Prep Redzone IL/IN Showcase: MVP’s & Standouts

Prep Redzone IL/IN Showcase: MVP&#8217;s &#038; Standouts

Jake Lemming

May 17, 2021 @ 05:55 PM

I spoke to multiple Prep Redzone scouts that attended our event and got a ton of feedback on who we felt were the top performers. Here were our MVPs from Saturday’s showcase. <hr /> QB MVP: Sean Cruz, Evanston, 2022 A dual threat with quiet footwork and a tight release. Cruz dropped multiple deep balls in 1 on 1’s and showed phenomenal timing with random wideouts. When you turn on the tape, you’ll see an athletic quarterback prospect that can excel throwing the football on all three levels. He can fit the ball into tight windows and showed he’s not afraid to deliver a rope over the middle. Other Standouts [player_tooltip player_id="135749" first="Angel" last="Nelson"], Merrillville, 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="142050" first="Joey" last="Antonietti"], Lyons, 2022 Scott Ballentine, Andrean, 2024   RB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="[player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"], Brownsburg, 2023 Marcus’ head coach John Hart raved to me about his potential and man, did he show it on Saturday. Caleb clocked a 4.56 40 yard dash to go with a 10’8 broad jump. He was fantastic out of the backfield during 1 on 1’s and flat-out out ran linebackers while catching ball after ball. He’s elusive in space and showed explosive route running ability. To me, he should be a division one-caliber kid. Other Standouts Matthew Lawson, Elgin, 2024   WR/TE MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="39064" first="Dillon" last="Moore"], Ben Davis, 2022 Moore could have potentially been the MVP at DB as well, but I chose to give him the WR honor. This is a fundamentally sound route technician with good build-up speed and twitchy hands. He’s a talented deep ball tracker and understands how to use a stem on defensive backs. Moore caught everything thrown his way and used his size & leaping ability to dominate during 1 on 1’s. Keep an eye on him as he could have a future at DB as well. Other Standouts Thomas Skokna, Hinsdale Central, 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="119388" first="Noah" last="Pfafflin"], Lyons, 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="142607" first="Ryan" last="Usher"], Lincoln-Way East, 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="158489" first="Cam" last="Williams"], Glenbard South, 2024   OL MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="98078" first="Richard" last="Myers"], Castle, 2022 A massive human with long arms and quick feet. Myers almost never gives up his chest and can anchor down against any sort of bull rush. He’s patient with his hands and can easily redirect against any counter moves. He’s quick out of his stance and is rarely beaten off the ball. I think this young man is going to sneak up on some people and could gain some serious interest with a good summer. Other Standouts Benjamin Decker, Noblesville, 2023 Tyson Cramer, Pontiac, 2023   DL MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="145342" first="Brooks" last="Bahr"], Loyola, 2023 Bahr seems to be dominating wherever he goes, and the Prep Redzone IL/IN Showcase was no different. This is a powerful defensive end with a great first step. He consistently wins at the point of attack and showed loose hips getting around the edge. He uses his long arms to get lockout before ripping off and making a play behind the LOS. I think he has the potential to kick inside and play some three-technique based on his frame and pure strength. Other Standouts [player_tooltip player_id="107259" first="Leighton" last="Jones"], Brownsburg, 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="133959" first="Andrew" last="Laurich"], Yorkville, 2023 Preston Jarvis, Brownsburg, 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="142544" first="Eddie" last="Tuerk"], Lyons, 2024   LB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="20927" first="Ty" last="Hopp"], Aurora Central Catholic), 2022 Ty actually picked up an offer from Army right before he walked into our camp. When he stepped out onto the field, he was lights out. He was one of the fastest LB’s in attendance and was fluid throughout individual drills. He showed no issues running with backs out of the backfield and gave RB’s fits if he got hands on them. This is a high motor kid who will do whatever you ask of him and could be one of Illinois’ bigger sleepers at the linebacker position. Other Standouts [player_tooltip player_id="155400" first="Jacob" last="Bottarini"], Marmion, 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="119808" first="Sean" last="Allison"], Hinsdale Central, 2022   DB MVP: Gregory Atkinson, Marian, 2022 Atkinson showed up to the camp and balled out. During the testing portion, he ran a 4.50 40 yard dash, which ended up being the top time at the camp. During individual drills, he showed outstanding footwork and had some twitch behind his breaks. He was far and away the best player regardless of position during 1 on 1’s. He picked off a couple of passes and forced numerous PBU’s. Be on the lookout for his senior film, as it should be a good one. Other Standouts [player_tooltip player_id="39064" first="Dillon" last="Moore"], Ben Davis, 2022 Anthony Hood, Whitney Young, 2024