PRZ Young Bucks: 25′ Rankings New Additions Pt. 4

The young bucks have been working their tails off since they entered the high school ranks and the time has come to launch our first rankings update for the Class of 25'. With this being the first rankings list, changing from only a watch list to a rankings and watch list, we're going to show love to as many of these young men as possible. In this article series, we're going to dive into new young men that were added to our database and you should keep a close eye on. Without further ado, let's dive into Part 4 of our 25' Rankings New Additions. <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/illinois/rankings/2025-rankings/">2025 Official Rankings Update</a></strong></span></em></p> <hr /> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="299396" first="Bryan" last="Scales"] <a href="https://twitter.com/bryanscales5">Twitter</a></strong></em> Mr. Scales is a threat to turn the corner when he runs jet sweeps and can break secure the receiver screen to break long runs, both with his foot quicks. What's impressive about this young man is his ability to secure the catch in traffic in the middle of the field and can even secure the catch with the defender draped all over his back. His route running is one to keep an eye on as well. He showcases glimpses of using speed cuts at the top of the route to turn the defender and win over the top. A talented up-and-coming young man with high potential. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16188848/6180a1f9578d72063ca9473a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331526" first="Joaquin" last="Mendesz"] </strong></em> Mr. Mendez can line up as a 3 tech and 7 tech, both of which he can shed the run block at the line of scrimmage to slip into the backfield to blow up the play. His quick first step off the ball gives him the advantage to take the edge in his pass rush or shoot into the B gap, both of which he gets into the backfield to disrupt the play. If he's not able to get to the quarterback in time before he gets the ball off this young man is able to get his hands up to bat the pass down both when the quarterback is in the pocket and on the move. He has to room to hone his craft further, but his current skill set and potential is one to watch. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16679445/6133f224a6764108c8d40f92" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="330456" first="Ryan" last="Mascari"] <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanMascari87">Twitter</a></strong></em> Mr. Mascari can line up in the slot to gain the advantage against the outside linebacker on passing downs. Here, he can find the soft spot in zone coverage as he understands spacing and at times is able to lay out to secure the catch in traffic. His long catch radius is one to keep an eye on as he showcases glimpses of high-pointing the ball to play above the rim securing the contested catch. Let's not forget about his run blocking skill set as well. This is seen when he's lined up at the tight end position being quick out of his stance and using his quick punch to latch on to drive th defender back 5 yards downfield when he blocks in-line. This young man has a very high upside and is one you need to keep a close eye on moving forward. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16112703/61744fa4ff0d0d08a4451163" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331468" first="Danny" last="Heidkamp"] <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyHeidkamp">Twitter</a></strong></em> Mr. Heidkamp is a fullback that has the foot quicks to him to get through the line of scrimmage quickly once he secures the handoff before being contacted after he gains a few yards on the play by a defender. At times, he can also break long runs when he goes straight N/S to gash the defense. What stands out about this young man is his hard downhill running style as he keeps his feet driving to fight for extra yards as he doesn't go down easily. A young man that has the ability to run through defenders and stay ahead of the sticks. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16222757/6159f11823479f023cd01f1c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="330454" first="Eli" last="Davidson"] <a href="https://twitter.com/EliDavidson27">Twitter</a></strong></em> Mr. Davidson is an outside linebacker that has an upside in his pass coverage skill set. He has the ability to press the slot receiver at times when in man coverage and when he does he can stay in the receiver's hip pocket keeping him in a position to make a play on the ball which he then does forcing pass breakups. This happens with his ability to flip his hips and turn to run with the receiver on deep shots downfield, when he does so he limits the chances of allowing the reciever to break him off at the top of the route. Also showcases glimpses of delivering heavy hits on the ball carrier. Played on varsity as a freshman, keep an eye on how he continues to develop and hone his craft. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16182798/61e460fbda513d13fc465243" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331455" first="Myles" last="Mitchell"] <a href="https://twitter.com/MylesMitchelll">Twitter</a></strong></em> Mr. Mitchell's jump cuts are deadly as he can end up turning a play where he's met in the backfield for a touchdown after he makes three defenders miss - this happens in a clip in his highlights and man is it impressive. This young man's foot quicks are one to keep an eye on as well, both on inside the tackle and outside the tackle runs. Once he gains a step on the 2nd level defenders it's hard to catch him as he showcases the ability to win the footrace more times than not to come away with six on the board. He can also line up as a wildcat quarterback where he runs the option and student body as another avenue to threaten the opposing defense. I'm interested to see how he's going to be utilized this upcoming season as he could potentially pose a threat in the return game and in the air attack. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16505888/615a491cff01f009d4bd68c0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331451" first="Jack" last="Ferguson"] </strong></em> Mr. Ferguson poses a threat when he's a single high safety as, simply put, he can fly to the ball to make a play by reading the quarterback's eyes. This results in him undercutting the route across the middle of the field to come away with interceptions. He's also able to cover sideline to sideline by closing quickly to make a play on the ball as he's aggressive playing the ball over the man. In run support, he has the ability to trigger downhill to play the alley to secure open-field tackles as well. The untapped potential that he has is one to keep an eye on as, I believe, if he continues to hone his craft you'll see him become a top defensive back in the state with the current foundational skill set he currently possesses at such a young age. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16476880/61749fc5ff0d0d08a44551e7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em>Be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan">@PRZJordan</a> regarding news &amp; information for Illinois High School Football as well as <a href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>. </em> <em>Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">Prospect Player Index</a>, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey.</em>