Chicago Public League: ATH Watchlist

Being labeled an athlete as a recruit means that player has the skill set to line up anywhere on the field and be successful at more than one position. So, for the second installment of the Chicago Public League series, we shift our focus to some of the most promising prospects that have been hit with the ATH tag. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65258" first="Jordan" last="Collins"], 5’8, 160, <em>Chicago (Harlan) ’21</em></strong> <p style="text-align: left;">Collins is one of Chicago’s most talented football players you’ve probably never heard of. Out of the backfield, he’s a naturally gifted runner with the speed, vision, and quickness to cut back on a dime and accelerate without missing a beat. Has excellent hands and even better speed to get behind most defenders when lined up in the slot or out wide. Projects as a slot receiver at the next level with the ability to contribute as a returner on special teams.</p> &nbsp; <strong>Timothy Johnson, 6’1, 185, <em>Chicago (Lindblom) ’21</em></strong> Johnson plays the game with a “see ball, get ball” mentality. Johnson covers the field from sideline-to-sideline, picking off anything that enters his space. As a receiver, he has the speed to stack his defender and stretch the field vertically;  and as I’ve seen with most of Chicago’s receivers, he’s a willing blocker that loves initiating the contact. &nbsp; <strong>Donte Conn, 5’8, 155, <em>Chicago (Simeon) ’21</em></strong> After watching his film, I’ve concluded that there isn’t anything on the field that Donte Conn can’t do. Conn has a uniquely versatile skillset that enables him to have a significant impact in all three phases of the game. On offense, he’s a big play waiting to happen and is a threat out of the backfield or out wide. On defense, he’s not afraid to come up and hit and has the speed and ball skills to be an adequate cornerback. In the return game, he’s a blur, with the vision to set up blocks and consistently give his team good field position. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="53816" first="Arman" last="Oshana"], 6’3, 235, <em>Chicago (Lincoln Park) ’21</em></strong> Can be virtually impossible to block one-on-one and demands a double-team more times than none. Routinely collapses the pocket and is always in constant pursuit of the ball. Has the size to be a dominant interior lineman while possessing the speed and athleticism to play the end spot. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65553" first="Eric" last="Riley"], 6’, 160, <em>Chicago (UP-Bronzeville) ’21</em></strong> As a DB, Riley is an instinctive playmaker who excels in covering space and consistently finds himself around the ball. A 2019 Chicago All-City performer, Riley has the speed and hands to be a reliable WR but is best suited and projects as a DB at the next level. &nbsp; <strong>Jason Cannon Jr., 6’, 215, <em>Chicago (Phillips) ’21</em></strong> Has a rare combination of speed and strength that allows him to line up anywhere on the defensive line while still being able to rush the QB from a stand-up OLB position. Good with his hands and works well in tight spaces. Disruptive in the game and is relentless in his pursuit of the QB. &nbsp; <strong>Caylon Hall-Rattler, 6’4, 185, <em>Chicago (Longwood) ’21</em></strong> Hall-Rattler is a productive, sure-handed WR with the superb body control to adjust to bad throws. He knows how to use his size to his advantage, and at 6’4, there aren’t many DB’s winning the size matchup against Hall-Rattler. Tall and long for a FS and uses his wingspan to break up and pick off passes. &nbsp; <strong>Eric Thames, 5’10, 160, <em>Chicago (Al Raby) ’21</em></strong> Thames is a fundamentally sound man coverage cornerback with quick feet and fluid hips to turn and run with the best of them. Has great instincts and ball skills to go along with the toughness to be a factor in the run game. On offense, he’s a possession receiver that can consistently move the chains by creating separation at the top of his routes.