Sleepers That Will Gain Momentum This Offseason: Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the things we pride ourselves on at Prep Redzone is finding those, "hidden gem" or "sleeper" type recruits. These prospects have a ton of ability but may not be getting much attention right now. In part one of my series, I took a look at those guys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>ATH: Kenneth Cooley, 5'10" 160, East Aurora</strong></em>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An elusive returner with great patience and the vision to spot a smaller crease. This young man is a major vertical threat, he's a natural hands catcher with outstanding balance through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='236883' first='Gavin' last='Burt'] 6'1" 220, Marmion, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burt started on varsity as a sophomore and displayed a quick trigger, the ability to navigate through traffic, and played with a strong base. This is a physical inbox tackler that takes quality angles to the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='354248' first='Tyler' last='Threat'] 6' 180, Waubonsie Valley, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Threat has some serious speed and can outrun defensive backs that have an angle on him. On tape, he's quite versatile lining up at both running back &amp; receiver, he shows strong hands in traffic and the ability to muscle past arm tacklers with no loss of speed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>RB: Dillon Fitzpatrick, 5'11" 190, Barrington, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A north and south runner with good speed and terrific body control. Fitzpatrick shows soft hands out of the backfield, allows for his blocks to set up in front of him, and has a rugged running style near the goal line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DB: Kyle Porter, 6'4" 190, Batavia, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His length, range, and overall athleticism make him a highly intriguing safety prospect. Porter has proven he's capable of running the alley, he eats up short-intermediate concepts in man and can read the quarterback's intentions with ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'], 6'1" 180, Althoff Catholic, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coldon was a viable playmaker on both sides of the football, showing elite deep ball tracking, and fluid route running ability, to go along with quality instincts. He shows nimble feet against press coverage, can separate downfield, and will easily adjust to back-shoulder throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='271806' first='Anthony' last='Palano'] 6'1" 200, Buffalo Grove, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough outside linebacker prospect with phenomenal acceleration and closing speed. Palano is a gifted pass rusher with easy change of direction, has a non-stop motor, and can shed perimeter blocks to make tackles in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DT: [player_tooltip player_id='258001' first='Jason' last='Dowell'] 6'3" 6'3" 290, Cahokia, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowell's size and strength are overwhelming at the point of attack, not to mention he's quick and plays with violent hands. He's extremely disruptive and can cause immediate chaos post-snap if blocking assignments aren't met. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->