Junior Watchlist: Part 1
Christian Keyhea, ATH, 6’, 170, Mt. Zion Keyhea recently came up on my radar after his head coach had sent me his film, and quite honestly, he was a game-breaker last fall. Christian excelled as both a wide receiver and…
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Continue ReadingChristian Keyhea, ATH, 6’, 170, Mt. Zion
Keyhea recently came up on my radar after his head coach had sent me his film, and quite honestly, he was a game-breaker last fall. Christian excelled as both a wide receiver and free safety, making big play, after big play. As a wide receiver, he had surprisingly long strides and deceptive speed that caused defenders to consistently be playing catch up. Free-safety is where I think his future is, as he is a natural at reading the quarterbacks eyes and breaking on route concepts. Keyhea, can return kicks as well and even took one 84 yards to the house as a sophomore. Christian Keyhea is a no-brainer FBS prospect, and I think he’ll be picking up some offers in the very near future.
Connor Murphy Connor Murphy 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Glenbard South | 2022 State IL , DE, 6’3, 230, Glenbard South
Murphy is a true 5-technique defensive end, with a great frame he can grow into. He’s been a varsity contributor since his freshman season and has consistently shown glimpses of major potential. Connor put together an excellent sophomore season, producing 84 tackles, six sacks and eight tackles for loss. On-Film, he plays with strong hands and has adequate bend to get beyond offensive tackles. Murphy does a great job of keep his shoulders square when unblocked and chasing the ball down once handed off. He is key cog in the run game and a guy who gets great extension on offensive lineman and rips off to make tackles. Murphy has a lot of tools, and I think he’s going to continue to develop into a nice prospect over the next two seasons.
Hunter DeVena, OLB, 6’2, 200, Galesburg
DeVena, is relentless when it comes to getting after the passer. This guy is so explosive off the snap and extremeley slippery when getting blocked in pass protection. DeVena lived in the backfield in 2019 and was a natural at getting off blocks and making tackles behind the line. He’s consistnet in pass coverage and can come up and make tackles in space. This kid is an ideal fit for a 3-4 scheme and could be one of the most complete LB’s in 2022 class. When our updated rankings are released, I fully expect DeVena to be on them, as this kid is a speical talent.
Jake Pieper, WR, 5’8, 170, Vernon Hills
Pieper was the last man outside our 2022 Top 10 WR rankings, and truthfully, he has every bit of talent to be in there. Pieper is a true slot receiver who started on varsity last fall and dominated. He’s a technician as a route runner and understands how to eat up a DB’s cushion. He is a natural hands catcher who can position his body to make catches out of awkward body angles. He has great burst out of his stance and plenty of speed to break a short reception into a long touchdown. He doubled as a DB in 2019 and was a ballhawk, giving opposing QB’s serious issues. Pieper right now doesn’t have any offers, but after a big junior season, I fully expect that to change.