College Football Recruiting: WR Mark Hiben Breaks Illinois' State Record

Glenbard West senior wide receiver Mark Hiben said he didn't know if he would play college football after his season ends.

Hiben and the college football world might want to reconsider.

On November 6th, Hiben had the game of his life, hauling down 12 catches for an Illinois state record 319 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, en route to a 42-28 playoff win over Lincoln-Way East.

With senior quarterback Daver Glawe throwing to him all game, Hiben had touchdown receptions of 84, 41, 72 and a 19 yard catch where Hiben outfought the opposing cornerback. The 19-yard touchdown also made him surpass the state record of 317 yards, set by Pete Bylsma of Hinsdale Central in 1971.

This is not Hiben's lone big performance. The week before against Plainfield North, Hiben had 113 yards on 9 catches and a touchdown. For the season, the 6'4", 195 pound Hiben has 59 catches for 1,073 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Another great performance Hiben was on October 8th against York High School. This game was a showdown between undefeated rivals and York jumped out to a 10-0 advantage.

Hiben was open in the left flat, so Glawe threw a perfect pass as Hiben scampered for a 62-yard touchdown to close the gap 10-7. Hiben's touchdown can be seen by click on the video link (he is No. 80).

Glenbard West would win the game 27-10 and Hiben would have a key 28-yard catch on a third down that set up a touchdown by senior running back Nick Burrello. He finished the game with 4 catches for 127 yards.

Back in 2009, Hiben had a game-winning catch with six seconds left in a 7A state semifinal against Lake Zurich.

Besides his receiving skills, both Glawe and his teammates compliment Hiben on his run and pass blocking.