Twenty to Know: Uncommitted 2021s

Illinois' 2021 talent pool is immense. And if I'm a college coach looking to fill out my roster for next year, then I'm absolutely taking a look at this list of uncommitted 2021s. There's a little bit of everything on this list. We got a RB that's reminiscence of Reggie Bush, a DE with a spin move as lethal as Dwight Freeny's was, a returner that'll give you Devin Hester vibes, and a couple of lockdown DBs that you don't want to be on an island with. So without further ado, here are twenty uncommitted 2021s you need to know. <h5></h5> <h5><em>Jahnez Williams | TF North</em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-67610" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/IMG-3728-247x300.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="300" /> Williams is one of the toughest, most physical receivers in the city of Chicago. A true possession receiver that’s aggressive off the line and has the size to routinely beat press coverage. One of the most underrated aspects of Williams is his ability to block. He’s by far, one of the most ferocious and skilled blockers I’ve seen at the WR position at the high school level. Currently holds an offer from Savannah State University. <h5><em>Keith Bronson | Plainfield South</em></h5> After amassing over 1000 yards and 16 TDs on the ground in 2019, The 1<sup>st </sup>team all-area/ all-conference back is an explosive, power runner with a quick burst to get through the lanes and advance to the next level. Light on his feet for a player of his size and has great contact balance combined with the quickness to make defenders miss in space and tight areas. <h5><em>Jalen McBride | Montini Catholic</em></h5> McBride is a phenomenal athlete with the potential to be dominant on both sides of the ball. He’s a fundamentally sound DB with exceptional instincts, ball skills, and closing speed. Not afraid to get physical at the line and has the ability to turn-and-run with the best of them. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="53816" first="Arman" last="Oshana"] | Lincoln Park</em></h5> Can be virtually impossible to block one-on-one and demands a double-team more times than none. Routinely collapses the pocket and is always in constant pursuit of the ball. Has the size to be a dominant interior lineman while possessing the speed and athleticism to play the end spot. <h5><em>Jeffery Lomax | Elgin</em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-42538" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/unnamed-4-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Lomax definitely passes the eye test at 6’4" with a solid frame that has yet to fill out. The senior out of Elgin has all the mechanics to be a successful QB at the next level. Has above-average footwork and possesses the ability to accurately let it rip-- whether it be down the field, intermediately, or the short game, Lomax consistently places his passes in the receiver’s breadbasket. <h5><em>Ivory Dyson | Morgan Park</em></h5> It would be a disservice to Ivory Dyson to categorize him under any one position; he’s the true definition of what it means to be labeled as an “athlete.” He lines up as a RB, WR, TE, and could very well be a force at the LB position. But if we had to project a spot for him at the next level, it would be at TE. He catches the ball well and is light on his feet for a player of his size. Plays a physical and intimidating brand of football and is a willing blocker who, as a TE, can be on the field for all three downs. <h5><em>Patrick Grange | Naperville Central</em></h5> Grange is a special player with amazing versatility. He has a bright future on either side of the ball and will be a steal for whichever program he lands with. Can play either LB position in a 3-4 scheme but, he’s best utilized when he’s getting after the QB. <h5><em>Cam Fulton | Morgan Park</em></h5> Cam is a baller, but for football reasons, we’ll call him an ATH. This kid can play just about all the skilled positions on offense, and he even started at QB for the Morgan Park Mustangs last season. I got a chance to watch him at the HEROH League last month, and I was impressed at how comfortable he looks at the WR position. He ran solid routes and caught the ball well, he even showed that he could hold his own as a DB. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20351" first="Aldo" last="Brown"] | Kenwood</h5> Aldo is one of the more underrated CBs in the state. He’s a big and physical CB that excels in press coverage. But what sticks out to me is the skill and finesse that he plays with. His footwork is off the charts and his ball skills are even better. It remains a mystery as to why he hasn’t received any D1 or D2 offers at this point. <h5>Jason Moore | De La Salle</h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-28369" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/unnamed-1-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="214" /> The senior stud out of Chicago’s De La Salle is an explosive, supremely gifted do-it-all ATH with the ability to hit pay dirt whenever he touches the ball. Elite speed and quickness and can change directions without losing any steam. His frame doesn’t suggest, it but he’s a tough runner who can run it well up the gut. An intelligent route runner who is dangerous in the catch and run game and knows how to find the holes in the zone and has the speed to get on top of any defensive back <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="65549" first="Colby" last="Cline"] | Phillips</em></h5> His film shows off his versatility. He lines up at S, CB, LB, RB, and he even returns kicks for touchdowns in his spare time. He was selected to the 2019 Chicago Sun-Times All-Public League team and projects as a DB at the next level. He’s fast, instinctive, consistently makes plays on the ball, and plays a physical style of football—Definitely a sleeper in the C/O ’21. <h5><em>Favour Okhave | Palatine</em></h5> It’s almost unfair that someone his size can get up and down the field with such fluidity as this kid does. He’s every bit of 6’4” and has to weigh at least 240lbs. His size alone makes him a matchup nightmare for most DBs. Plays the game with a ton of emotion and competes every play. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="65562" first="Ryan" last="Mann"] | Vernon Hills</em></h5> Mann is a natural runner of the football with great vision. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and downfield and is athletic enough to "Moss" a DB or two. I would project him as WR at the next level but he has all the necessary tools to be a productive RB wherever he lands. <h5><em>Luther Thompson III | Warren</em></h5> Thompson III is a prototypical slot receiver. He has the speed and quickness to stretch the field vertically but the catch and run game is where he becomes a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s one of the state’s best returners, so when he catches the ball in space—good luck. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="20284" first="Marshaun" last="Harold"] | Phillips</em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-44508" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/05/harold-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> The first time I saw Marshaun in person, I thought to myself, ’there’s no way this kid can still be in high school.’ He’s already got his grown man body, and he’s physically a man amongst boys when matched up against his peers. He’s got all the tools to be a productive TE at the next level (size, speed, athleticism, and DAWG). I also believe he can be just as effective on defense as a pass rusher. He plays a physical brand of football and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. SLEEPER ALERT! <h5><em>Eric Thames | Al Raby</em></h5> Thames is a fundamentally sound man coverage cornerback with quick feet and fluid hips to turn and run with the best of them. Has great instincts and ball skills to go along with the toughness to be a factor in the run game. On offense, he’s a possession receiver that can consistently move the chains by creating separation at the top of his routes. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="35745" first="Jayden" last="Marquis"] | Antioch</em></h5> He’s the eyes of the defense that only allowed 54 total points in 2019. Plays the position with his eyes and feet, which will enable him to have excellent play recognition. Always in the right place at the right time. A reliable defender when the play is unfolding in front of him. Excellent breaking and closing speed to make plays on the ball and support the run. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="65553" first="Eric" last="Riley"] | UP-Bronzeville</em></h5> Eric is a long and lanky DB that plays the game at his own pace and doesn’t get rattled by anything. He covers the field from sideline-to-sideline and uses his length to attack the ball in the air. Has great play recognition and anticipation. <h5><em>[player_tooltip player_id="20228" first="Kyree" last="Shirley"] | Freeport</em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-42091" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/unnamed-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Shirley is a physical receiver that has a knack for attacking the ball at its highest point, and 9 times out of 10, he’s coming down with it. I had a chance to see him at a Midwest Boom showcase back in August, and he was by far one of the best WRs in attendance. He made one spectacular catch after another and showcased his ability to consistently get open.