Chicago’s South Suburb Prospects to Know, PT. 3

There’s a ton of talent in the Sout Suburbs. That’s the one thing I hope my readers were able to learn after diving into this three-part series that highlighted prospects from Chicago’s South Suburbs. I even came across a bunch of prospects who I wasn’t familar but are now on my radar. I also learned alot of these talented prospects have a few more years of high shcool ball left to play, so it’s safe to say that the South Suburbs are in good hands for now and the forseeable future. So without further ado, as we wrap up our final iteration of this series, let’s get to know some more talented prospects from Chicago’s South Suburbs. <hr /> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300086" first="Christian" last="Medlock"] | OL | Homewood-Flossmoor ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-144023" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/Christian-Medlock-DSC_5835-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> The upside is there for Medlock. He’s 6’6" 315lbs and is a pretty good athlete with swift feet. Has the makings of a dominant pass-protector who I believe can emerge into an immovable force that’ll be able to consistently erase pass-rushers from a play. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="259604" first="Dominic" last="Gradford"] | ATH | TF-North ’24</strong></em></h5> Gradford was a varsity contributor as a sophomore and is a prospect who I genuinely believe is in line for a breakout season. He plays both sides of the ball (DB, WR), but I love the value he brings to his team on offense. He essentially plays the role of TF-North’s swiss-army knife. Can move the chains as a slot receiver and is a very talented runner who’s slippery in space. Not to mention, he’s also an effective and willing blocker from the wideout position. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300187" first="Donnie" last="Burton"] | WR | Richards ’23</strong></em></h5> Burton has the ability to pop the top off a defense with the excellent speed he possesses. An explosive and dynamic runner who can pile up the YAC and is a threat to hit paydirt whenever he touches the ball. Tracks the ball well when it’s in the air and is probably one of the most efficient deep threats I’ve seen in the C/O 2023. Burton is a hidden gem that is worthy of more attention. Barring any catastrophic setbacks, I expect Burton to wake up the sleepers this upcoming season. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="277121" first="Darion" last="Williams"] | DL | Homewood-Flossmoor ’24</strong></em></h5> Williams definlety passes the eye test. He measures in at 6’3" 243lbs and has the profile of a domiant pass-rusher along with the athletisicm to wreak havoc off the edge. Brings a ton of speed to the postion and moves well laterally. One of his best attributes is getting to the quarterback but he’s also effective in stuffing the run. You heard it here first, Williams can defintely emerge as one of the top defensive prospects in Illinois’ C/O 2024. <h5><em><strong>Keshawn Hunt | RB | Bremen ’24</strong></em></h5> A physical runner with great acceleration who’s a load to bring down once he gets downhill. But don’t let his power running prowess fool you, he’s also light on his feet and can wiggle round defedners if need be. Additionally, he packs a mean stiff arm that’ll halt a defender in their tracks. <h5><em><strong>Ryan Tate- Walker | DB | Homewood-Flossmoor ’23</strong></em></h5> Walker is a true ball hawk with the speed, range, and instincts to cover the field sideline to sideline. Flashes good quickness and has no wasted movements in the pursuit of his target. He’s physical enough to play in the box, does a good job of evading blockers, and is more than reliable in run support. He’s everything you would want in a safety and is without a doubt a name to keep an eye on when football resumes in August <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300412" first="Joshua" last="Franklin"] | WR | Crete ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-243836" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/127-Joshua-Franklin.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> There aren’t enough adjectives in the dictionary that describe how unstoppable this kid can be when he’s in the open field. He’s a creative runner who plays the game at a speed in which others can’t acheive. I can see him dominating at the next level from the slot receiver positon and also adding value as a returner who can flip the field in an instant. Simply put, Franklin is a freak of an athlete who can easily climb up the rankings and emerge as one of Illinois’ most excitng prospects in the C/O ’23.