Class 7A WR’s to Watch

<strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/athan-kaliakmanis/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="20878" first="Tyler" last="Morris"]</span></a>, 6’, 170, Nazareth, JR</strong> The state’s best wide receiver in the 2022 class and one of the best in the entire country. Morris has game-breaking speed, to go along with incredible balance that makes him tough to bring down in space. He’s a four-star talent and is in the running for the #1 overall player spot in Illinois. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tyler-macon/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="20884" first="Ben" last="Clawson"]</span></a>, 6’, 190 Hersey, JR</strong> Clawson did most of his work from the slot and was elusive with the ball in his hands. He was electric as a returner as well and returned multiple kicks for scores in 2019. Hersey did a tremendous job of finding creative ways to get him the ball in the open. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/eli-reese/"><span class="name-pointer">Tyson Splinter</span></a>, 6’3, 205, Prospect, SR</strong> A taller wide receiver prospect with exceptionally long strides and good build up speed. Splinter lives for the jump ball and wins most 50/50 ball situations. It’s possible he could transition to tight end at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20255" first="Trey" last="Urwiler"], 5’10, 170, Batavia, SR</strong> To me, Urwiler is one of Illinois’ most fun prospects to watch. On film, he can line up anywhere on the field and will run sharp, concise routes. He has good speed that he uses to run by defensive backs and is a master of the double move. He is committed to Northern Illinois. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kaleb-garner/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="20254" first="Jaali" last="Parker"]</span></a>, 6’, 180, Mount Carmel, SR</strong> Parker is a true x receiver and is a consistent deep ball threat. He has quick feet and strong hands that he uses to get off press coverage and naturally stacks defenders. He was an absolute nightmare to guard in the RedZone in 2019. He is committed to Western Michigan. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kevin-conway/"><span class="name-pointer">Noah Marx</span></a>, 5’7, 170, Prospect, SR</strong> Marx produced in 2019, putting 900 total yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s a smaller, shiftier slot type wide receiver with good wiggle. Despite his size, Noah has shown the versatility to be able to line up on the outside and play x or z and has no issues getting off press coverage. This kid is a major sleeper, and I think will surprise a lot of people. <strong>Grant Alexander, 6’, 170, Thornton, SR</strong> This is a possession type receiver who will catch everything. Alexander has great leaping ability and isn’t afraid to climb the ladder with a safety bearing down on him. He’s a natural hands catcher who plucks the ball out of the air. <strong>Daniel Sobkowicz, 6’2, 190, Rolling Meadows, SR</strong> Daniel is a strong, wide receiver prospect who relishes press coverage. He has a great catch radius and will fight for the ball in traffic. He shows deceptive speed and has the ability to run by defensive backs. This guy has some of the cleanest press releases in all of Illinois. <strong>Braden Sayles, 6’, 190, Hononegah, SR</strong> Sayles is a burner, clocking a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash. He does a good job of setting up defenders and is patient with his routes. He’s evasive as a route runner and always seems to find a way to slip behind coverage. I think he’s going to be one of the big surprises in 7A this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20885" first="Toriano" last="Tate"], 6’1, 195, DeKalb, JR</strong> Tate burst onto the scene last fall as a sophomore and showed big playability. He’s a tough runner with the ball in his hands and looks like a running back in the open field. Tate has a strong build for a kid who’s only a junior and uses it as a punishing blocker. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20886" first="Adam" last="Criter"], 6’2, 180, Downers Grove North, JR</strong> Criter bursts off the ball and has overall good game speed. He has an innate ability to track the deep ball and can adjust on the fly accordingly. He showed serious ability as a kick returner and was a hard-nosed runner when finding a crease. I think he has FBS type potential. <strong>Dominic McCarren, 6’3, 190, Harlem, SR</strong> I think McCarren has some of the best hands in all of Illinois. The way he’s able to contort his body in awkward positions to make catches is in its own right, pretty incredible. He’s a taller wide receiver prospect who understands the scramble drill and how to help his quarterback. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20267" first="Ayden" last="Anderson"], 6’3, 190, Buffalo Grove, SR</strong> Ayden was a playmaking machine last fall, whether it be as a WR, DB, or as a return man. He understands zone coverage and is an expert at sitting in the hole in cover 2. He caught a lot of deep-balls in 2019, and I could see his stock rising with another big year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20838" first="Pierce" last="Walsh"], 6’4, 200, Benet, SO</strong> Walsh is a young kid who saw a lot of time on varsity as a freshman. He’s a fundamentally sound route runner who does a nice job at the top of his route. He’s a big kid, and I would not be shocked if he grew into a tight end. I’m very interested in following his development over the next three seasons.