel like I’m a more known person ever since I won state for track and a lot of people know who I am as an athlete now,” Konkey said. “This year I’m feeling great. After dealing with a hamstring injury all of last year, my body has been feeling better than ever.”
Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen said Wednesday’s first day of football practice was a good sign for his offense, noting Konkey is playing at a higher level.
Thorgesen said Konkey endured a difficult junior season, but he showed his toughness and desire to help the Vikings by nearly amassing 800 receiving yards. The Vikings open the season by hosting Libertyville on Aug. 21.
Geneva, which reached the Class 6A state championship game in 2024, is looking for a bounce-back season after finishing 4-5 last year.
“His confidence is sky high after the track season,” Thorgesen said. “He’s a complete wide receiver with his route running ability, speed and size. He’s fully healthy. Seeing Bennett for the last three years, that injury limited him a lot last season.
“It took away one of his greatest strengths in his speed and explosiveness, but credit to him because he was able to play and still produce at a high rate.”
Besides his health, Konkey said his overall game is improved compared to last season. A full offseason training and competing at 100% made him a more complete player.
“My overall route running has improved a lot since last year and my hands as well,” he said. “This year’s offense is going to be really fun to be a part of because we have a lot of returning guys and a lot of talent.”
Thorgesen said the Vikings’ opponents will see plenty of Konkey at various spots on the offense this winter.
“He’s going to have a big role in the offense,” Thorgesen said. “He’s a very smart football player, which means we can put him in a lot of places on offense to get matchups we like. He’s an elite player. He has elite speed that you just don’t see at the high school level.
“He can run every route, and is not just a vertical threat. He’s pound for pound one of the strongest kids on our team: that total package.”
Konkey said his chemistry and timing with senior quarterback Ben Peterson, an Eastern Michigan recruit, is another improved aspect for the offense.
“We’ve known each other for a very long time and I think our friendship translates onto the field plus with his ability to get me the ball,” Konkey said.