PRZJordan’s 6A IHSA State Championship East St Louis Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into this 6A IHSA State Championship we have the high scoring offenses of Prairie Ridge and East St. Louis who have dominated their opponents during this season and post season. Prairie Ridge's Tyler Vasey set the single season rushing record this fall and is at the helm of this high powered triple option offense. On the opposite side of the ball you have the highly talented East St. Louis team that is by far the most talented team in Illinois with multiple players with P5 offers on both sides of the ball. This game started out with Prairie Ridge getting on the board first 7-0 but it was East St. Louis ever since winning this game 57-7 an finishing 2-3 in state title games over these last 3 state title playoff seasons (minus the covid year since there were no playoffs). With that being said there are talented young men on both teams and we're here to highlight them. Without further ado, let's dive into the East St. Louis Standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-c7d4c208-63fa-41a2-ad6e-abf1808f2822"><strong><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan" target="_blank">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp; &amp;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL" target="_blank">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for IHSA Football</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-7a314ae9-8013-45e3-9115-31941adb5b6b"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/illinois/rankings/2023-rankings/" target="_blank">Find our Latest Rankings Update HERE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266356"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Hayden was a force on the defensive side of the ball finishing the game with 9 tackles, 1.0 TFLs, and getting one carry for a 69 yard TD late in the game putting his talents on full display. The University of Illinois Commit was triggering downhill in close space all day long to meet the ball carrier in the hole and plug gaps in run support. He also did a good job shooting gaps to disrupt plays in the backfield which is how he came away with 1.0 TFLs on the day. The closing speed that this young man has is impressive and there's no doubt as to why he's going to continue his career in the BIG10 next fall.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/AntwonHaydenu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a43586466"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271286"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Battle is one of the top QBs we have in the state for his class and is the top dual threat QB we have in the state - yes I said it. I've had him ranked as the best dual threat QB and currently at the #1 spot overall QB for the class of 2024 in Illinois. Turn on his film and you'll see why that is. Not only is he able to make all level throws both adding a touch on the ball and adding zip when need be, he can also get it done in the ground game being a shifty elusive runner. By doing so he ended up finishing the day 10/12 for 207 yards, 4 carries for 63 yards and 4 TDs (3 passing, 1 rushing). Yes, he does play behind the best OL in the state of IL but his talents alone warrant getting him FBS looks as he currently only holds FCS offers.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/estlpops9u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a435864d1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278888"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Martin is another highly talented young man that ESL has on their roster. This young man finished the day with 1 reception for 13 yards, 17 carries for 174 yards with 3 TDs. He's a speed back that can either bounce plays outside to break long runs or work between the tackles using his foot quicks to burst through the hole before gaining a step on 2nd level defenders. Don't shy away from this young man because he's running behind the best OL in the state, his talents alone would be the same if he were to play behind a less coveted line being able to put up similar numbers. Next season will be the true tell all for this young man as ESL will have a new OL with their standouts heading to play P5 football. Be sure to keep a close eye on his performance as I believe he's going to continue turning heads with his performance.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/MartinTaryanu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a4358651c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1564075' first='Christopher' last='Bennett']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East St. Louis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Bennett took over the carries for the rest of this game for Mr. Martin where he finished with 7 carries for 56 yards with 1 TD and 1 reception for a 19 yard TD. This young man uses his vision to find running lanes quickly between the tackles and then bursts through the line of scrimmage to gain a step on 2nd level defenders to keep the sticks moving. There was one play that stood out the most where he maintained his low center of gravity by breaking grab tackles against 2nd level defenders getting into the endzone for 6. This was done all on his own by keeping his legs driving through contact and was an impressive run. He can also get involved in the air attack to be a threat which is how he got his reception TD.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a435865a5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["153213"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Reyes had a quiet night finishing with 1 tackle for 1 INT as he went up against a run heavy team. With the interception that he came away with at the end of the 2nd, he was able to track the ball and stay over top of the receiver for an easy turnover. He then flashes his foot quicks to break a solid return where it seemed he might have the chance to break it for a TD as time expired in the half. In terms of his skill set, he's a sure fire P5 prospect that can cover sideline to sideline and close quickly to make plays on the ball. His future is bright and you'll hear his name on Saturday's in the foreseeable future.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/reyes_saelu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a435865eb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bryce Harrison","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East St. Louis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Harrison was a man on a mission finishing the day with 9 tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 2.5 TFLs en route to a dominant win for the 6A IHSA State Championship. This young man was blowing up plays in the backfield all day long as he would trigger downhill quickly in run support slipping blocks in the process. There were countless plays where right at the snap this young man would shoot into the gap and slip through right as the backfield is still in the process of going through the exchange - yes he was closing that quickly to either secure the TFL or disrupt the play enough for his teammates to secure a TFL/tackle for no gain on the play. It's this type of skill set that really stands out, especially when he's playing alongside the dominant Mr. Hayden. It's safe to say this young man is going to have the reigns next in the linebacker core working hand in hand with Dominic Dixon who both are going to be young men to watch next fall with the high ceiling they both have.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/iambryce3_u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a4358662b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jesse Watson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East St. Louis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Watson is an explosive receiver that can get vertical quickly in the screen game to keep the chains moving and can win over the top on deep shots downfield. He does so by being quick off the line of scrimmage to close space quickly on the defender playing in off coverage before stacking and breaking the defender off with a speed cut at the top of the route. By doing so, this resulted in him finishing the day with 3 receptions for 61 yards and 1 receiving TD. You're going to want to keep a close eye on this young man as he's another high ceiling ESL player that is quick off the line and gain whichever release he wants with his fast feet.rnrnu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/JesseWatsonVu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6382a435866a1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">The O-LINE</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='20841' first='Miles' last='McVay'] - Alabama Commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='20842' first='Paris' last='Patterson'] - Arkansas Commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='269404' first='Brandon' last='Henderson'] - Illinois Commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='267132' first='Timothy' last='Pitts'] - Uncommitted</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Held together to produce 362 rushing yards and hold the pocket together for 207 passing yards. These young men deserve a lot of attention for controlling the gaps and creating lanes all night long for their ball carriers to hit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">Honorable Mention</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dominic Dixon 24' LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='103438' first='Michael' last='Tillman'] 23' DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for Illinois High School Football as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">Prospect Player Index</a>, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->