"Winners Win" Camp: Top Performers

Chicago has been widely renown as a hoops city with the immense amount of talent it has produced. We all know of Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis, Isaiah Thomas, and the list goes on--and on. What goes unnoticed is the number of talented football players who reside in Chicago, and this past weekend, I was introduced to a bunch of players flying under the radar. A well-respected coach and mentor in the city by the name of Bruce Cabell is on a mission to develop the football talent he comes across. His drive and determination to give back to Chicago is how the "Winners Win" football camp came about. I didn’t know what to expect by this being my first time attending one of his camps but let me be the first to tell you, the turn-out was great, and the competition was high-level. So without further ado, let’s recap the top performers from this weekend’s camp.   [player_tooltip player_id="20351" first="Aldo" last="Brown"] | DB | Kenwood ’21 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47099" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2781-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> I’m confused as to why this kid doesn’t have more interest from D1 and D2 programs! Whoever takes a chance on this kid won’t have any regrets. He’s a big CB that excels in press coverage and doesn’t mind getting physical at the line. He showed he’s a true man-coverage CB that can cover with the best of them.   Cameron Pickett | WR | Brooks ’22 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47101" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2788-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Cam is a special player. To be as young as he is, his demeanor is "all about business." He showed up ready to work and validated my take on being one of the best WRs in the state. Has a strong build which makes it hard for DBs to get a clean jam on him. What I love about his game the most is that he consistently gets open with the separation he creates at the top of his routes.   [player_tooltip player_id="65877" first="Ryan" last="Sims"] | WR | Marist ’23 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47106" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2782-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Ryan’s upside is through the roof. Only a sophomore, he’s every bit of 6’3" with a ton of room left to grow. His size automatically makes him a mismatch for the average DB. Has quick feet and is a very skilled route runner that gets in and out of his breaks with ease. Can be a matchup nightmare in the red zone.   Rasand Hall |DB| Shepard ’21 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47115" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2786-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> The junior DB out of Shepard HS wasn’t on my radar before this weekend’s camp, but after watching him compete, it was clear that he has a ton of talent. He’s a fundamentally sound athlete who can play either CB or S. During 1-on-1’s he displayed great man-coverage skills. Also showed he has the range to cover the entire field during 7-on-7 play.   [player_tooltip player_id="65553" first="Eric" last="Riley"] | DB | UP-Bronzeville ’21 <img class="alignnone wp-image-47119 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2804-e1598808942174-230x300.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="300" /> Eric is a long and rangy DB who loves to get physical at the line. Showed great hip fluidity while turning and running with the receivers. Has a long wingspan and he uses it to deflect passes routinely. I also love that Eric seems to remain poised and never get rattled by anything.   Taylen Goodwin | ATH | Brooks ’23 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47121" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2787-205x300.jpg" alt="" width="205" height="300" /> Taylen is your prototypical slot receiver. He’s quick, has great hands, runs good routes, and understands how to find the holes in the zone. He made running routes and getting separation look easy when it’s really not. Taylen also displayed his knack for getting open and attacking the ball at its highest point.   Mayon Lowery | LB | Brooks ’21 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47122" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2801-208x300.jpg" alt="" width="208" height="300" /> Mayon’s leadership ability stood out from the time the camp began until it was over. He has a tremendous football IQ and is always in the right place at the right time. Gives maximum effort and takes no plays off. I think you have to get the pads on to see his true value; the coaches in attendance told me he’s a beast coming downhill that loves to lay the boom.   Chidiebere Anaelel | ATH | Brooks ’22 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47123" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2800-201x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="300" /> Chidiebere is a freak-athlete who can play just about anywhere on the field. He’s a special player who I believe is going to have a bright future in football. Long and rangy with an incredible wingspan and decent speed and quick feet make him probably one of the more versatile athletes I’ve scouted. He spent some time at DE last season so he’s another athlete whose true value is increased when the pads come on. His coaches raved about his motor and ability to dominate his position.   Darius Jordan | OL/DL | Brooks ’21 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47125" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2785-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Darius is probably one of the most athletic 300-pounders in the state of Illinois. I was amazed at how easy he was going through the individual drills. His feet are surprisingly quick and the way he moves laterally at his size is just flat-out unfair. This kid is a beast and I’m confident in saying that there aren’t too many linemen as mobile as Darius Jordan.   Jamareon Dale | RB | Brooks ’22 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-47127" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2790-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Jamareon is a natural runner of the football who has good speed and a quick burst. He adds value to any backfield with his ability to catch the ball. Moves well laterally and possesses the necessary speed and quickness to make defenders miss in space.   Other players in attendance: Kamari Harmon | Brooks ’22 Mark Belin | Brooks ’21 Brandon Fisher | Brooks ’23 Lawrence Nalls | Brooks ’23 Ravon Williams | Brooks ’22 Brandon Lewis Jr. | Kenwood ’24