State’s Next Dual Sport Superstar Could Be Jalonny Billingsley

Who is the next superstar dual sport athlete in the state of Illinois?  It could very well end up being Simeon 2029 Jalonny Billingsley Jalonny Billingsley 6'5" | SF Simeon | 2029 IL .  He is an absolute athletic freak which will rank him among the top handful of prospects in both basketball and football in the 2029 Prep Hoops and Prep Redzone Illinois rankings.

As a football prospect Billingsley is a massive 6'4” pass catcher that can adjust to the ball in the air.  Long strides running down field. Finds the weak spot in the defense and can break away in the open field.  Explosive athlete that can also line up as a wildcat QB to do damage.  On the defensive side he is a ballhawk with his ability to pursue with speed taking good angles to the ball covering a ton of ground which will be a theme in his other sport.

We spoke with him about his freshman year at Simeon on the gridiron.

“First year I played mostly on the JV level, but did get in one varsity game.  It went well.  Sophomore year should be my breakout year.”

How would he describe his game as a receiver?

“Dominant.  Long.  Can catch the ball without using my body.”

Several schools have already got in the mix with offers over the last couple of months.

“Kentucky, Miami (FL), Mizzou, Arizona State, and Akron.”

Mizzou is a program that has shown a lot of early interest in Billingsley.

“They are a good school.  I like the coaches.  I had a really nice talking with them.”

Miami has been reeling in top Illinois talent as of late.

“They are just different.  They have their players working out in the weight room and jugs machine doing work.”

The other sport he stars in is basketball as we saw him recently with Drako Elite 15U at the Chi-Town Tip Off event where he had a dominant outing.  It started with what he did defensively as he covered so much ground closing on passing lanes for steals while using his length both vertically swatting shots and laterally to be an intimidating defensive presence.  A lot of his transition points came off his defense where he quickly turned them into highlight dunks.  Elite second jump getting on the offensive glass for second chance points.  Shot a good ball mechanically knocking in a couple mid-range jumpers.  Also showcased some playmaking feel as a jumbo wing.  Although his future is probably in football he looked like a no doubt top 10 hoops prospect as well.

How was his freshman season at Simeon?

“It went great.  I played some varsity games, but played most of my season with JV.  It went good.”

He spoke about the areas he has seen the most growth in his game on the hardwood.

“My pace, shooting, and finishing.”

How would he describe the strengths of his game to those who have not seen him?

“My length on the defensive end.  My ability to get to the rim.  Going up hard and finishing through contact.  Shooting on the outside on the perimeter and being a three level scorer.”