What’s it like to see your name in the record books of one of the most storied football programs in Illinois? Well, for Mount Carmel’s junior receiver Quentin Burrell the answer is simple: it feels great.

Burrell, just 16 years old, set the school’s career touchdown reception record this year against Nazareth Academy with 21 touchdowns caught in 17 games. He passed current varsity special teams coach Frank Lenti, Jr., who caught 20 touchdowns in 17 varsity games. Lenti Jr. held this record for more than two decades.

Although the journey wasn’t simple, the record-setting moment was the result of years of hard work. Burrell missed some time on the field this last year including some offseason time with a foot injury. Being out was really hard for a kid who lives and breathes the game of football. Even with the time away from the field being difficult, Burrell was patient and kept a good mental health ready to come back even better.

Burrell, also known as “Q,” is currently regarded as one of the best recruits in the nation at his position and is looking to solidify himself as a MC great. His football IQ, maturity, and leadership set him apart from others according to his coaches. Coach Lenti, Jr. agrees, calling Burrell “a great young man” who sees the game at a higher level than most players his age.

“What stood out the most was his work ethic,” head coach Jordan Lynch said. “He’s a student of the game. He lives football, and there’s a reason he’s one of the top recruits in the country at his age.”

Coach Lynch had watched Q develop over this offseason, giving him high praise for really being committed to getting better at all facets of his game and really staying on top of his nutrition. Coach Lynch also credits all the hard work he puts in with receivers coach Landon Cox.

“Last year he was 15, playing against kids who were older, stronger,” Coach Lynch said. “Now he’s physically developed, more confident, and the work he put in all year has paid off.”

The improvement in his game has been monumental for the Caravan. Not only has he gotten better, but so has the whole team. They look to 4-peat this year with Q being one of the leaders on the team.

For Coach Lenti, Jr., Burrell has really impressed him and gives him lots of credit as well.

“You can tell he watches football and thinks like a coach,” Lenti said. “He sees the game the way not all 16-year-olds can. Off the field, he’s a great young man who’s always trying to learn and improve.”

Lenti also pointed out that the TD record at MC is about more than one player. “While my name was next to the number, it was really the whole offense’s work. That’s the same now with Q. His success reflects the program around him.”

Burrell agreed and is sure to recognize the team aspect of an individual accomplishment.

“It hit my confidence hard when I couldn’t play,” he said. “But my teammates and coaches pushed me through it. Breaking the record meant more because of that.”

Burrell isn’t just out there piling up numbers. He’s a player who changes how a team’s defense plays against MC.

“He can read coverages, set up routes, and even suggest plays that help get other receivers open,” Lynch said.

Burrell explained his approach simply. “As a receiver, you start everything,” he said. “I focus on pace and speed, making defenders guess. My job is to make their job as hard as possible while making mine easier.”

Dealing with loads of attention isn’t easy at a young age, but Lynch said Burrell has stayed grounded.

“You see a lot of kids get big heads early, but Q comes to practice every day and works,” Lynch said. “He’d be the same if he had one offer or fifty.”

Burrell said that perspective comes from remembering why he plays.

“Love the game first,” he said. “If it stops being fun, it’s not worth it. For me, it’s fun every time I step on the field.”

Looking ahead, Burrell set his goals high both while at MC and beyond.

“I want to win every week, go to college, get drafted, and eventually make the Hall of Fame,” he said.

His head coach sees much of that as realistic..

“The only one who can stop Q is himself,” said Coach Lynch. “He’s got great family support, and if he keeps working like this, there’s no limit.”