Boom Showcase Day 2 Standouts: QB's & RB's

Overview On Sunday, August 9th, I attended the Boom Showcase in Naperville. The event featured testing like the 40-yard dash, shuttle and broad jump. Following that, players competed in individual drills and eventually went on to 1 on 1’s. The event had to have close to 400 kids in attendance and a large group of Division one prospects. Here’s which QB’s and RB’s stood out! <hr /> Quarterbacks James Cooper Jr, Harlem, SR Cooper currently ranks as our 18th best QB in the 2021 class, and he showed us exactly why on Sunday. This kid has a great arm and notable athleticism. Former Rush Head Coach Mike Hohensee raves about this kid’s potential, and I saw why on Sunday. Philip Hird, Warren, SR Olivet Nazarene’s newest commit was in attendance and had a solid performance. As always, he showed quick feet and a tight spiral. Don’t be shocked if he picks up more offers, despite his recent commitment. [player_tooltip player_id="20225" first="Hunter" last="Simmons"], Marion, SR He showed up with a fresh haircut and showed out. This kid has a Power 5 arm and so many raw tools you can work with. He could have been the biggest sleeper at the event. [player_tooltip player_id="20226" first="Ryan" last="Saxe"], Fremd, SR Saxe, to me, is another kid who isn’t getting the attention he deserves. The kid has a lightning-quick release, is an extremely accurate passer and can make plays with his feet. He constantly put the ball right on his target and was one of the best quarterbacks at the event. Ty Stewart, Kankakee, SR Do not let this kid’s size fool you; he can flat out play. Stewart may only be 5’10, but the kid can throw straight up darts. The ball jumped out of his hand all day, and he showed no issues with throwing on the move. Devin Swift, Rock Island, SR Swift is a sleeper who split time last fall at Rock Island. He has some tools you can work with, like a solid arm and the ability to get the ball out quick. I’m very interested in seeing his senior tape, as he could jump up some schools recruiting boards. [player_tooltip player_id="20864" first="Nevan" last="Cremascoli"], New Trier, JR This kid is every bit of 6’3, 205. Cremascoli stepped in last fall as a sophomore for New Trier and played well. He came out and displayed great footwork and impressive deep ball touch. Right now, he’s Illinois’ 7th rated QB in the 2022 class, and it looks like he could battle to move up. [player_tooltip player_id="20865" first="Justin" last="Kowalak"], Crystal Lake South, JR Kowalak is one of those guys who just does everything right. He naturally climbs the pocket with his eyes downfield and squares his shoulders on the run. I think the 2021 season could be a breakout one for him. [player_tooltip player_id="20860" first="Dontrell" last="Jackson Jr."], Marist, JR This guy shows up at events and always shows why he’s a Major FBS talent. Jackson showed off his arm Sunday and was one of the most consistent QB’s at the event. To me, he’s an ideal fit in a spread offense where they can take advantage of his athletic ability. [player_tooltip player_id="20866" first="Nashon" last="Johnson"], Eisenhower, JR I just found out Sunday that Johnson had transferred from Proviso East to Eisenhower. Let me tell you if I’m Eisenhower’s coach, I’m thrilled! This lefty is such a competitor and constantly dropped deep balls right in the breadbasket for his wide receivers. He was calm and composed all day and showed why he’s one of IL’s best in the 2022 class.   Other QB’s Who Stood Out Vincenzo Meschi, Bolingbrook, SR Eli Downen, Carterville, SR Keegan Glover, Benton, JR <hr /> Running backs [player_tooltip player_id="20242" first="Nate" last="Thomas"], Thornwood, SR Thornwood’s newest back came out and looked great all night. He’s got a good build to him, to go along with impressive cutting ability. He can outrun angles and can catch the ball out of the backfield. I think more offers are coming for this young man. Joe Sacco, St. Edward, SR A smaller back with great burst and production. Sacco is athletic enough to even line up in the slot if need be and showed soft hands in positional drills. He’s definitely a versatile kid to watch for this winter. Josh Bridges, St. Charles North, SR This kid can fly! I was really impressed by his burst, acceleration, and overall speed. Bridges got out of his cuts with ease and showed solid footwork. St. Charles North had a ton of talent at the event, and Bridges was one of their best. Joshua Brown, Willowbrook, JR I had seen Brown’s film at Defensive end as a sophomore and the kid dominated. He’s making the move to running back this winter, and I can’t wait to watch. He is put together at 5’9, 185, and is so explosive. Despite playing defensive end in 2019, he looked like he never missed a beat at running back. He could blow up in recruiting with a big junior season. <img class="" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EfBHAi_WkAUztKS?format=jpg&name=small" alt="Image" width="541" height="388" /> [player_tooltip player_id="37722" first="Keshawn" last="Ford"], Trinity (MO), SO Ford recently transferred to Trinity after a phenomenal freshman season at Pattonville High School. I hadn’t heard about him prior to this event, but he’s most certainly on my radar now. Ford is pegged as the next running back at powerhouse Trinity high school, and you can clearly see why. He has good size at 5’11, 190 and is athletic as they come. [player_tooltip player_id="20839" first="Kaleb" last="Miller"], Nazareth, SO One of our scouts, Darnell Clay, raved about #546 and for a good reason. Miller is listed as a running back, but honestly, he can play like six different positions. He was one of the best players at the event, regardless of age. Caleb is so athletic and was a stud for Nazareth as a freshman. To me, he’s a no-brainer Power 5 recruit. <img class="" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EfBgTv_WkAAkXYM?format=jpg&name=large" alt="Image" width="486" height="377" />   Other RB’s Who Stood Out Preston Sumner, Carterville, SR Corey Phillips, Kaneland, JR