Unsigned Hype: Ten ’21 Prospects Whose Stocks Continue to Rise

At this time of year, unsigned prospects in the C/O '21 have become an afterthought in the recruiting circuit. But if you're paying close attention to Illinois' spring season, you'll notice that there's a bunch of seniors putting together strong spring seasons. For the remaining unsigned prospects, six games are all they have to prove their worth to college programs still looking to fill a void. So without further ado, let's get to know ten '21 prospects whose stock is continuing to rise during spring ball in Illinois. <hr /> <h5><em><strong>Frank Pinn | DL | Lake Forest</strong></em></h5> Pinn plays the game with a see-ball-get-ball mentality. His versatility enables him to move around and play multiple positions on the d-line. He's relentless in the pursuit of his target and takes every chance he gets to put a big hit on the quarterback— plays with a level of physicality that is often unmatched. He uses his active hands and brute strength to consistently penetrate the opponents' backfield and doesn't miss many tackles at his position. Could be a steal for a program that's looking to fill a void on the d-line. <h5><em><strong>Cam Fulton | DB | Morgan Park</strong></em></h5> After making the switch from quarterback, Fulton has proved that he's more than capable of playing defensive back at the next level. He's athletic enough to play the field from sideline to sideline and physical enough to come up and lay the wood in run support. Displays great instincts and possesses the necessary ball skills to consistently make plays on the ball. <h5><em><strong>David Horton | DE | Kenwood</strong></em></h5> Horton is a superior athlete with tremendous upside; and quite frankly, one of the best pass rushers I’ve seen in person this spring. He’s got elite get-off and can beat you with finesse or brute strength—pick your poison. He consistently finds his way into the opponents' backfield, impeding running backs progress and pressuring the quarterback. Has a high motor and is the type of player that commands a double team. <h5><em><strong>Nick Bulgarelli | QB | Wauconda</strong></em></h5> Bulgarelli has played a significant role in Wauconda’s 3-1 start and has been the driving force behind an offense that’s averaging 34ppg. The senior dual-threat has consistently made plays with his arm and his legs and has racked up 11 touchdowns in just four games. He’s put it all together and looks every bit of how a three-year varsity starter should look in his final season. Too bad there are only two games left in the season because I feel this is the year Wauconda could have made a deep playoff run behinds Bulgarelli’s dynamic play and leadership. <h5><em><strong>William Hanna Jr. | OL/DL |North Chicago</strong></em></h5> Hanna has been one of the bright spots for North Chicago this spring. He's shown that he can win his one-on-one matchups on the d-line and get good penetration into the opponents' backfield. I love what he's shown on the other side of the ball at OT. He's got that combination of athleticism and size to handle speed rushers off the edge, along with a powerful base that enables him to be an effective drive blocker. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20361" first="Jayden" last="McFadden"] | ATH | Stevenson</strong></em></h5> McFadden's big-play potential on the outside causes headaches for the opposing secondary. He's a skilled route-runner who possesses the speed to go by an opponent in an instant. On the season, he has a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and an 80-yard touchdown reception—both big plays that show off his exceptional athleticism. <h5><strong><em>Christian Johnson | RB | Grayslake North</em></strong></h5> Christian Johnson is one of the most productive backs in Lake County you haven't heard of. He's your prototypical scat-back who can wiggle his way around defenders and is off to the races once he clears the edge. On display this season is his ability to be a threat in his team's passing attack. Coming into the season, I already knew how dangerous he was in the catch-and-run game, but he's also shown the ability to get open down the field. His biggest game as a receiver came in Grayslake North's season opener, where he had 9 receptions for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns. <h5><em><strong>Eric Green | RB | Hope Academy</strong></em></h5> Green is your prototypical 3-down back. He’s a consistent runner, an effective blocker in the passing game, and catches the ball well out the backfield. A one-cut-and-go type of back that’s always moving the chains forward with his physical running style. Has a chiseled physique and a strong base that allows him to be successful when running through the tackles and fighting for extra yards. Green also causes havoc and gets it done on the d-line. Truly a versatile athlete with endless potential. <h5><em><strong>J.J. Jacobo | WR | Wauconda</strong></em></h5> From a physical standpoint, there aren't many receivers built like Jacobo. At 6'0" and a solid 200lbs, he's a physical mismatch for smaller defensive backs. He's a threat in all three levels of the passing attack. I would consider him a dominant playmaking-possession-receiver because he shows a knack for getting open along connecting on the big play. What I love about him most is his ability to track and highpoint the ball. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65129" first="Nasir" last="Latham"] | RB | Lane Tech</strong></em></h5> I still believe Latham is one of the more underrated athletes in Illinois' C/O '21. He brings a ton of speed to his position, along with the ability to change directions in an instant. He's physically put together which enhances his versatility as a prospect. As a result,  I wouldn't be surprised if we see him make the switch to defensive back at the next level. He without a doubt has the speed to cover as a defensive back and is physical enough to support the run.