Perspective and intuition go hand-in-hand for Devonte Amos, a senior slot receiver and cornerback who has made an impact on both sides of the ball for undefeated Rolling Meadows.
“I played running back when I just starting out in youth league football, and then I played a lot of slot receiver when I got to high school,” Amos said. “I’ve learned to just use my instincts.”
Amos is a ball hawk who uses his speed, quickness and balance to make an impact. His experience on both sides of the ball has given him an intricate understanding of how offenses work and how they try to exploit defenses. His sharp perception helped change the game in the Mustangs’ favor during the Class 7A second round Friday against Lincoln-Way Central.
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Late in the third quarter, Amos read the movements of Knights quarterback Hunter Campbell as he tried to work an underneath route.
Amos leaped to intercept the pass to help the Mustangs secure a 23-13 comeback victory and their first state quarterfinal berth since 2006.
The Mustangs (11-0) will host Benet (9-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Senior quarterback Asher O’Hara (157 yards passing, 65 yards rushing) scored on touchdown runs of three and 13 yards for the Mustangs. He orchestrated a 12-play, 86-yard drive that wiped out a 13-9 halftime deficit.
Amos then changed the complexion of the game even further by forcing the turnover.
“On the interception, that was a coverage we’d been working on the whole week in practice,” Amos said. “When we see the bubble (screen), we drive to that side of the field. I noticed they were doing that route the whole game. I drove the bubble and saw the quarterback raise up and I knew there was going to be something short into the flat. I just backed up and made a play.”
Amos showcased his versatility on the Mustangs’ ensuing touchdown drive with a crucial 14-yard run that set up fullback Kevin Lacosse’s three-yard fourth quarter touchdown run.
A three-year offensive starter, Amos finished with 43 yards rushing on six carries and 47 yards on three receptions.
“At halftime we made some adjustments on the offensive line to pick up their blitzes,” O’Hara said. “I trust everybody on our offense. The backs are awesome. I know whenever I pass it to Devonte or hand it off to him, it is going to be good for us.”
Amos is often used in motion to set up jet sweeps and end runs. His quickness off the line of scrimmage is pivotal in O’Hara’s ability to make fast reads and get the ball out quickly when the pressure arrives.
Rolling Meadows has now scored 394 points in 11 games.
“This offense is so dynamic,” Amos said. “All the coaches make it so worthwhile and fun to be a part of. We have multiple guys, and everybody on the offense is pushing hard. No matter who we play, we come out and practice hard on Monday, learn from film and prepare for whoever steps in our way.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press