Who stood out from Boom Showcase Day 2, Class of 2021 Defense

Sunday’s Boom Showcase ended two days of talented football players, over 550 in total, which saw some impressive players across many grade levels. With that in mind let’s take a look at some of the seniors who impressed Sunday night in Naperville. Asa Cooper – DB/WR – Coal City High School Taking one look at Cooper and you realize that he already has a college ready body. He is a shredded 5-foot-10-inches weighing 180-pounds and moves very well. During individual drills he looked smooth and very quick. Turned his hips well. Very good hands as well, which is why Cooper can be looked at as an athlete right now. Very well could end up on either side of the ball. Jalen Pace – LB – Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (Missouri) With his Hall of Fame father Orlando in attendance, the younger Pace did not disappoint. Their frames are completely different, as Jalen carries his 6-foot-3-inches well. Another player who performed during individual drills and then 1-on-1’s. Pace picked off two passes during the 1-on1’s, showing that he could be a defensive hybrid-type player at the next level. Coverage skills with his size are hard to come by. Pace holds an offer from Dayton but expect him to start garnering more interest. Marc Davila – CB – Warren Township High School Davila was a player who stood out both during the individual drills and during the 1-on-1 portion towards the end of camp. What I like the most was his willingness to take reps. The young man just wants to get better and better, often facing the best receiver running the route and was successful in shutting most of them down. Davila has the elite corners’ edge, wants to play on an island and can play press or off the ball. He thrived in 1-on-1’s. Michael Bumpus – DL – St. Francish High School Although there weren’t pads on during the showcase, Bumpus still stood out for moving very well in small spaces. When a defensive lineman can move like Bumpus can, it’s going to be a long day for opposing offensive linemen. He is a bit of a tweener right now, Bumpus could play on the line or a few yards behind with the linebackers. It’s a good problem to have. Others who impressed: Jordan Nubin – DB – St. Charles North Aveon Pittman – DB – Kankakee High School Chris Simmons – DB – St. Charles North Darrell Thornton Jr – DB – Elgin High School Anthony Turnage – DB – Johnsburg High School Caleb Dietlin – DL – West Aurora High School DaRon Logan – DL – Zion-Benton LB Adam Sturtz – Naperville North