Tape review: Class of 2023 rising prospects
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This tape review is a bit different as many of these players aren’t done growing or are switching positions making some of their projections a bit more difficult. They are still a very talented bunch of recruits, a few of…
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Continue ReadingThis tape review is a bit different as many of these players aren’t done growing or are switching positions making some of their projections a bit more difficult. They are still a very talented bunch of recruits, a few of them I feel like have very high ceilings and should ultimately garner Power 5 interest. Here is a tape review of some great Illinois prospects just starting their high school careers.
QB Ryan Dawson, Downers Grove South, IL (6’3” and 195lbs) @ryan_dawson24
Watching Dawson’s highlight package from last year, he stands out as the biggest player on the field, he might not be done growing either. Seeing what he did as more of a run first quarterback made sense, but his game is more than that. A big arm from the rising sophomore, has been clocked in the low 80’s, as plays 3B. His strength has improved since last year, his fall highlights showed that. Dawson has good footwork and mechanics when he makes his throws and shows very good touch on his deep balls. Due to this baseball background, Dawson squares his shoulder very well when making throws which leads to more accuracy. Right now, Dawson hasn’t talked with any schools but if he shows his big arm this spring, schools should come calling soon.
WR Ryan Sims Ryan Sims 6'4" | 200 lbs | WR Marist | 2023 State IL , Marist, IL (6’3.5” and 195lbs) @RyanSims_ows
The frame that Sims possess is one that many college players would love to have and he knows how to use it to his advantage. Sims high points balls, using his size to shield off smaller defenders. He is absolutely eclectic with the ball in his hands, as Marist offense used him in a variety of ways, jet sweets, screens and returning kickoffs. Although Sims isn’t a burner, he’s got plenty of speed to make big plays. I love the way he sets up his blockers on screen plays, almost always setting himself up for chunk plays. There’s potential for Sims to outgrow the position and end up as a tight end, but right now, he shows that he can be a force as a large receiver. Sims should end up as a P5 guy, he’s got all the tools your looking for from a player at make that level.
LB Mickey Konovalov, Loyola Academy, IL (5’11” and 210lbs) @MKono97
Here’s a player who should be on peoples list to watch after transitioning from the defensive line to linebacker. It’s hard to judge Konovalov on his linebacker skills, but as a defensive lineman he shows that he has active hands and isn’t afraid to battle against larger offensive lineman. This trait will help with his transition, especially when he comes up to the line to blitz. Another quality that will transfer over is Konovalov’s ability to disengage from blockers, a skill that is hugely important for linebackers. Konovalov is a player to watch as he starts his second year in high school.
DE Boston Bower, Huntley, IL (6’1” and 230lbs) @boston_bower
One of the hardest workers I have seen this offseason, Bower continues to get better every time I see him. He shows a great first step to beat tackles, and if he doesn’t get by them on his speed, Bower shows that he’s got not only a good spin move but also a good swim move as well. He should get a bit taller, somewhere around the 6’3” range, and with more added weight, Bower should just become better and better. Right now he has spoken with Loras College but that number should grow as he get’s some tape out this spring.
QB Dermot Smyth, Marist HS, IL (5’10” and 160lbs) @Dermotsmyth6
Smyth shows that he will be next in line after Dontrell Jackson departs for Coastal Carolina. He will bring a similar skill set as both of them are dual-threat options behind center. Smyth throws well on the run, the ball gets out of his quickly. He shows a great throwing motion, one that should need much adjustment as he gets older. Smyth’s arm strength is impressive for his age and should only get stronger with time. Not getting much recruiting attention at the moment, Smyth does need to prove it at the varsity level.
OLB Mack O’Halloran, Downers Grove South, IL (6’4” and 220lbs) @MackOHalloran
It’s time to put O’Halloran on your radars, he’s going to be a big time player when it’s all said and done. He has everything you’re looking for in an OLB, he can make plays from sideline to sideline, reads the game incredibly well and is long and athletic. O’Halloran also plays tight end, showing that he can make plays on that end as well, but his future is on defense. His good hands help him make plays on bad throws, he’s got great coverage skills as well. I absolutely love O’Halloran’s upside, I feel like he’s a P5 player when he leaves from DGS.
DB Omarion Gooden Omarion Gooden 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH Cahokia | 2023 State IL , Granite City, IL (6’1” and 175lbs) @OGOODEN3
Gooden is a classic back end of the defense safety, he reads run plays very well, is a sure tackler that wraps up ball carriers well. Not only does Gooden make the tackle, but he’s bringing some juice to those hits as well. Although he plays both sides of the ball, his future is on defense, he can do a bit of everything. Playing in the box won’t be an issue, Gooden has the speed to get back to the outside and make plays if needed. Really good upside here for the sophomore but no one has yet to reach out.
DB Tyler Erkman, Lake Zurich, IL (6’ and 170lbs) @TylerErkman
Erkman is another player who has seen a major growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years, now standing a solid 6-feet and has added on 45-pounds since last year. It’s hard to know what Erkman will be this year, but last year’s tape showed good hands as a defensive back. Solid hip movement and a great blockers on special teams. When he moves back to safety, Erkman makes some very good reads to make tackles. Occasionally, he does tackle too high but that is easily corrected. Currently he is not speaking with any schools.