Twitter Mania: Offensive Stars Through 3 Weeks

Since we're at the 1/3 mark in the season I decided to look through all of the highlights that went sent via Twitter to highlight some of these young student-athletes that have showcased their skillset so far this season. This isn't an all-inclusive list, it's based solely on the highlights that were sent my way to highlight a few of the student-athletes. Without further ado, let's dive into the young men picked for Offensive Stars Through 3 Weeks. <hr /> QB [player_tooltip player_id="135719" first="Liam" last="Mickle"] Woodstock 6’0 200 22’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/liammickle8">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11144813/613cb17764e0ae0bbcf6a2b3">Film</a> Week 3 Stats: 20/33 for 273 yards (2 TDs), 1 rushing TD Mr. Mickle runs RPOs where he can get the ball out quickly and has the ability to scramble with the ball showcasing his mobility if nobody is open downfield. On deep shots, he puts a touch on the ball where he makes level 3 throws and puts the ball into the receiver's basket. This young man will stay in the pocket to get the ball off under pressure as well as make the throw on the run as he's flushed out of the pocket. During key passing downs on film, he showcased an ability to go through his progressions and find the checkdown on more than one occasion for a net positive on the play instead of taking a sack. This young man is also the kicker for his team where he follows through on his kicks and keeps a solid base throughout. [player_tooltip player_id="65707" first="Keegan" last="Glover"] Benton 6’1 175 22’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/GloverKeegan">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10581963/6138cea2bed6e0082498f7d1">Film</a> 39/51 for 517 yards (76% completion), 9 passing TDs, 4 rushing TDs, 164 rushing yards, 0 INT, Only played in 9 Quarters through 3 games Mr. Glover is able to put a touch on the deep ball to make level 3 throws which puts the ball into the receiver's basket for the completion downfield. If he gets flushed out of the pocket he's able to make off-platform throws while on the run and will stay in the pocket to get the ball off under pressure. This young man has the arm strength to make throws outside the numbers and is able to make level 1 & 2 throws as well. He does so by putting zip on the ball and adding a touch on the pass putting the ball in the soft spot between the linebackers and safety. What's most impressive about this young man is his ability to make something out of nothing showcasing his playmaking abilities. If there's nothing open downfield Mr. Glover doesn't have a problem pulling the ball down to scramble showcasing his quick acceleration and mobility. [player_tooltip player_id="132515" first="Jovan" last="Butts"] Morton West 5’9 160 22’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/qb_butts">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11097680/613e599d041d6b0b64f4484d">Film</a> Mr. Butts is a smaller quarterback but don't let that shy you away from this young man. He's able to make throws outside the numbers by putting extra velocity on the ball showcasing his arm strength. This young man is also able to make level 1 throws and level 2 throws which are put in the soft spot between the linebackers and safety putting the ball into the receiver's basket. This isn't all he can do, he's mobile and has quick acceleration when doing so to burst through the line of scrimmage for a big gain on the play as seen in his film above. Giuseppe Dugo Conant 5’8 165 22’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/dugo_giuseppe">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13063646/613540f69a913c0a68de685c">Film</a> 462 rushing yards (6 TDs) Mr. Dugo is a mobile quarterback that runs the read-option showcasing his quick acceleration. As he does so, he bursts through the line of scrimmage and blows past the 2nd level of defenders as he changes his gears quickly. This young man has the speed to turn the corner, once he does he's off to the races. He also has the vision to see cutback lanes when carrying the ball and keeps his feet driving to fight for extra yards. His playmaking abilities are one to keep an eye on as he's a constant threat to break a big run. [player_tooltip player_id="141092" first="Tyler" last="Fikis"] Hampshire 6’0 175 23’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/TFikis5">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12804553/613ccdc1688ed70910e15c9b">Film</a> 14/17 for 199 yards (1 TD), 110 rushing yards (2 TDs) [player_tooltip player_id="157713" first="Alex" last="Graham"] Marquette 5’10 170 23’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexGra04920206">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12920763/613cdf450dbfa60898d4863f">Film</a> Mr. Graham has the ability to make off-platform throws when he throws on the run flipping his hips to add velocity on the ball and puts the ball into the receiver's basket. He has the ability to make level 3 throws where he puts a touch on the deep ball. When the opposing defense decides to bring the blitz this young man is able to get the ball off under pressure. He's also able to get the ball out quickly when running RPOs and has solid pocket footwork on his drops. [player_tooltip player_id="136475" first="Mark" last="Mennecke"] Neuqua Valley 6’1 175 23’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/mark_mennecke">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12827919/613f771b42102d0aac7c3a26">Film</a> Mr. Mennecke is a lefty quarterback that can get the ball off under pressure putting the ball into the receiver's basket. He has the ability to throw on the run as he's flushed out of the pocket as well as being in an offense that moves the pocket by rolling out to the left. This young man showcased that he can make level 1 2 & 3 throws through his film and puts a touch on the deep ball as well. His quick acceleration comes to light when he decides to pull the ball down to scramble as well as on designed QB run plays. [player_tooltip player_id="153390" first="Troyer" last="Carlson"] Kaneland 24’ QB <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyerCarlson">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14673099/613c35ddbd74ae0bb422708d">Film</a> Week 3 Stats: 25/34 for 342 yards 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD RB Gabe Lynch Carmel Catholic 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/gabelynch7">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8396028/613cf26223473c02701a82e1">Film</a> 220 All-Purpose yards, 4 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD [player_tooltip player_id="155143" first="Cade" last="Culp"] Maora Forsyth 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/cadeculp">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8811888/613e399296777308c0ab61bb">Film</a> Week 3 Stats: 11 carries for 123 yards, 3 receptions for 41 yards, 4 total TDs Mr. Culp is elusive making the first defender miss in open space and has the vision to see the cutback lanes. As he does so, he bursts through the line of scrimmage blowing past the 2nd level of defenders showcasing his ability to change gears quickly. This is also seen with his speed to turn the corner when he runs jet sweeps and reads his blocks well. In doing so, he keeps his feet driving breaking arm tackles in the process of doing so. Mr. Culp is also used in the passing game where he can catch out of the backfield and gets upfield quickly after securing the catch. Elliot Cassem Reed Custer 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/elliot_cassem">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11479062/61336803d468881280f9a6ea">Film</a> 581 rushing yards (7 TDs), 2 kick return TDs Mr. Cassem has taken the ICE Conference by storm as he continues to put up impressive performances each week. He changes his gears quickly which goes hand in hand with him keeping his feet driving and keeps his feet driving which results in arm tackles being broken. This young man has the speed to turn the corner and bursts through the line of scrimmage bursting past the 2nd level of defenders. He's utilized in the passing game where he can catch out of the backfield and gets upfield quickly once he secures the catch. Mr. Cassem is also a deadly return man further showcasing his playmaking abilities. Vinny Lannantone Joliet Catholic Academy 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/VinnyIannanton2">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11676844/613ea9524ba92f0e207dc719">Film</a> 39 carries for 422 yards (6 TDs) [player_tooltip player_id="135503" first="Ben" last="Ludlum"] Jacobs 5’10 180 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/LudlumBen">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11735995/613c9eda64e0ae0bbcf6883d">Film</a> 56 carries for 548 rushing yards (7 TDs), 80 yard TD reception, 2 kickoff returns for 80 yards Mr. Ludlum bursts through the line of scrimmage blowing by the 2nd level of defenders showcasing his ability to change gears quickly. If he happens to get hit at the line of scrimmage he keeps his feet driving breaking the arm tackles to fight for extra yards on the play. Once the ball is in his hands he uses a jump cut to accelerate quickly upfield, as he does so he weaves in and out of defenders in open space. He isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and has the speed to turn the corner. [player_tooltip player_id="120070" first="Corey" last="Phillips"] Kaneland 5’8 165 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/Coreyphillips35">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11092669/61355c6cd21c6605acd8120f">Film</a> 351 All-Purpose yards, 3 TDs Mr. Phillips is an N/S runner that is elusive making the first defender miss with his jump cuts and can burst through the line of scrimmage blowing by the 2nd level of defenders. He's a smaller shifty back that can catch out of the backfield and gets upfield quickly once he secures the catch. This young man has the ability to bounce plays outside further showcasing quick acceleration. When the defenders try to bring him down he keeps his feet driving resulting in arm tackles being broken. In pass protection, there's a clip at the end giving us a glimpse of his ability to pick up the defensive end to keep the pocket clean for his quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id="170600" first="Hector" last="Ramirez"] Chicago Academy 22’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/Hramirez456">Twitter</a> Week 3: 6 carries for 142 rushing yards 3 TDs, 1 reception for 83 receiving yards (1 TD), 10 tackles [player_tooltip player_id="157734" first="Joshua" last="Robinson"] Montini Catholic 6’2 210 23’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/joshrobinson22">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13171180/613d28d264e0ae0bbcf714b9">Film</a> Mr. Robinson keeps his feet driving resulting in breaking arm tackles and fighting for extra yards on the play. He bursts through the line of scrimmage and has the speed to turn the corner, both of which he can break for a big run on the play. This young man has the vision to see cutback lanes where he utilized jump cuts to hit the backside holes. In the passing game, he can catch out of the backfield and find the soft spot in the defense. Once he secures the catch he turns upfield quickly. [player_tooltip player_id="189244" first="Jake" last="Metze"] Johnsburg 5’9 165 23’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_Metze13">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11232926/61400a0eb0238f04cc13777c">Film</a> 445 All-Purpose yards, 5 TDs Mr. Metze is an N/S runner that bursts through the line of scrimmage where he keeps his feet driving to break arm tackles and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder to fight for extra yards. He has the speed to turn the corner, once he's in open space he weaves in and out of defenders for a big gain on the play. In the air attack, he can catch out of the backfield and once he secures the catch he plants his foot into the ground to turn upfield quickly. James Kwiecinski Lincoln-Way East 5’11 175 23’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/jameskwiecinski">Twitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jameskwiecinski/status/1434290635721383937?s=20">Film</a> Back to Back games with over 115+ rushing yards & 1 TD Not much film, name to keep an eye moving forward. Also runs a 4.49 40-yard dash. [player_tooltip player_id="157738" first="Josh" last="Lim"] Marmion Academy 5’9 190 23’ ATH <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshL1824">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11871545/613f83c1d21ba104a09f89c7">Film</a> 213 All-Purpose yards (6 TDs), 1 tackle, 1 fum rec [player_tooltip player_id="148259" first="Mekhi" last="Glover"] Boylan Catholic 5’6 165 <a href="https://twitter.com/MekhiGlover3">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13234216/612fb35a7bdcb10aec0a0ba8">Film</a> 31 carries for 245 yards (5 TDs) Mr. Glover has the vision to see the cutback lanes, once he does he uses a jump cut to hit the backside hole hard. He bursts through the line of scrimmage and has the ability to break a long run. If a defender tries to bring him down with an arm tackle he keeps his feet driving breaking the arm tackle and fights for extra yards on the play. This young man has the speed to turn the corner, once he does he changes his gears quickly and is off to the races once he gets into open space. He's also able to catch out of the backfield and gets upfield once he secures the catch. Eric Harris Pritzker 5’7 160 23’ ATH <a href="https://twitter.com/EricHarris_5">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13474038/613d7b0b176c7b09b8b01182">Film</a> 374 All-Purpose yards (5 carries for 207 yards, 2 TDs), 80-yard pass TD, 32-yard punt return TD, 2 INT [player_tooltip player_id="161324" first="Randall" last="Nauden"] Marian Catholic 5’10 180 24’ RB <a href="https://twitter.com/NaudenRandall">Twitter </a> Week 3 Stats: 16 carries for 126 yards, 4 TDs WR [player_tooltip player_id="20886" first="Adam" last="Criter"] St Francis 6’2 195 22’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamCriter">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15622445/613d4adaf569cc0518077606">Film</a> 6 TDs, 381 receiving yards, 1 INT [player_tooltip player_id="155248" first="Zach" last="Allen"] Mount Carmel 6’2 170 22’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/Zachallen033">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11457578/613cf0aab023e508b41ce0e1">Film</a> Week 3 Stats: 5 receptions for 124 yards (2 TDs), 1 INT [player_tooltip player_id="118978" first="Ryan" last="Little"] Lockport Township 6’4 190 22’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanScoresTds">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11319169/613f6420d4690a02345f34e7">Film</a> 11 receptions for 200 yards (4 TDs) Mr. Little is quick off the line of scrimmage and has an ability to stem his routes inside as well as outside on fly routes. When he goes up for 50/50 balls he high points the ball to come down with the contested catch. Once he secures the catch on underneath routes he turns upfield quickly. This young man also reacts quickly to back shoulder throws and has good timing with Quarterback Hyatt Timosciek when doing so. [player_tooltip player_id="20881" first="Jashawn" last="Johnson"] Hoffman Estates 22’ ATH <a href="https://twitter.com/jashawn_3">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11118577/613ff56315f70b0f68e9943d">Film</a> 21 receptions for 389 yards (7 TDs) Mr. Johnson finds the soft spot in the defense, once he secures the catch he turns upfield quickly and is able to make the first defender miss showcasing his elusiveness. He's quick off the line of scrimmage and high points the ball to make the contested catch downfield when he runs a fly route. When he runs underneath routes, he gets to the defender's toes and breaks him off at the top of the route creating separation on the play. Once he turns the corner he blows by the 2nd level of defenders further showcasing his playmaking abilities. Matthew Ochoa St Laurence 5’10 170 22’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Ochoa24">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12276308/613d131296777308c0a91a0a">Film</a> Mr. Ochoa is quick off the line of scrimmage and has the speed to turn the corner. This is seen when he runs jet sweeps where he reads his blocks well before blowing by the 2nd level of defenders by changing his gears quickly and he makes the first defender miss showcasing his elusiveness. He finds the soft spot in the defense out of the slot and gets upfield once he secures the catch. This young man also blocks downfield and is used in the return game as well. [player_tooltip player_id="150255" first="Kaymen" last="Coleman"] Von Steuben 6’1 159 22’ ATH <a href="https://twitter.com/KaymenColeman">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11492427/613ead9bf55fc908e8507632">Film</a> 350 All-Purpose yards 4 TDs, 18.4 yards per catch, 21 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 FF [player_tooltip player_id="137042" first="Charlie" last="Newton"] Walter Payton College Prep 6’2 195 23’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/canewton40">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13169009/61331375ab9d21043008f961">Film</a> 375 All-Purpose yards for 5 TDs, 1 INT, 8 tackles, 1 PBU Micahel Prokos Crystal Lake South 6’0 175 24’ WR <a href="https://twitter.com/michael_prokos">Twitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michael_prokos/status/1436838480844410880?s=20">Film</a> 501 All-Purpose Yards, 12 receptions for 285 yards (2 TDs), 8 punt & kick returns for 215 yards, 1 INT for 52 yards OL [player_tooltip player_id="20905" first="Alexander" last="Knaperek"] Lincoln-Way East 6’2 295 22’ OL <a href="https://twitter.com/alex_knaperek">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9879608/613e6faf041d6b0b64f465d1">Film</a> Mr. Knaperek fires off the ball getting hands-on quickly, once he does he drives the defender back 5 plus yards downfield and has the ability to pancake the defender as well. This young man keeps his feet driving, works up to 2nd level blocks and square pulls which creates running lanes for his teammates to burst through. In pass protection, he holds his own one-on-one by staying square and in some instances throws the defensive lineman to the ground to keep the pocket clean. Elijah Matthews Kenwood Academy 6’4 260 22’ OL <a href="https://twitter.com/dareal_eli5">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12826711/613f72e53453b503bcbd5eae">Film</a> Mr. Matthews holds his own one-on-one in pass protection by staying square and neutralizes the pass rush at the line of scrimmage in his highlights. He fires off the ball getting hands-on quickly and keeps his feet driving which results in the defender being pushed back five-plus yards downfield. This young man gets to 2nd level blocks, keeps the pocket clean, and plays through the whistle with his aggressive playstyle. [player_tooltip player_id="158773" first="Luke" last="Griskey"] Huntley 6’5 260 23’ OL <a href="https://twitter.com/GriskeyLuke">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12777910/613d612a0dbfa60898d4f3c6">Film</a> Mr. Griskey does a good job of forcing the outside rush in pass protection, he does so by staying square and punching the defensive lineman at the line of scrimmage. In his highlights, he fires off the ball getting hands-on quickly as he keeps his feet driving and plays through the whistle. This young man gets to the 2nd level blocks and is constantly looking for work downfield, exactly what you like to see out of an offensive lineman. [player_tooltip player_id="197934" first="Nikolas" last="Belski"] LaSalle-Peru 6’2 250 23’ OL <a href="https://twitter.com/nikbelski">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13241538/6140069eb0238f04cc137130">Film</a> Mr. Belski is a new name to me this season and after each week I've become a bigger and bigger fan of this young man. He fires off the ball getting hands-on quickly, once this happens it's over for the opposing defensive lineman as he either drive blocks the defender 10 yards downfield or pancakes him by keeping his feet driving. This young man washes the defensive line down, blocks in open space where he is constantly finding work downfield and has an attacking playstyle. In pass protection, he holds his own one-on-one where he stays square and neutralizes the rushing defender at the line of scrimmage as shown in his highlights. If you don't have this young man on your radar you need to ASAP as he's a mauler that is aggressive at the point of attack and is flying under the radar. Armand Voloder Lake Park 6’4 245 24 OL <a href="https://twitter.com/armandxvv">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10053762/613f7afc3453b503bcbd6684">Film</a> Mr. Voloder is a younger offensive lineman that's been getting time on Varsity since the spring season. He holds his own one-on-one in pass protection by staying square forcing the outside rush to keep the pocket clean. This young man has an aggressive punch of the hands at the point of attack which knocks the defensive lineman down and square pulls to create running lanes. He washed the defensive line down, drive blocks the defensive lineman back five-plus yards downfield, and keeps his feet driving. <hr /> For the whole season, we’re going to continue this trend of Twitter Mania to highlight as many of you young men as possible each week. Be sure to follow @jamaskane regarding news & information for Illinois High School Football, @PrepRedzoneIL, and @PrepRedzone.