Brennon Zeng might be the quieter member of Batavia’s trio of senior receivers. Yet, his performance promises to make him a standout this season. Coaches are already taking note. This summer, Zeng, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, secured a Division I scholarship with Northern Illinois University. He now joins Darin Ashiru and Thomas Prescott, who committed to Western Michigan and Wyoming, respectively.
“Brennon has worked tirelessly and is often underrated,” said Batavia’s offensive coordinator Sean Anderson. “It’s gratifying to see him getting acknowledged. He consistently performs well at camps, impressing everyone with his skills.” Zeng, along with Ashiru and Prescott, form an impressive skill group for the Bulldogs, who rank second in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason listings. They will serve as primary targets for senior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren, a returning starter who guided the team to the Class 7A state semifinals last year.
In May, Vander Luitgaren started the recruitment buzz by committing to Wyoming. “Mike is excellent at distributing the ball to them,” Anderson noted. Vander Luitgaren recorded 2,708 passing yards and 31 touchdowns last season, completing the most passes to the now-graduated Brett Berggren but also frequently targeting Ashiru, Zeng, and Prescott.
Zeng follows in the footsteps of his father, Brian, who played as a running back and receiver at Glenbard West High School and briefly at Butler before a back injury ended his college career. Zeng’s varsity debut was against his father’s alma mater, a pivotal experience in his development. “That game challenged me,” Zeng stated. “It was physically demanding. I was new, gaining experience and contributing where needed. This season, I’m ready to elevate my game.”
Batavia coach Dennis Piron noted that adding nearly 20 pounds of muscle since his junior year and boasting strong camp performances elevated Zeng’s recruitment profile. “He used to be quieter and just handled his responsibilities,” said Piron, who is likely in his 38th and final season as Batavia’s head coach.
Zeng mentions the impact of attending the North Central College camp. “Things shifted when I clocked a remarkable 40-yard dash time, a 4.4, and then NIU invited me for a visit,” Zeng shared. “Receiving their offer was significant.” Also a center fielder for Batavia’s baseball team, Zeng sees NIU as a familiar choice, having played baseball there and attended football games with his team. Maintaining a GPA of 4.91, Zeng plans, like his fellow recruits, to graduate early. “Choosing between sports was tough since I wanted one more baseball season,” Zeng admitted. “Still, football seemed more valuable, and the NIU coaches agree.”
For now, Batavia focuses on the upcoming season. Senior quarterback Vander Luitgaren, in a playoff game against Glenbard East, performs confidently. Vander Luitgaren believes the team can average 40 points per game and aims to end Coach Piron’s tenure with a third state title, adding to those from 2013 and 2017. “We are aiming high and striving to surpass our goals,” Zeng declared. “My aim is to contribute as much as possible; winning the title is crucial.”
Offensive coordinator Anderson trusts Zeng’s abilities. “I’m more at ease throwing possession passes to Brennon, where he can leverage his size,” Anderson explained. “His speed is near Brett Berggren’s, and his solid hands help in making contested catches.”
Batavia’s Brennon Zeng scored early during a nonconference game against Glenbard West, illustrating his potential to make a substantial impact this season.
Quick Facts
- Team: Batavia
- 2025 Record: 10-3
Offensive Leaders
- Michael Vander Luitgaren, Senior, Quarterback
- Darin Ashiru, Senior, Wide Receiver
- Dane Trowbridge, Senior, Offensive Lineman
- Thomas Prescott, Senior, Tight End
- Brennon Zeng, Senior, Wide Receiver
Defensive Leaders
- Jack Brown, Senior, Linebacker
- Luke Gardner, Junior, Defensive Back
- Gavin McKelvie, Junior, Linebacker
- Giovanni Colamatteo, Senior, Defensive Back
- Amaree Daniels, Senior, Linebacker
X-factor
- Charlie Rosengren, Senior, Running Back