Southwestern Conference Illinois WR Sleepers

The Southwestern Conference (SWC) is stacked with powerhouse schools which is home to many phenomenal athletes. Since the SWC is so dominant and competitive, it’s not usual for some athletes to fall under the radar. Here’s a look at some of the conference sleepers that are sure to make their own personal statements this upcoming season: <img class="wp-image-34707 alignleft" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/image-e1595007954267-300x278.png" alt="" width="233" height="216" /> [player_tooltip player_id="20259" first="Latrell" last="Bonner"] O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, Illinois 6’3 185lbs Latrell "Redzone" Bonner is a threat on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Last season, Bonner showed he has the ability to make game-changing plays for the O’Fallon offense. He shows true pride by committing to stay on the field at all times in order to contribute to his team’s success. Bonner’s great ability to run routes is often a problem for defenses which makes him such a threat offensively. On top of that, his lengthy body and the ways he can maneuver in the air is truly a threat to defensive backs. Bonner looks to take more of a true leadership role this upcoming season to help his team compete for a state championship. Latrell gets the nickname "Redzone" from his teammates because they see him as a threat to offenses and defenses whenever he is playing in the Redzone.     <img class="wp-image-34889 alignleft" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_3205-241x300.jpeg" alt="" width="220" height="274" />Kenneth Cotton East Saint Louis High School, East Saint Louis, Illinois 5’9 170lbs You can catch Kenneth Cotton this upcoming season shifting around in the Slot intimidating defenses. In this position, Cotton feels like having great knowledge of the game helps to perfect his craft. He has great hands and loves to attack the ball as he has been identified as an aggressive catch WR. Cotton has a lot of talent from his footwork all the way to his hands making him a solid route runner. Cotton will always challenge himself to be a leader but is looking to lead more by example this year while making sure he is precise in taking on his own role for the East Saint Louis Flyers, who will be looking to grab yet another IHSA Championship. Cotton wants his opponents and spectators to know 2020 "This that year" - Kenneth Cotton   [caption id="attachment_34709" align="alignleft" width="201"]<img class=" wp-image-34709" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2520-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="304" /> Photo: Julie, Jaylen Ford Profile[/caption] Jaylen Ford Belleville East High School, Belleville, Illinois 6’0 175lbs Jaylen Ford is a tremendous athlete who is a threat to any defensive back 1on1. Ford makes an effort to always attack the ball while it is in the air. Along with being a great WR with great hands, explosiveness, and precise route running, Ford takes pride in blocking for his teammates. If he isn’t getting the ball, he wants to make sure the offense is still moving downfield. You can expect a lot more touches from Ford this upcoming season. Ford is looking to release a lot more out of the backfield this year as a way to cause chaos for linebackers.     <img class="wp-image-34711 alignleft" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2528-231x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="261" /> Tim Johnson Alton High School, Alton, Illinois 5’10 175lbs Tim Johnson is determined to become a D1 athlete as he has been working with college players to prepare himself for the next level. Johnson is the definition of a versatile football player. You can spot him in the backfield, slot, or returning the ball. Whenever Johnson is on the field and he sees daylight, get ready to put the spotlight on him! Johnson has excellent field vision for being a High School football player. With great vision and speed, Tim Johnson is a difficult athlete to stop with the ball in his hand.   <img class="wp-image-34890 alignleft" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/9342689_bef3060fef8d48daa26f002408eb8adc-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="201" /> Grant Mataralia Edwardsville Senior High School, Edwardsville, Illinois 5’10 150lbs Don’t let the size fool you with Grant Mataralia, this kid is a stud athlete who is looking to expose defensive teams this year. He knows that he is an undersized kid but he will still put his head down and run through anyone of his opponents. This offseason, Mataralia has spent a lot of time getting stronger and perfecting his route running. Mataralia has a great football IQ as a slot WR and he is special when it comes to identifying coverages, cutting routes off, or even making them longer depending on what he sees from the defensive team.   [caption id="attachment_34710" align="alignleft" width="251"]<img class=" wp-image-34710" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_8996-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="251" height="188" /> Photo: Jadin Brazil Scrimmage[/caption] Jadin Brazil Belleville West High School, Belleville, Illinois 6’0 160lbs Jadin Brazil is truly different as he is the only Junior athlete to make this list! His mentality and work ethic separates him from others. Brazil wakes up at 5 am for workouts and takes pride in making sure his body is healthy. Before Brazil steps on the field, he puts into his head that he will dominate his opponent no matter how they are built. Brazil is extremely quick with and without the ball. While he is gifted within his athletic and physical abilities, Brazil has taken a lot of time to perfect his footwork, route running, and blocking. He is a servant leader for his team, he will do everything 100% and makes sure he holds his teammates accountable as well. Brazil is the type of kid who will go score a 70-yard touchdown and bring water to his offensive lineman after the play. Being ranked the #7 Sophmore in the state of Illinois last year, Jadin Brazil is looking to break many college scouts radars!