Spotlighted Player Review from the Prep Redzone Showcase

Prep Red Zone had it's the first-ever Showcase this past Saturday, was loaded with impressive talent from all over the State of Illinois. Southern Illinois represented with tenacity, and I couldn't have been more proud of their grit to get as many reps as possible to show off the talent to these coaches who are missing out.   Ty "The Russian" Hopp, LB, Aurora Central Catholic HS, Class of 2022 5'11.5 220 Finally got to meet "The Russian" at the Showcase well-spoken young man with a determination to be the best LB in the State, and he made a case for that during the Showcase. Clocking in with a 4.78 tied him for 4th among the LB Group, with the fastest being 4.68 on the day. He passed the eye test for me during 1 on 1's when he was locking down all challengers in pass coverage. With his excellent Showcase proof of his strength in the weight room, he has earned the #10 Overall LB in the State of Illinois in the "Newly Released 2022 Class Prep Red Zone Rankings". Big schools need to give him some looks and not miss out on this passionate and exceptionally talented LB.   [player_tooltip player_id="20225" first="Hunter" last="Simmons"], QB Marion HS, Class of 2021, 6’4 241 Hunter showed up bigger than I saw him last fall, has filled out, and his arm has gotten stronger in turn by having one of the strongest arms at the Showcase, if not the strongest. Clocking a 4.91 40 yard dash at his size was impressive, and I believe his playing weight will be more 225-233, so I expect that to drop down to the 4.7 range. Threw with superb accuracy all day, making it look easy. This young man is uncommitted and planning on showing out in the spring for Kerry Martin and The Wildcats. Prep Red Zone Ranking (#12) QB in Illinois   Evan Leake, WR/ATH/RB, Mount Vernon HS, Class of 2021 5'8.5 191 If your wondering who ran the fastest 40 of the day, it is Mr. Evan Leake 4.45 the word used around the scouts was "BLAZING." When Evan squared off in 1 on 1's ([player_tooltip player_id= "20931" first= "Austin" last=" Brown"] #4 DB in the Newly Released 2022 Class PrepRedzone Rankings), it was the best battle of the day he drew him twice, and it was 1-1 draw. He impressed me playing with tenacity and no backdown. His hands are strong Football IQ is impeccable. Get this 2021 Senior in your locker room; he can play with the best in the State.   Allen Middleton, WR/ATH, Mascoutah HS, Class of 2023 5'10 175 This young man has a high ceiling for where he lands in a couple of years. Route running was precise, and his breakdowns were excellent (head movement) with hip mobility to create separation. I felt a trait that stood out was his awareness to control the catch before making his pivot move or his acceleration running the fade. Remember this name.   Eli Downen, QB Carterville HS, Class of 2021, 6'5 220 Another high ceiling player moves excellent for his size as a QB. Showed out in 1 on 1's with his strong arm and accuracy over the top throwing motion he possesses makes the release point over seven feet in the air or better. Has the frame did a great job of proving he can play for as big as he is. He also plays basketball; the tape shows he can move with sustaining stamina.   Keegan Glover, QB Benton HS, Class of 2022, 6'0 165 Keegan turned in another excellent showcase. This kid is always working on getting better every time I have seen him at a workout. He is continuously improving his footwork and deep-ball accuracy. Solid 4.7 40, he is showing he is ready to play at the next level. Good arm strength remarkable accuracy in the 1 on 1's. Work ethic in truckloads, with the tools to lead. Footwork was off the charts in comparing all the other QB's and his over the top throwing motion. Impressed me yet again, I'm sure it won't be the last either.   Peyton Mazur, OL Christopher Community HS, Class of 2022 6'4 340 Peyton got everyone talking when they saw him rocking his mullet in warms-ups. I told them immediately he is intense and passionate about the game. It showed by making the best of every opportunity, with an impressive defensive line that included East St. Louis [player_tooltip player_id= "20908" first= "Jireh" last=" Mays"] #1 Ranked in Prep Red Zone 2022 Class who was demolishing everyone in front of him. Peyton got his turn, then you heard a buzz off the snap they locked-in, and Peyton handled the initial push impressively; this is where his footwork has to be improved once Jireh went edge side he was able to bend him. Jireh didn't give many "Good Games," but Peyton held his own and gained that respect. He may play at a small school, but this young man is on the rise.   [player_tooltip player_id="20280" first="Lucas" last="Althaus"], TE, AlWood HS, Class of 2021, 6’6 225 This big man is ready to play football, and I'm serious his high point on the ball was an exceptional (Red Zone Threat). Seen his hands in action live finally and I was not disappointed comes to the ball and catches with ferocity. There is a reason he came in at #15 Ranked TE on the State, and when the season gets underway, he will be moving up our list quickly in this scout's opinion. Lucas is a humble, well-spoken young man with a bright future, and any school to get him is getting a player.