Brennon Zeng Shines Among Batavia’s Talented Receivers

Brennon Zeng stands out as a key member of Batavia’s senior receiving trio, poised to make a significant impact this season. Known for his quiet demeanor, Zeng has already drawn attention from his coaches. Over the summer, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound athlete became the third senior receiver to earn a Division I scholarship, committing to Northern Illinois University (NIU). He joins wide receiver Darin Ashiru and tight end Thomas Prescott, who committed to Western Michigan and Wyoming, respectively.

“Brennon has worked so hard and he’s the most underrated of the guys,” said Batavia’s offensive coordinator Sean Anderson. “It’s great that he’s getting recognized now. He just goes to camps and performs well. He’s calm, solid, and talented.”

Zeng, along with Ashiru and Prescott, forms a part of the skilled group of players for the Bulldogs, who ranked No. 2 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings. They will be the primary targets for senior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren, a three-year starter instrumental in leading the Bulldogs (10-3) to the Class 7A state semifinals last season. In mid-May, Vander Luitgaren began Batavia’s recruiting surge by choosing Wyoming.

Last season, Vander Luitgaren threw 2,708 yards and 31 touchdowns. He connected on a team-high 61 passes with Brett Berggren, who has since graduated, while Ashiru, Zeng, and Prescott garnered 55, 28, and 19 receptions, respectively.

Zeng attributes his skills to his father, Brian, who was also a high school running back and receiver at Glenbard West. Brennon faced his first varsity game against his father’s alma mater.

“It was a big wake-up call,” Zeng said. “That team was tough. I was finding my footing and learning my role. This year will be a much bigger step.”

Batavia’s head coach Dennis Piron notes Zeng’s progress with noticeable improvement in strength and speed since his junior year. “He was always quiet and did his own thing,” Piron observed, crediting Zeng’s camp performance for elevating his recruiting profile.

At the North Central College camp, Zeng impressed by running a 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range, earning an invitation to NIU’s camp, which ultimately resulted in his scholarship offer. Besides football, Zeng plays center field for Batavia’s baseball team and carries a 4.91 GPA. He and other recruits plan to graduate early.

“It was tough to decide as I wanted to play my senior baseball season,” Zeng mentioned. “But football felt more significant. The NIU coaches also see it as beneficial.”

Looking ahead, Batavia’s quarterback is determined to average 40 points this season and win a third state title for retiring coach Dennis Piron, adding to their previous wins in 2013 and 2017.

“We’re confident and aiming for high goals,” Zeng said. “The title is the key focus.”

Offensive coordinator Anderson sees Zeng as an essential player.

“I’ll be comfortable throwing possession passes to Brennon where he can leverage his skills,” Anderson stated. “He’s consistent with his hands and makes contested catches regularly.”

Team Highlights:
– Batavia, 2025 record: 10-3
– Offensive leaders include Michael Vander Luitgaren, Darin Ashiru, and Thomas Prescott.
– Defensive standouts: Jack Brown, Luke Gardner, and Gavin McKelvie.
– X-factor: Charlie Rosengren, senior running back.