Overlooked Talent from the 618!

I have seen a ton of improvement out of several athletes that consistently showed up to camp and made an effort to enhance their skills this offseason. Here are a few returning standout athletes from the 618: <em>Position WR/DB <strong>Allen Middleton</strong>, Class of 2023, Mascoutah High School, Mascoutah, Illinois Height:5’11 | Weight: 175</em> <strong><img class=" wp-image-75872 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/AM-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="223" />Allen Middleton</strong> has that DK Metcalf body frame. His attention to detail, footwork, and ability to go up and make a play on the ball whenever it’s in the air is what standouts the most when comparing to other high school football players. A unique football skill Middelton has is being able to catch the ball one-handed when it’s necessary. Middleton knows that being such a great Wide receiver defenders will try to take away his hands so he trains to be able to make the play with one hand just as well as two. Middleton can definitely bring versatility to a college football program. He has experience from almost every position on the field. For example, he has played QB, RB, LB, SS, FS, Rover, WR, DE, and CB throughout his years as a football athlete. Last season Middleton started varsity as a freshman at wide receiver. He was invited to the National Combine, and made the first team all-top-gun at the FBU national showcase during the summer of 2020. <em> </em> <em><img class=" wp-image-77755 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/IMG_3652-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="293" />Position DB <strong>Reggie Barnes</strong> Class of 2021, East Saint Louis Senior High School, East Saint Louis, Illinois Height:6’0 | Weight: 185</em> I believe <strong>Reggie Barnes</strong> had the most laid back fundamental sound technique at all of the Elite Speed Camps that I have attended. His skills at the safety position are so unique &amp; his footwork is flawless. I saw minimal false steps and he showed great explosiveness. He has been working to increase his speed for this upcoming season and loosening up his hips for quicker transitions. Barnes is the type of athlete to get the job done efficiently and smoothly. Mr.Barnes has great eye discipline and showed great discipline to not over pursue ball carries. Reggie Barnes will be a sound textbook football player at any college program he attends. With more dedication to the weight room and ensuring comfortability on the field Barnes will have a bright future within the game of football! <em>Position DB <strong>Cyrus Davis</strong>, Class of 2022, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, Illinois Height:6’1 | Weight: 185</em> <img class="wp-image-75874 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/CD-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="275" height="181" />What separates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20935" first="Cyris" last="Davis"]</strong> from when you talk about other DBs is his eye for the ball in zone coverage. He knows when to be aggressive &amp; poise when the ball is in the air. Davis is a versatile player being able to play multiple positions on defense. Last year as a sophomore was Davis first year introduced to defensive back making a transition from quarterback. He mainly played through athleticism and coaching tips. This offseason Davis has been working on being more comfortable playing DB in all coverages and perfecting his technique by watching tons of film on himself and pros. Last year being Davis first year playing defensive back at the varsity level he was only targeted 10 times with only 3 completions along with one touchdown allowed. The incoming Junior is looking to add a bunch of turnovers this year and decrease those targets and completions. <em>Position DB <strong>Jaden</strong> <strong>Hale</strong>, Class of 2022, East Saint Louis Senior High School, East Saint Louis, Illinois Height:5’8| Weight: 155</em> <img class=" wp-image-75844 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/JH-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="223" /><strong>Jaden Hale</strong> is RB who has great vision &amp; can see everything before it even happens. Hall’s ability to read the holes incredibly! Not only does Hale see the holes well but he has this unique way to fit through the holes like they were only designed for him to get through. Once he gets through his gifted speed does the rest for him. Hale can’t wait to bring his leadership, effort, and energy to a college team. He mentioned to me "I have the great ability to push others and just be an all around leader. My coach rode one player most of the year and whenever I got my number called on, I made something happen." Hale has no problem waiting on his time to come. When it does come Hall will make the most of his opportunity &amp; be granted many more with his performance. &nbsp;