PRZ Showcase Standouts: QB's, RB's, WR's & TE's

The first-ever Prep Redzone Showcase was a special one, filled with talented prospects across every level from D1-D3. There were kids who attended that were already on coaches radars and kids who now are based on their performance Saturday. All participants were height & weighted along with being tested in the 40-yard dash and the shuttle. Here’s who stood out! <hr /> QB’s TJ Chenoweth, Peotone, 5’11, 153, 2022 Kid tested well running a 4.72 40 yard dash. He’s an athletic prospect who could potentially play another position at the next level. Very interested in seeing his junior film. [player_tooltip player_id="20233" first="Kevin" last="Conway"], Providence, 6’1, 190, 2021 Conway was one of the best QB prospects at the camp. He’s got great footwork, a solid arm, and impressive touch. He and running back Isaiah Vaughn are going to make a dangerous combo for the Celtics this winter. James Cooper Jr, Harlem, 5’11, 175, 2021 This guy is a true spread offense QB who plays with a gunslinger mentality. He showed a clean release and was in sync with his wideouts during the entire 1 on 1 session. He is fun to watch and could end up being a steal for someone. Jalen Cunningham, Thornwood, 6’3.5, 201, 2021 Jalen may be the fastest rising QB prospect in all of Illinois. He measured in at nearly 6’4, ran well at a 4.88, and showed a big arm during 1 on 1’s. He consistently hit the deep ball and had phenomenal mechanics. [player_tooltip player_id="20863" first="Mark" last="Forcucci"], Wheaton North, 5’11, 178, 2022 Not many people know about Mark just yet, but they will soon. He was the main man behind center for Wheaton North as a sophomore and showed a ton of potential. During the event, he was calm and composed and showed a really quick release. I think he’ll sneak up on some people this fall. Eli Downen, Carterville, 6’4, 215, 2021 I think Downen has a very high ceiling and a ton of tools you can work with. He moves pretty well fora bigger QB and can make off-schedule throws. During the 1 on 1 period, he showed he was extremely accurate in short-mid-range throws. Michael Ford, Oswego East, 6, 177, 2021 Entering the event, I had never heard of Michael Ford before, but after seeing he clocked in at a 4.75, I went and watched his tape while we were at the event. Ford has a good arm, nice ball placement, and throws a tight spiral. He’s definitely a sleeper who could be on some people boards following this event. Keegan Glover, Benton, 5’11, 165, 2022 Keegan is another kid who ran well in the 40, running a 4.75 himself. He had plenty of production as a sophomore and showed active feet during 1 on 1’s. He’s got great timing and anticipation on outward breaking routes. [player_tooltip player_id="20861" first="Nathan" last="Hayes"], St. Charles East, 6’4, 190, 2022 To me, Hayes was the best quarterback prospect at the event. This kid threw a pretty ball during individual and 1 on 1’s. He’s got pinpoint accuracy and showed some solid top-end speed, clocking in at a 4.84 40 yard dash. The offers are coming; you just watch. Ryan Hampton, Edwardsville, 6’1.5, 176, 2021 This kid has an impressive arm and can really air it out. He had a great day and showed he can make throws on all three levels. He deserves much more recruiting attention, and I think it could be coming very soon. Vincenzo Meschi, Bolingbrook, 6’1, 185, 2021 The Brook has their next talented QB Prospect in Meschi. He moved well running a 4.81 40 yard dash and showed his true athleticism. Vincenzo has a compact release and showed some serious zip on his ball-throwing to inward breaking routes. [player_tooltip player_id="20225" first="Hunter" last="Simmons"], Marion, 6’1.5, 241, 2021 I’ll be honest; I don’t know many quarterbacks who can run a 4.91 at 241. Hunter had probably the best arm at the event and was spectacular during 1 on 1’s. Someone needs to come scoop this kid up! [player_tooltip player_id="20230" first="Alex" last="Moeller"], Prospect, 5’10.5, 156, 2021 This guy can scoot and showed impressive change of direction. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he does a great job throwing on the run and can extend plays with his feet. He’s got good footwork and does a good job transitioning his weight on deep throws. Gino Martino, West Aurora, 6’1, 179, 2023 This kid is exactly why I love events like this. I had no clue about Martino before this event started, and then he ran a 4.71 40 yard dash and a 4.56 shuttle. Impressive speed and agility for a kid who is only going to be a sophomore. Tyjaune Stewart, Kankakee, 5’9.5, 162, 2021 Tyjaune is a competitor and consistently produces at events like this. He posted the fastest 40 time for a quarterback, clocking in at a 4.58. He’s such an impressive athlete who has a future at either QB, RB or WR at the next level. To me, he’s vastly underrated. Tyler Szabo, Glenbard North, 6’2.5, 178, Glenbard North Need a QB who runs in the high 4.5 range? Look no further cause Mr. Szabo is here. Tyler ran a 4.59-yard dash and showed a really pretty spiral during individual drills. This kid could be a quick riser, now that he’s the man behind center for GBN. [player_tooltip player_id="20226" first="Ryan" last="Saxe"], Fremd, 6’, 173, 2021 Don’t sleep on this kid, because he’s a heck of a ballplayer. Saxe dropped the ball right into the breadbasket of his wideouts in 1 on 1’s and showed a tight spiral. He’s going to need to add a little weight to his frame, but the talent is evident. [player_tooltip player_id="20894" first="Kevin" last="Zimmer"], Carl Sandburg, 6’2.5, 233, 2022 Whether you want him to play tight end or quarterback, he’ll do whatever you ask. Zimmer played both at our showcase and showed a ton of potential at both positions. His ceiling is through the roof, and he showed that on Saturday. Others Who Stood Out Tyler Hartman, La Salle Peru, 6’1.5, 205, 2021 Aidan Pieper, Nazareth, 6’2, 190, 2022 Jameson Sheehan, Cary Grove, 6’3, 181, 2022 Brandon Rogers, Mount Carmel, 5’10, 179, 2022 Isaac Whisenand, Hononegah, 6’1, 160, 2022 <hr /> RB’s Josh Bridges, St. Charles North, 5’10, 184, 2021 Bridges was cooking on Saturday, running a 4.56 40 yard dash. He constantly shows up at events and runs well. He can do it all, run between the tackles or catch the ball out of the backfield. He used his speed to run by defenders in 1 on 1’s. Jordan Collins, Harlan, 5’7, 152, 2021 If you want him to play slot, he’ll do that if you want him to play running back, he’ll do that too. Ohh, and by the way, he can run too, clocking in at a 4.52. He’s one of the bigger sleepers at the event, and someone could get a steal in him. [player_tooltip player_id="20245" first="Davion" last="Cherwin"], South Elgin, 5’8.5, 193, 2021 I’ve known about Davion for quite some time, but man, I didn’t know he was 4.48 fast! He showed impressive cutting ability during individual drills and was a nightmare to guard during 1 on 1’s. I’m a bit surprised more schools haven’t come into the picture yet. [player_tooltip player_id="20872" first="Trevor" last="Burnett"], Glenbard South, 5’9.5, 171, 2022 Go turn on the tape of Trevor, and you will be impressed. Trevor showed great burst and acceleration in drills and used that to transition to 1 on 1’s. He won almost every rep and showed receiver like route running ability. Evan Leake, Mount Vernon, 5’8.5, 191, 2021 I was sent Evan’s tape a few months back and was really impressed by his film. He hasn’t garnered a ton of recruiting attention because he plays for a small school, but that could change quickly because he ran a 4.45 40 yard dash, which was the fastest time Saturday. He’s quick, explosive and can make you miss with the football in his hands. [player_tooltip player_id="20369" first="Ja’Arie" last="Mack"], Joliet Catholic, 6’, 212, 2021 He can play all over the field on offense and will make plays for you. He dominated during 1 on 1’s and showed his versatility. I think he’s either a WR or H back at the next level, but whatever he plays you will get good production from him. Ryan Mann, Vernon Hills, 5’11.5, 204, 2021 Ryan is such a crisp route runner out of the backfield and is a natural hands catcher. He dazzled during 1 on 1’s and was fantastic at putting his foot in the ground and getting out of the top of his route. I’m calling it; he’s going to have a big senior year. [player_tooltip player_id="20839" first="Kaleb" last="Miller"], Nazareth, 5’6.5, 155, 2023 Mr. Miller came to our camp as an RB, but he could potentially play on either side of the ball. He used his speed to run past linebackers and showed great acceleration during individual. He’s one of the more fun prospects to watch in all of Illinois. Nasir Latham, Lane Tech, 5’7.5, 158, 2021 People need to know about Latham, as he had a solid junior season for Lane Tech and could be a quick riser as a senior. He posted one of the top shuttle times coming in at 4.31 and showed how quickly he can get in and out of cuts. I liked his film and liked him even more in person. Preston Sumner, Carterville, 6’2, 215, 2021 I would not want to tackle this kid. He’s big, strong, and fast, and showed that on Saturday afternoon. Preston clocked in an impressive 4.61 40 yard dash time. It’s very hard to find a kid that looks like Sumner and can move like him too. A big senior year could be coming [player_tooltip player_id="20241" first="Samson" last="Zander"], Glenbard West, 5’7.5, 166, 2021 Zander was one of the best backs at the camp, and I was excited to finally see him in person. He’s so explosive with the football in his hands and can run away from defenders. He showed he could stop on a dime and accelerate with zero issues. I’m shocked he’s still available; someone needs to lock down his commitment. [player_tooltip player_id="20242" first="Nate" last="Thomas"], Thornwood, 5’8, 210, 2021 I think [player_tooltip player_id="20242" first="Nate" last="Thomas"] is one of the more slept on backs in all of Illinois. He’s got an elite mixture of vision, patience, and power. He had a great junior campaign and a good camp too. He’s put together and showed on Saturday he can work LB’s in 1 on 1 situations. Aaron Vaughn Jr, Providence, 5’8.5, 177, 2021 Vaughn is a kid who I think will have a monster junior season. He runs behind his pads and plays really strong. I was impressed by how solid he looks in person. He’ll be one of IL’s best backs in the 2022 class. Others Who Stood Out Darrion Dupree, Mount Carmel, 5’10, 163, 2024 Ethan Bridges, St. Charles North, 5’9, 175, 2021 Jalen Wiggins, Belleville East, 5’5.5, 157.2, 2021 Andres Pinto, Maine South, 5’7.5, 155, 2023 <hr /> WR’s/TE’s [player_tooltip player_id="20895" first="Aaron" last="Carl"], Galesburg, 6’5, 225, 2022 Carl has the chance to be one of the best tight end prospects in all of Illinois. He moves well, he doesn’t get stuck at the top of his route, and has soft hands for a big guy. I was impressed with his route running ability he gave DB’s some problems! [player_tooltip player_id="20884" first="Ben" last="Clawson"], Hersey, 5’11, 190, 2022 One of the top WR’s in Illinois’ 2022 class showed great burst off the ball and the ability to run under the deep ball. He’s slick after the catch and is slippery in space. He showed he can easily get off press and can stack defenders like it’s second nature. Kendrick Watkins-Houge, Galesburg, 6’, 169, 2021 He transferred in from Iowa, but he’s already making his presence known in Illinois. Watkins-Hogue is a fantastic route runner who works back to the football. He knows how to stem a DB and can get them to open their hips early and often. [player_tooltip player_id="20836" first="Carnell" last="Tate"], Marist, 6’2.5, 180, 2023 The best prospect at the camp regardless of position. The kid catches everything and has no issues beating press. He’s got violent hands that he uses to swipe defender’s arms away and pluck the ball out of the air. [player_tooltip player_id="20885" first="Toriano" last="Tate"], DeKalb, 6’, 185, 2022 He is fun to watch, and I think he has FBS type potential. This guy has great acceleration and is a serious deep threat. He showed solid top-end speed and the ability to track the football in the air. KeShon Singleton, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 5’11.5, 186, 2023 This kid’s stock is going to rise FAST. He just came up on my radar, and I was fired up to get him out to our camp. He’s such a polished route runner for a kid who’s only going to be a sophomore. I think he’ll be a Power 5 kid when it’s all said and done. Dane Pardridge, Marmion, 5’11, 155, 2022 Dane moves well and showed that on Saturday, clocking in at a 4.62 40 yard dash. I think by this time next year he’ll no question be running in the low-4.5 range. He can play inside or outside receiver and showed serious explosiveness getting out of his routes. Ryan Orput, Hinsdale Central, 6’3.5, 211, 2021 Orput made himself some money Saturday, clocking in at a 4.52 40 yard dash. This guy can play tight end or receiver and can dominate. He’s got a huge catch radius and catches the football away from his body. More schools should be coming into the picture soon. Na’zir Jones, Hillcrest, 5’8, 145, 2021 Speed kills, and Jones proved he’s got it, running a 4.5 on Saturday. He’ a shifty slot who uses his quickness and top-end speed to create separation. Hillcrest got a good one in this former Rich Central Olympian. Tristan Duncan, Effingham, 6’1, 181, 2021 Personally, I think Tristan was one of the best wide receivers at the entire showcase. He caught everything thrown his way and was a technician as a route runner. He also ran a 4.59 into the wind. He’s only got one FCS offer, but I think he’s an FBS level kid. [player_tooltip player_id="20843" first="Malik" last="Elzy"], Simeon, 6’1.5, 190, 2023 Elzy will be one Illinois’ top prospects in the 2023 class. He accelerates off the ball and eats up DB’s cushion. He attacks the football at its highest point and showed superb transitions skills at the top of his route. Joe Kuthe, Stillman Valley, 6’, 180, 2021 A small school kid with a ton of speed! Kuthe ran a 4.51 40 yard dash and looked good during individual. He can play in the slot or outside as an X and showed he can win 1 on 1 matchups. He’s a sleeper right now, but after posting that time people should certainly know about him. Noah Marx, Prospect, 5’7, 154, 2021 This is a slasher out of the slot, who is tough to get hands-on. Marx also has the speed to take the top off a defense, posting a 4.58 40 yard dash time. He was able to run by DB’s Saturday and showed soft hands throughout indy and 1 on 1’s. Anthony Cirrincione, South Elgin, 6’5, 215, 2021 I like this kid’s film and think he’s got a bright future. He’s going to have to add some weight, but I think he has the intangibles you look for in a tight end. He’s got a huge catch radius and can turn his body to make tough catches in awkward body positions. Others Who Stood Out Jonas Capek, Fenwick, 6’1, 178, 2021 Jalen Johnson, Matea Valley, 6’3.5, 180, 2022 Jake Pieper, Vernon Hills, 5’7, 157, 2022 Kevin Jackson, Leo, 5’6.5, 126, 2023 Jack Tremblay, Lincoln-Way East, 5’11.5, 187, 2022 Tyson Splinter, Prospect, 6’2, 195, 2021 Joe Laterza, St. Viator, 6’4, 195, 2021 Will Doetch, North Boone, 5’9, 148, 2022 Daniel Sobkowicz, Rolling Meadows, 6’2.5, 183, 2021