Chicago Public League: Five WRs You May Not Know, But Should

I’ll be the first to tell you that the talent in Chicago’s Public League is immense. I’ve gotten a chance to evaluate a ton of their athletes throughout this extended off-season, and it’s amazing how many of them continue to fly under the radar. You heard it here first, there are some flat-out studs in the CPL, and with us being a little under a month from football resuming in the ILL state, I have a good feeling that these prospects are about to put the state on notice. So without further ado, let’s jump into it and get to know five potential breakout receivers from Chicago’s Public League. <hr /> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137042" first="Charlie" last="Newton"] | Walter Payton College Prep ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-57388" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Charlie-Newton-300x272.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="272" /> Newton brings good size to the receiver position at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. His size can pose a matchup problem for smaller defensive backs and enables him to rid defenders off the jam. It's also worth noting that Newton is a reliable deep threat who possesses the necessary speed to get by his defender. Does a good job of tracking the ball in the air and flashes a nice set of hands. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="170603" first="Avante" last="Savage"] | Phillips ’22</strong></em></h5> Savage is a sure-handed receiver who I believe can really make a name for himself with a full fall season ahead of him. He can be a threat in all three phases of his team's passing attack. Possesses enough wiggle and escapability to thrive in catch-and-run situations, A competent route-runner who has a knack for getting open on intermediate routes, and has enough speed and craftiness to get open down the field. <h5><em><strong>Kendall Sprouts | Morgan Park ’22</strong></em></h5> <img class="size-medium wp-image-96276" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ksp-crop-2337x1535-1610642824-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> There may be other receivers in the Public League ranked higher than Sprouts, but I'll be the first to tell you that he's as complete of a receiver as there is in the Public League. He's got speed, excellent route-running ability, a physical and willing blocker, and is capable of piling up the YAC with his ability to tote the rock. <h5><em><strong>Dontrell Starks | Clark ’23</strong></em></h5> Circumstances prevented Starks from lining up at his normal receiver position this spring. Instead, he took over as quarterback for the Eagles and proved that he could produce regardless of the position. After speaking with his coach, Starks will find himself back at his all-too-familiar wide receiver position where he was an all-conference performer as a freshman. Starks is a long and athletic 6-foot-3 who can eat up a defensive backs cushion in an instant. Barring any setbacks, I wouldn't be surprised if this season is Starks' coming out party. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="163255" first="Cameron" last="Ashley"] | Simeon ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-163059" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/C070CBAF-0309-4577-9D97-C2686F75C1DB-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> It seemed like Ashley was at every camp/showcase that took place in Illinois this summer. He certainly put himself in a position to be recognized as one of the up-and-coming receivers in Illinois' class of 2023 with his busy camp schedule and stellar play. He's got great size, speed, and a frame he could easily fill out over the next couple of years. Runs good routes and from what I've seen he has a reliable set of hands. Ashley's recruiting should pick up after what I expect to be a highly productive junior season.