Chicago Public League: Ten Defenders You May Not Know, but Should

Quiet as kept, there’s a bunch of talented prospects in Chicago’s Public League that I don’t think a lot of people are really paying attention to. We all know Cam Pickett, [player_tooltip player_id="20843" first="Malik" last="Elzy"], [player_tooltip player_id="20883" first="Jalil" last="Martin"], and Morgan Park’s sophomore sensation [player_tooltip player_id="130591" first="Tysean" last="Griffin"]; but, what about the other Public League prospects who have been putting in work behind the scenes in hopes of putting the state on notice with a full fall season ahead of them. So without further ado, here are ten prospects from Chicago’s Public League you may not know, but should... <hr /> <h5><em><strong>Mario Grayer | DE | Kenwood ’22</strong></em></h5> Grayer is a physically gifted athlete who at 6’4" 230lbs displays the potential to be one of the more dominant pass rushers in the state. He’s explosive off the line and does a good job of reading and reacting to the play as it unfolds. A skilled pass-rusher who makes great use of his hands and uses an array of moves to beat his opponent; his athleticism coupled with his ability to dip and accelerate around the edge makes him a difficult matchup for opposing linemen. <h5><em><strong>Davon Byrd | DB | Morgan Park ’22</strong></em></h5> Byrd plays in the secondary for a Morgan Park defense that didn’t allow a single point during this year’s Spring season. He’s a physical defensive back that has a nose for the ball and is more than reliable in run support and reduces a team’s YAC with his sure-tackling. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155393" first="Latrell" last="Scott"] | LB | Simeon ’22</strong></em></h5> Scott is the quarterback of Simeon’s defense and will play a significant role in his team’s run for a state title this season. He has the look of a traditional mike linebacker—a solid frame with a thick lower half but is a good enough athlete to operate and hold his own in space. Does a good job of shedding blockers along with understanding pursuit angles and how to attack the ball carrier effectively. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65820" first="Ryan" last="Porebski"] | LB | Taft ’22</strong></em></h5> Porebski is a tackling machine that relishes at the opportunity to lay a big hit on his opponent. He’s everything you would want in a linebacker with how the game is played today; he boasts a tremendous amount of versatility, he’s disruptive, stout in run support, and is a pretty good athlete who can hold his own in coverage against receivers. Expect Porebski to go out with a bang as he enters his senior year at Taft. <h5><strong><em>Armani Conway | LB | Phillips ’22</em></strong></h5> Conway is a versatile defender who brings a ton of speed to the linebacker position, enabling him to make plays sideline to sideline. He’s equally effective in rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage to defend pass-catchers. Does a good job of shedding blockers by staying level and striking his opponents in the shoulders, which frees him up to lay a hit on the ball carrier. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135750" first="Willie" last="Gross Jr"]. | DB | Clemente ’23</strong></em></h5> Gross Jr. does it all for the Clemente Wildcats. Whether in the box as a linebacker or on an island guarding the opponent’s best receiver, Gross Jr. has a promising future and could be one of the breakout athletes in the Public League this upcoming season. His speed and quickness are his best attributes. It allows him to cover the field from sideline to sideline and makes it difficult for blockers to get ahold of him in his pursuit of a tackle. <h5><em><strong>Kayman Coleman| ATH | Von Steuben ’22</strong></em></h5> Coleman is an intriguing prospect who I believe could have a breakout season this fall. Possesses the range and ball skills to cover the field from sideline to sideline, and for a taller cornerback, he has good hips which will enable him to turn and run with smooth transitions. Has a pretty good wingspan which allows him to effectively jam receivers and break up passes in the air. <h5><em><strong>Chidiebere Anaele | ATH | Brooks ’22</strong></em></h5> I’ve gotten a chance to see Chidiebere multiple times in person, and two things always stand out—he has a non-stop motor and plays the game with a ton of passion which enhances his productivity. As a defensive end, he has a lightning-quick release off the line and is relentless in pursuing his target. He’s such a versatile athlete that I honestly believe you can line him up anywhere on defense and he’ll still produce at a high level. Chidiebere is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on this season. <h5><em><strong>Jahon Walker | DB | Phillips ’22</strong></em></h5> Walker has the potential to emerge as one of the top defensive backs in the Public League this year. He’s an explosive athlete who’s fundamentally sound with his approach to the position. Flashes good hip fluidity, quick feet, and the necessary speed to turn and run with any receiver. Plays with good awareness, instincts and excels in man coverage. <h5><em><strong>Donta Hayes Jr. | DB | Morgan Park ’22</strong></em></h5> Hayes Jr. excels in man coverage and is the type of cornerback that doesn’t mind being on an island with the opposing team’s best receiver. He has fluid hips and quick feet, the ability to change directions quickly, and the speed and athleticism to pester his opponents in coverage. He’s a ball hawk with excellent instincts that seem to always place him at the right place at the right time to make a play on the ball.