2nd Annual Stop The Violence Showcase: Top Performers
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The 2nd annual Stop the Violence Showcase that took place on Chicago’s west side this past weekend did precisely what it said it was going to do. On that day, at that location, during the time the athletes competed—violence ceased…
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Continue ReadingThe 2nd annual Stop the Violence Showcase that took place on Chicago’s west side this past weekend did precisely what it said it was going to do. On that day, at that location, during the time the athletes competed—violence ceased to exist. The athletes were safe and given a chance not to think about the ills some face in their communities. Instead, they got an opportunity to build comradery with other players from across the city. They also got a chance to receive valuable instruction from coaches/trainers with the athlete’s best interest at hand. See sports has always been considered a microcosm of our society, that’s why it’s a win-win when a kid can be taught life lessons while playing a sport they love. If you can teach a kid to be disciplined on the football field, then he can be disciplined in life.
This camp/tournament was way bigger than just having athletes showcase their talent. The good people who put this camp together completed a considerable task; they gathered a bunch of kids on the football field in one of the toughest cities in the country, and on that day, at that particular location, during the time they competed—THEY STOPPED THE VIOLENCE.
With that being said, let’s recap some of the athletes who stood out from this camp.
Marcheon Ross | DB | Orr ’23
Ross was one of the more polished defensive backs in attendance. He had eight interceptions throughout the camp and presented a challenge that opposing receivers could not figure out. Ross is a definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as we approach the fall season.
Nashon Johnson Nashon Johnson 6'0" | 160 lbs | ATH Eisenhower | 2022 State IL | ATH | Eisenhower ’22
Johnson is an intriguing prospect in that he gets it done on both sides of the ball as a defensive back and quarterback. He played with a lot of passion, grit and displayed both great ball skills and the ability to flip his hips and run with just about any receiver. As a quarterback, the lefty showed off his talented arm along with his agility and mobility which comes in handy when it’s time to break the pocket.
Kaleb Miller Kaleb Miller 5'8" | 170 lbs | ATH Nazareth | 2023 State IL | ATH | Nazareth ’23
Miller is without a doubt one of the more talented prospects in Illinois’ loaded 2023 class. His speed and quickness are off the charts and he’s just as talented on offense (RB) as he is on defense (DB). But if I had to choose I would say he projects best as a DB at the next level with the honey badger like attributes he possesses.
Antonio Russell Antonio Russell 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Eisenhower | 2024 State IL | WR | Eisenhower ’24
Russell is one of the fastest rising prospects in Illinois’ 2024 class and his potential is through the roof, to say the least. He’s a versatile playmaker at the receiver position and boasts good size and strength, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs. He put on show all weekend and played huge when his team needed it the most.
Timothy Griffin | WR | Stagg ’22
Griffin turned some heads at the camp and is what I would consider a diamond in the rough. He’s physically put together and can be a dominant deep threat in his team’s passing attack with his ability to run past defenders and high-point the ball.
Donnell Adams | QB | Lane Tech ’22
Adams was letting it fly and throwing darts the entire weekend. He has a tremendous feel for the game and is pretty accurate passer, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this year is his coming out party and he emerges as one of the top quarterbacks in the Public League.
Barah Abad Barah Abad 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Taft Highschool | 2023 State IL | QB | Taft ’23
Abad is another quarterback from the Public League who I think will open a lot of eyes this fall with his uncanny ability to make plays. He competed at a high level over the weekend and made some very impressive throws.
Jesse Smith | LB | ICCP ’23
Smith was the camp MVP for the linebacker position and rightfully so. He plays with an extremely high motor and a level of physicality that is often unmatched. Also on display were his great ball skills, which enhances his versatility as a linebacker.
JaMycheal Towns JaMycheal Towns 6'3" | 190 lbs | LB St. Rita | 2023 State IL | LB | St. Rita ’23
Towns was one of the more physically gifted athletes in attendance and someone who I am excited to see this upcoming fall with him transferring to St. Rita. He has all the tools to be successful— size, speed, dawg, and an amazing wingspan which he uses to shed of blockers. Towns is a name that I’m confident we will be hearing more about after this season.
Tristyn Hynes | LB | De la salle ’24
Hynes is a young and talented player we should all keep an eye on over the next few years. His motor is off the charts and and he does a great job of anticipating and reading and reacting to the play as it unfolds in front him.
Other Notable Prospects:
Chaterion Rogers | ATH | Stagg ’24
Deshaun Wright Jr. | RB | 2024
Nashaun brown | DB | Fenwick ’25
DeShaun Williams | QB | Crane ’24