IL’s Five Most Underrated 2021 FBS Recruits

<strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="20254" first="Jaali" last="Parker"], WR, 6’, 180, Mount Carmel</strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="20254" first="Jaali" last="Parker"] loves the go ball and adequately stacks corners like it’s second nature. Parker is a strong leaper and attacks the football. He’s a go-to target in the redzone and naturally plucks the ball out of the air. Parker is a talented route runner who lulls DB’s to sleep before running right by them. He plays strong on film and makes it a point of emphasis to finish blocks. On film, Jaali consistently finds a way to get behind coverage. He has no problem beating press and plays as if he encourages it.</span> &nbsp; <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="20236" first="Sean" last="Allen"], RB, 5’9, 190, Homewood Flossmoor</strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">This is easily one of the state’s most explosive prospects and one of the more underrated backs in Illinois regardless of class. As a junior, he ran 2,402 yards and 25 touchdowns and broke the school’s single-season rushing record. Allen is smaller back with phenomenal vision and blistering speed. He runs sharp routes out of the backfield and creates a mismatch on opposing teams outside linebackers. He’s got a ton of wiggle and could make someone miss in a phone booth. Right now, Allen holds two FBS offers from the likes of Kent State and Buffalo, and my hat goes off to those two programs. I think this kid is a game-breaker and has Power-5 Potential.</span> [caption id="attachment_21629" align="alignnone" width="347"] Homewood Flossmoor RB [player_tooltip player_id="20236" first="Sean" last="Allen"][/caption]&nbsp; <strong>3. <a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/drayton-charlton-perrin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">[player_tooltip player_id="20269" first="Drayton" last="Charlton-Perrin"]</a>, TE, 6’4, 235, Glenbrook North</strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Charlton-Perrin is a deceptively quick TE prospect who’s a natural hands catcher. He can split out at X receiver in the redzone and can cause a jump ball mismatch with corners. He’s agile after the catch and it often takes the third defender to bring him down. He’s ruthless as a blocker, whether it be inline or split out in the slot. Charlton-Perrin revels in trapping or counter trey situations. He’s a constant competitor who plays from whistle to whistle and is always looking for work.</span> [caption id="attachment_21636" align="alignnone" width="249"] Glenbrook North TE [player_tooltip player_id="20269" first="Drayton" last="Charlton-Perrin"][/caption]&nbsp; <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="20318" first="Malachi" last="McNeal"], LB, 6’, 220, Warren</strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">McNeal seems like he’s everywhere on film. This guy is a playmaking machine, who gives offensive coordinators fits. This is an explosive linebacker with exceptional burst. He’s a strong special teams contributor who has a knack for just making something happen. He’s relentless when it comes to getting after the passer and will throw RB’s off of him to get there. McNeal is a superb run stopper and accelerates through the hole to make tackles behind the LOS.</span> &nbsp; <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="20216" first="Jackson" last="Carsello"], OL, 6’4, 275, Glenbrook North</strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Carsello, to me, is easily one of the state’s best offensive lineman. He drives his feet on contact and climbs to the second level efficiently. He plays with good hand placement on the breastplate, which causes defenders to struggle to get out of his grasp. He is a natural knee bender and does a great job of punching on a rise. He’s a strong pass protector who moves well laterally. Currently, he has three Power-5 offers, but I think that list is only going to grow. Don’t be shocked if Carsello moves up our offensive line rankings quickly.</span> &nbsp;