Chicago’s South Suburb Prospects to Know, PT. 2

Prep RedZone does an excellent job of leaving no stone unturned as it pertains to evaluating and highlighting prospects who have a desire to play football at the collegiate level. My goal with this three-part series is to dive deep and shine a light on some of the prospects of Chicago's South Suburbs who are more than deserving of being recognized for their talents. So without further ado, let's kick off part two and get to know some of the South Suburbs' most talented prospects... <hr /> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="216814" first="Jovan" last="Williams"] | ATH | Hilcrest ’24</strong></em></h5> I think Williams is a prospect who could turn some heads as he’s set to become a full-time varsity contributor this upcoming season. I first saw him at one of our PRZ IL showcases, and what stood out was the speed, quickness, and ball skills he displayed. He lines up at defensive back and receiver, but with his ability to make plays on the ball, change directions, and cover space, I genuinely believe defensive back is where Williams will flourish this season. <h5><em><strong>Xavier Rogers | RB/LB | Shepard ’23</strong></em></h5> I expect Rogers’ role on offense to increase significantly with the departure of [player_tooltip player_id="155093" first="Kendrick" last="Washington"]. He flashes a bruising yet elusive running style that can wear his opponents down throughout the course of a game. Has good foot speed, cutback ability, vision, and impressive leg churn that can move a pile and fight for the extra yardage. <h5><em><strong>TJ Kirkwood | DB | TF-North ’23</strong></em></h5> I’m a firm believer even though Kirkwood may be virtually unknown in Illinois’ 2023 recruiting circuit, he does possess the necessary tools to see his name climb up the rankings when the season kicks off. A ballhawk, a field general, and just a complete overall safety is how I would sum up Kirkwood the prospect. Has an innate nose for the ball matched with good leaping ability, making him an interception threat whenever the ball is in the air. Not to mention, he’s more than reliable in run support and is definitely a name to keep an eye on moving forward. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267698" first="Cameron" last="Oglesby"] | QB | Homewood-Flossmoor ’23</strong></em></h5> Oglesby’s mobility is what makes him an intriguing prospect. He has all the tools to wiggle around defenders and bust off long runs, but from what I’ve seen, he uses his mobility to complement his passing. Looks very comfortable maneuvering through the pocket and has a knack for extending plays to hit his targets downfield. Throws well under pressure and isn’t hesitant of standing in the pocket and taking a hit to get a completion. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300344" first="Jalen" last="Ray"] | DL | St. Laurence ’23</strong></em></h5> I like Jalen’s potential to be a factor against both the pass and run. Flashes some good athleticism and moves well laterally. Brings a ton of speed to the position and does a good job of reacting to the play as it unfolds. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="271839" first="Dijon" last="Newman"] | QB | Richards ’24</strong></em></h5> Newman has a chance to emerge as one of the most exciting players to watch in the South Suburbs. As a sophomore, Newman was a varsity starter and gained valuable experience that should catapult him into a coming out party as his junior season approaches. Still early in his development, he possesses a strong throwing arm and is a natural runner of the football that can give opposing defensive coordinators headaches trying to contain him. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="266056" first="Harrison" last="Meyer"] | DB | Carl Sandburg ’23</strong></em></h5> Meyer is a natural playmaker from the safety position. He’s an interception threat and is also solid in coverage. Flashes the ability to cover the field from sideline to sideline and is a pretty good leaper with superb ball skills. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267705" first="Kyle" last="Thomas"] | QB | Marian Catholic ’23</strong></em></h5> Thomas rushed for 317 yards in a single game last season, so it’s no surprise that he’s one of the more exciting players to watch in the South Suburbs. Thomas is a natural runner of the football with game-breaking speed and is elusive as they come. He recently landed an offer from the Air Force Academy, and with the triple-option offense they deploy, I could see Thomas fitting right in and making a name for himself at the next level. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152072" first="Davion" last="Adams"] | ATH | Thornton ’23</strong></em></h5> Adams’ junior season was cut short due to injury, and if I were a betting man, I would bet that he intends to go out with a bang for his senior season. He’s a pretty good all-around athlete. Plays some linebacker on defense and has an excellent nose for the ball. I’m most excited to see him at the running back position. Runs with a low center of gravity and has a wrestling background which aids in his ability to fight for extra yardage with good leg churn. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="168914" first="Tyson" last="Beck"] | DL | Homewood-Flossmoor ’23</strong></em></h5> The first time I saw [player_tooltip player_id="168914" first="Tyson" last="Beck"] was at a FIST Football workout a couple of years ago, and he’s only gotten better since then. He's a versatile defensive lineman who's fundamentally sound in his approach. Can be a disruptive pass-rusher and run stopper. Works well with his hands and has a mean punch while also possessing the strength to overpower defenders. It's well within reason that Beck can emerge as one of the top pass-rushers in Illinois' talented C/O '23.