Chicago Public League: Wide Receiver Edition

Basketball has always reigned supreme in the Chicago Public League, producing notable NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker, and many more! In this first installment of the Chicago Public League Series, we take a look at some of the pass-catchers who could have very well been basketball hoop stars; instead, these athletes decided to take their talents to the gridiron. &nbsp; <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Dante’ Reynolds, 5’11, 180, <em>Chicago (Kenwood)</em> ’21</strong></p> <em>Committed: Boston College</em> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Reynolds is a big play waiting to happen. He’s electric, explosive, and a threat to take it to the house whenever he touches the ball. A burner downfield who routinely beats defensive backs on deep routes. Has elite vision and ball carrying skills which make taking him down in space a tall task for any defender.</p> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20261" first="George" last="Gumbs"], 6’4, 190, <em>Chicago (Simeon)</em> ’21</strong> <em>Offers: Bowling Green University, Western Michigan University, Minnesota State, Northwood University</em> Gumbs is a big-play possession receiver with the height and length to win any jump ball and projects with excellent red zone ability. He’s physical, aggressive, and is a willing blocker who consistently creates running alleys for his ball carriers. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20843" first="Malik" last="Elzy"], 6’1, 185, <em>Chicago (Simeon)</em> ’23</strong> <em>Offers: Michigan</em> The sky is the limit for [player_tooltip player_id="20843" first="Malik" last="Elzy"]. After a stellar freshman season, the dynamic wideout has already received an offer to play at Michigan. Dynamic and explosive as a deep threat, Elzy has a chance to become one of Illinois’ most coveted prospects by the time he’s a senior. &nbsp; <strong>Jayvon Moffett, 5’10, 160, <em>Chicago (Morgan Park)</em> ’21</strong> <em>Offers: Lawrence Tech University</em> Moffett is equipped with the speed and quickness to take the top off any defense but can be just as effective in the short-to-intermediate passing game. An excellent route runner with plenty of wiggle to create separation from defensive backs. Has the skill set to line up at any receiver position but is most dangerous when placed in the slot. &nbsp; <strong>Cameron Pickett, 5’10, 160, <em>Chicago (Brooks)</em> ’22</strong> Pickett is poised for a breakout junior season after being selected to Chicago’s All-City team as a sophomore. He’s an all-around receiver with explosive play-making ability. Uses his soft, yet strong hands to make routine tough catches in traffic. &nbsp; <strong>Martese Cole, 6’3, 180, <em>Chicago (Solorio)</em> ’21</strong> <em>Offers: Minnesota State, Bemidji State, Concordia St. Paul</em> Cole has the speed to stretch the field vertically, and at 6’3, he uses his height and impressive leaping ability to his advantage when the ball is in the air. A big and strong receiver who’s physical off the line and a willing blocker in the run.