Potential Breakout Players From Chicago’s Public League
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I’ll be the first to tell you that the talent in Chicago’s Public League is immense. I’ve gotten a chance to evaluate a ton of their athletes throughout this extended off-season, and it’s amazing how many of them continue to…
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Continue ReadingI’ll be the first to tell you that the talent in Chicago’s Public League is immense.
I’ve gotten a chance to evaluate a ton of their athletes throughout this extended off-season, and it’s amazing how many of them continue to fly under the radar. You heard it here first, there are some flat-out studs in the CPL, and with us being about 48 hours away from football officially making its return to the ILL state, I have a good feeling that these prospects are about to put the state on notice.
So without further ado, let’s jump into it and get to know some potential breakouts from Chicago’s Public League.
Kyle Clayton | ATH | Phillips ’22
Clayton’s skill set and versatility remind me a lot of Percy Harvin. He can hurt you out of the backfield, lined up out wide, and can flip the field in an instant as a return man. He’s a big play waiting to happen and is a player you must account for when he’s on the field. Has above-average speed and is as creative of a runner as they come. A solid route-runner with a reliable set of hands whose leaping ability is off the charts. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the more sought-after prospects in the state.
Malik Elzy Malik Elzy 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR Simeon | 2023 State IL | WR | Simeon ’23
What’s there not to like about Elzy? The 6’2″ 200lb sophomore who already holds an offer from Big Blue is a playmaking possession receiver who has yet to even scratch the surface of his true potential. He plays with a level of physicality that you don’t see from most receivers. He runs his routes strong, catches the ball strong, and quite frankly, he’s a physical mismatch for most DBs when he comes off the line. Does most of his work intermediately and is a deep ball threat with a huge catch radius.
Kendall Sprouts | WR | Morgan Park ’22
I have a good feeling that Sprouts is about to turn some heads this spring season. He’s extremely talented for a player who’s flying under the radar. Can play multiple receiver positions, possesses the speed to beat you deep, and is a tactical route-runner who excels in creating separation. Displays great balance/agility which allows him to contort his body to make tough catches look routine.
Andre Crews Andre Crews 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Simeon | 2023 State IL ATH Simeon ’23
Crews was able to land himself an offer from the University of Kentucky after a highly productive freshman season on varsity. This kid is tough as nails and does a great job at shedding blocks and supporting the run from his DB position. Quick feet, lose hips, and an unrelenting desire to lock down receivers puts Crews in a position to be one of the top DBs in the state when it’s all said and done. Although he projects as a DB at the next level, it might be worth noting that he’s an elusive running back who’s just as talented on the offensive side of the ball.
Jalil Martin Jalil Martin 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Kenwood | 2022 State IL | WR | Kenwood ’22
At 6’3″ 190lbs, Martin definitely passes the wide receiver eye test. He’s another playmaking possession receiver with game-breaking ability. His amazing length allows him to effortlessly go over the top of DBs and high point the ball—he’s even tougher to cover in the red zone. Runs precise routes that allow him to create top-of-the-route separation. Currently holds two offers from Bowling Green and Syracuse, but you can bet that number will grow exponentially after this season.
Cam Pickett | ATH | Brooks ’22
Only two sophomores were selected to the 2019 All-Public League team— Cam Pickett was one of them. It’s mindboggling that he continues to fly under the radar and has yet to receive any offers, because anybody with two working eyes should clearly be able to see that he has P5 potential written all over him. He’s very strong for a receiver and can precisely run every route on the tree. Piles up the YAC and possesses the ability to hit paydirt whenever he touches the ball. Can be just as productive as a DB in that he’s physical enough to consistently jam receivers at the line while possessing the athleticism and fluidity to cover with the best of them. Don’t be surprised or shocked when his name begins to ring bells after this spring season.
Other players who could potentially breakout:
Logan Lester | WR | Kenwood ’23
Lavar Lindsey | ATH | Kenwood ’22
Cameron Manney | ATH | Curie ’22
Willie Taylor | ATH | Clark ’23
Devan King | OL | Morgan Park ’22
Jalen Tripp Jalen Tripp 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Lincoln Park | 2022 State IL | WR | Lincoln Park ’22
Tyler Turner | QB | Phillips ’22
Lou Henson | QB | Kenwood ’22
Chidiebere Anaele | ATH | Brooks ’22
Keontay Taylor | OL/DL | Phillips ’22
Aaron Warren | ATH | Morgan Park ’22
Jacobi Beard | RB | Morgan Park ’22