Prospects to Watch: Southland Athletic Conference
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Today we will be taking a look at the Southland Athletic Conference with the underclassmen that are prone to having a break out season this year. These athletes focused on today go under the radar and have the potential to…
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Continue ReadingToday we will be taking a look at the Southland Athletic Conference with the underclassmen that are prone to having a break out season this year. These athletes focused on today go under the radar and have the potential to play at the next level if they choose to.
Terry Elias Jr #3 (MLB, OLB) – Crete-Monee – Class of 2022
Elias Jr is going to be a household name for Crete-Monee during these next years. He has great re-routing in the passing game and keeps his eyes on the QB while in coverage creating interceptions as well as tackles for little to no gain. He fills the holes well in the running game and is a heavy hitter. His speed allows him to cover sideline to sideline and it helps that he has good pursuit angles. He is exceptional at timing his blitzes with his quick burst at the line of scrimmage disrupting plays before they even develop. Elias Jr has the talent and skillset to play at the next level, it’s more of a matter of which schools will give him the opportunity to.
Terryonte Clerk #55 (DE, T) – Bloom Township – Class of 2022
Clerk is a solid option at defensive end and tackle for Bloom Township. He is a good tackler and gets good QB pressure off the edge. He gets his hands up in the passing game deflecting passes and has good speed for his size. At the tackle position, he pancakes players during run blocking and keeps the pocket clear in the passing game. Clerk plays hard with heart, he looks to build upon his solid season last year and is an under the radar player in this conference.
Steven Young #55 (C, G) – Kankakee – Class of 2023
Young is a solid offensive lineman in this conference, he is a good blocker in space and dominates people in doing so. He drives his feet and pancakes defenders with ease creating holes for his teammates to get into open space in the running and passing game. He plays hard each play and his effort can be seen on film. I wouldn’t be surprised if Young gets All-Conference this upcoming season and if he starts getting offers as well.
Derrick Parker II Derrick Parker II 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Rich Township | 2022 State IL II #14 (DE, TE) – Rich Township – Class of 2022
Parker is a monster player at defensive end and tight end for Rich Township. His ability to blow up plays in the backfield is stunning, he sheds blocks and makes the tackle before the play starts to develop. He has such a high motor and attacks on the defensive side of the ball by setting the edge and collapsing the pocket. At the tight end position, his catch after the run ability is solid. He is also can block on offense by getting hands-on the defenders and driving them back. Parker is a solid player and can easily make All-Conference this season and maybe All-Area as well.
Saveon Brown Saveon Brown 6'1" | 195 lbs | DB Thornwood | 2022 State IL #11 (FS, WR) – Thornwood – Class of 2022
Brown is a solid player at free safety at Thornwood with his downhill play in the running game and his solid tackling. He has good reaction time which allows him to get interceptions and cover sideline to sideline. He has good speed and acceleration on top of being shifty and elusive causes him to have huge playmaking abilities in the return game. Brown is going to play a key role in Thornwood’s defensive plans week in and week out, look for Brown to have another solid season.
These athletes all have the potential to play at the next level if they choose to. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these players ends up playing D1 and possibly making a playoff run with their team. Time will tell the path of each athlete and where they go.