Central and Southern Illinois DB/DL/LB PRZ 23′ Ranking Breakdown

Here is a positional breakdown of the Central and Southern Illinois juniors that cracked our Prep Redzone Rankings. We take a look at our defensive backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers. Prep Redzone Ranking= PRZR <hr /> <h5><span class="first-name">[player_tooltip player_id="20821" first="Omarion" last="Gooden"], </span>6’2" 180, DB, Cahokia, PRZR-14th/2nd</h5> Omarion is a complete defensive back who has your prototypical size to play with the big schools on the next level. His high football IQ combined with his athleticism makes him one of the best safeties in the state. This young man is in line for a big season for the Comanches and will stack up the offers. He plays QB and is quite dependable in the pocket while making all the throws on each level. <h5><span class="first-name">Anthony Cunningham Jr., </span>6’4" 270, DL, Belleville East, PRZR-15th/3rd</h5> Anthony can be on the top of this list after the fall season. He possesses the D-1 size for defensive end with his long arms and constant high motor. Staying square on the line puts him in a position to stop the run on any play; he defends his edge and tackles with his whole body running through the ball carrier. He will separate himself as one of the best defensive ends in the state going into the 2022 season next year. <h5><span class="first-name">Jeh’chys </span><span class="last-name">Brown, </span>6’3" 265, Centralia, PRZR-35th/6th</h5> Jeh'chys played DT and can play the defensive end position as well, making him a unique prospect. He possesses the power and speed to handle the big tackles and can kick inside and be effective against the run. He has a high football IQ that understands his job and the rest of the line, making him incredibly effective. He doesn't hold any offers yet and is determined to be a stock riser and scholarship holder this fall. <h5><span class="first-name">[player_tooltip player_id="149645" first="Payton" last="Allen"]</span><span class="last-name">, </span>6’1" 225, DL, Fairfield, PRZR-119th/14th</h5> I'm a big fan of football players with wrestling backgrounds. Payton is an intriguing defensive tackle prospect with an undefeated wrestling season, going 26-0 in the 1A class. He isn't the size defensive tackle you usually look for, but his ability to use his leverage to break into the backfield by slipping under and through the bigger offensive linemen—the explosive first step with solid hands and high motor that doesn't quit. <h5><span class="first-name">[player_tooltip player_id="153515" first="Nick" last="Golden"]</span><span class="last-name">, </span>6’3" 205, LB, Mahomet-Seymour 141st/16th</h5> Nick is a tenacious physical hard-hitting linebacker that uses all 205lbs to tackle the ball carriers. He is quick to hit the gap and accelerates through it, shedding blocks effectively. He plays the run fantastic, and edge rushes better; having a nose for the ball, it's not likely the ball carrier is getting away when his hands touch them. <h5><span class="first-name">[player_tooltip player_id="158010" first="Easton" last="Maroon"]</span><span class="last-name">, </span>6’0" 200, LB, Greenville, PRZR-155th/20th</h5> Easton plays strong between the tackles doesn't hesitate to hit the gap. He has good instincts for working through the traffic to find the ball carrier: above-average play recognition and great tackler using the fundamental technique. His stock should rise with this entire season ahead of him leading this defense. <h5><span class="first-name">Luke </span><span class="last-name">Zimmerman, </span>LB, Villa Grove, PRZR-181st/21st</h5> Luke does an excellent job using his hands to shed blocks. He reads the play well from the inside linebacker position. He can stop the run with his good tackling technique in traffic and open space. Luke also runs the ball and is a load to bring down inside the tackles. <hr /> Concludes the defensive backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers positional breakdown for Central and Southern Illinois for the recently updated 2022 Prep Redzone Rankings. Next up, offensive linemen and running backs on our look through our 2022 class.