Under the Radar Prospects Ready to Shine in Week 2

I love it when an unknown prospect comes out of nowhere and has a big game that helps them get out from under the radar. IHSA’s much anticipated opening week saw a plethora of under the radar prospects showcase their abilities and put the state on notice that they’re worthy of breaking into the rankings and being recognized with the best. So without further ado, let’s get to know ten under the radar prospects who shined in week 1 who I expect to have dominant week 2 performances. <hr /> <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>La’Zarius Geater | RB | Zion ’22</strong></em></h5> Geater had an impressive week 1 as run up and down and around Stagg’s defense to the tune of 243 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s a highly productive, dynamic running back who amassed nearly 1,200 yards on the ground in only six games during the spring. He might be the most talented backs in the state you haven’t heard about. <h5><em><strong>Bryan Hunt | WR | Fenwick ’22</strong></em></h5> It’s easy to overlook Hunt with him playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="20887" first="Eian" last="Pugh"] and [player_tooltip player_id="20890" first="Max" last="Reese"]. But this kid can play; I saw it firsthand last week in Fenwick’s season opener. He caught nearly everything thrown to him and had a 51-yard Sports Center Top 10 worthy touchdown reception. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="162713" first="Antonio" last="Russell"] | WR | Eisenhower ’24</strong></em></h5> I spoke with [player_tooltip player_id="162713" first="Antonio" last="Russell"]’s ’ coach during the summer and he raved about how special of a season the sophomore wideout was going to have. Well, let’s say he didn’t disappoint in week 1 as he hauled in 6 receptions for 160 yards along with 3 touchdowns en route to a 36-5 victory over Brooks College Prep. <h5><em><strong>Brandon McCoy | QB | St. Laurence ’22</strong></em></h5> McCoy is a natural runner of the football. Although his 239 all-purpose yards weren’t enough to capture a week 1 victory, it’s worth noting that the senior quarterback is electric when he decides to break the pocket and doesn’t shy away from contact. I expect McCoy to have a big week as St. Laurence will be the favorite in their week 2 matchup against Brooks College Prep. <h5><em><strong>Derrion Coleman | ATH | Waukegan ’23</strong></em></h5> Coleman’s first-half hat trick put the Waukegan Bulldogs in a position to capture their first win in four years. He scored on a 78-yard kickoff return, a 61-yard pick-six, and an 11-yard reception. He’s a natural playmaker with good speed, and if he can remain consistent, there’s no reason he can’t emerge as one of the top ATH’s in lake County. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130200" first="Aric" last="Johnson"] | WR |  Kaneland ’24</strong></em></h5> What’s there not to like about Kaneland’s [player_tooltip player_id="130200" first="Aric" last="Johnson"]? He’s a physically gifted receiver who can line up in the slot or out wide and pile up the YAC with his running ability. Finished week 1 with a stat line of  6 receptions, 102 yards, and  2 touchdowns. <h5><em><strong>Jaden Padilla | RB | Taft ’25</strong></em></h5> 16 carries for 139 yards with a touchdown is a pretty productive night, to say the least. It’s even more impressive when that stat line comes from a freshman making his first start on varsity. Let’s just say we have a special player in the making If Padilla’s varsity debut is any indication of what’s to come, <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155091" first="Vince" last="Bennett"] | QB | Wauconda ’22</strong></em></h5> Bennet enjoyed a productive spring season as Wauconda’s all-purpose back but will be leading his team as the QB1 for his senior campaign. He got off to a hot start in week 1 with 4 touchdowns (3 pass,1 rush) as the Wauconda Bulldogs walked away with a 69-0 victory over Proviso West. Bennet brings a ton of athleticism to the quarterback position and looks to be a touchdown machine this fall. <h5><em><strong>Quadrell Hill | RB | Clark ’23</strong></em></h5> Hill finished week 1 with 136 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s a one-cut-and-go, no-nonsense, north and south type of back. He isn’t going to wow you with a bunch of fancy cuts and jukes; he’s simply going to put his head down and punish whoever is in front of him. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155029" first="Austin" last="Layette"] | QB | Deerfield ’22</strong></em></h5> Layette lead his team to a convincing 39-16 win over Hinsdale South throwing for 124 yards and 3 touchdowns. The senior signal-caller got the ball quickly out and showcased his ability to throw his receivers open. Layette will face off against Grayslake North and their ultra-talented quarterback Jacob Donohue in week 2.