Lake County’s Hidden Gems: Five 2021 Wide Receivers Flying Under the Radar
Lake County, IL, has always been a hotbed for football talent; but for some reason, the players in this area don’t receive the recognition they deserve and continue to fly under the radar. This article will highlight five of Lake…
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Continue ReadingLake County, IL, has always been a hotbed for football talent; but for some reason, the players in this area don’t receive the recognition they deserve and continue to fly under the radar.
This article will highlight five of Lake County’s most under-the-radar wide receivers who are all poised for breakout seasons.
Luther Thompson III, 5’9, 160, Warren (Gurnee)
Thompson III is a prototypical slot receiver. He has the speed and quickness to stretch the field vertically but the catch and run game is where he becomes a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s one of the state’s best returners, so when he catches the ball in space—good luck. He’s sure-handed, an excellent route runner, and he’s not afraid to get physical with opposing defensive backs. Look for Thompson III to have an expanded role on a Warren team that came up short last year’s Class 8A Illinois State Championship game.
Javerius McGuinn, 5’11, 162, Wauconda
McGuinn is a big play waiting to happen. He’s fast, elusive, and can change directions without losing any speed. His superb body control allows him to contort himself to make tough catches routine. But it’s McGuinn’s ability to snag the ball that makes him such a promising prospect, If the ball Is near him, he’s coming down with it.
Branden Nava, 6’2, 170, Lakes (Lake Villa)
The senior wideout from Lake Villa has a knack for getting open and tracking the ball. He’s excellent at reading coverages and finding the holes in the zone. At 6’2, Nava poses a matchup problem for smaller defensive backs. He’s a big target with a big catch radius and often becomes the security blanket for his QB. His speed is deceptive and he uses it to excel in the vertical passing game.
Photo Credit- Joe Lewnard, Daily Herald
Tony Hines II, 6’0, 180, Grayslake North
Tony Hines II commands the attention of opposing defenses the moment he steps on the field. His versatility allows him to play over-the-top, underneath, in the slot, or out wide. He instinctively uses his size to shield off smaller defenders and routinely catches the ball at its highest point. Once the ball is in his hands, he has the elusiveness and vision of an elite level running back, which makes him a threat to take it to the house whenever he touches the rock.
Syam Atade, 6’3, 200, Mundelein
Atade is a physical specimen. At 6’3 200 pounds, he’s a complete package at the receiver position and has the potential to be one of the top receivers in the state of Illinois. He has a rare combination of size and speed that gives him a physical mismatch against most defenders. His size allows him to overpower and leap over defensive backs, making him a viable option in the RedZone, but he still possesses the speed to run past you and rip off big plays. He’s physical off the line and knows how to use his strength to beat press coverage easily, and unlike the average receiver, Atade is looking to run you over when he gets the ball. He might be flying under the radar as of now, but look for Atade to put the state on notice once his senior season kicks off.