CPS Sleepers: Part I
There’s far too much-hidden talent in the Chicago Public League, and prospects from these schools are not given nearly the attention they deserve. We decided to look at some under the radar guys with loads of potential. If you have…
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Continue ReadingThere’s far too much-hidden talent in the Chicago Public League, and prospects from these schools are not given nearly the attention they deserve. We decided to look at some under the radar guys with loads of potential. If you have any under the radar CPS prospects, please shoot me their hudl tape via Twitter @jlemming18, as we look to continue this series and spotlight some of the best in the CPS!
LB: Erick Howard, 6′, 180, Morgan Park, SR
I missed Howard in my initial evaluations, but I’m glad he has popped up on my radar now. He’s a talented blitzer with great acceleration & closing speed. He does a good job of not over-pursuing and taking good angles to the football. He’s a thumper and will deliver serious blows to opposing ball carriers. Although he lines up at will linebacker, I see him adding some weight and moving to sam linebacker at the next level.
LB: Tyrice Larry, 6’2, 185, Schurz, SO
A longer linebacker prospect with a ton of playmaking ability. When it’s all said and done, Larry will be a four-year starter for Schurz, and for good reason, this kid is always around the ball. He’s a high effort kid who can chase plays down from the backside. He’s got loose hips and is a good tackler in the open field. He’s got a knack for punching the football out and caused multiple forced fumbles as just a freshman. Keep an eye on this young man over the next three seasons.
WR: Martese Cole, 6’3, 180, Solorio, SR
If you’re looking for an athletic prospect who has potential at multiples positions, look no further than Mr. Cole. Cole has exceptional leaping ability and will pluck the football out of the air. He’s a major vertical threat who can make you pay on the go route. As a defensive back, he showed exceptional anticipation and was not afraid to jump in front of a pass and take it the other way. To me, this kid has a very high ceiling and could end up being one of the biggest steals in all of the CPS.
OL/DL: Jaylon Johnson, 6′2, 320, Hyde Park, SR
An aggressive big man who consistently finishes blocks. Johnson plays with good knee bend and adequate hand placement in order to overwhelm defenders when at Guard. He’s got a solid first step, and his pure strength gives interior offensive linemen issues when he lines up at nose guard. He causes serious penetration when singled blocked, even pancaking offensive linemen at times. The sheer athleticism for a big man is evident on tape, and I could see colleges getting serious value out of this 2021 prospect.
OLB: Jahkeyleon Baker, 6’2, 195, Chicago Bulls Prep, SR
A twitchy, stand up 3-4 defensive end with exceptional top-end speed. Baker has a talent for getting into the backfield and can cause serious disruption in both the pass & run game. He shows good bend on film and impressive body control when engaged with a tackle. He shows great range on tape and will go all out until the whistle is blown. I’m curious to see him drop back in coverage as he wasn’t asked to do it much. If he can show that he’s able to do both, watch out because he’s going to have some interest.