Friday Film Room: Part I

Jake Lemming

March 10, 2023 @ 11:29 AM

We hit the film and found some talented under-the-radar prospects from around Illinois. The upside is most certainly there with these recruits and they are more than deserving of some recognition. Look for them to have big senior seasons this fall and make their presence known.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='354253' first='Carter' last='Barenbaum'], 6'1" 185, Grayslake North, 2024   A rangy safety prospect that is a strong tackler and has a ball-hawking mentality. Carter can cover a ton of ground in a short period of time, and always seems to be around the football. He has sure hands on the backend, can dislodge the football from opposing ball carriers, and displayed ideal route recognition. He's got great awareness and can make up for other people's mistakes in zone coverage.   TE: [player_tooltip player_id='252524' first='Gage' last='Homola'], 6'4" 250, Hampshire, 2024   Gage has ideal size for the position, is a fluid hands catcher, shows natural body control when the ball's in the air, and is a stout inline blocker. He's a serious presence on down blocks, works well on zone double teams with his linemate, and has no fear going across the middle of the field. He's at his best as a pass catcher off play-action and consistently finds himself sneaking behind coverage. He's a tough runner after the catch that will drag tacklers with him to pick up hidden YAC.   LB: Tyler Gleyzer, 6'2" 205, Highland Park, 2024   On tape, Tyler is shot out of a cannon once he reads run and is a sound striker on contact. He accelerates through tackle attempts, is a natural at executing the gator roll tackle, and has a knack for making big plays. He's forceful taking on second-level blocks, can easily disengage, and shows great timing as a blitzer. Tyler's best traits could be his burst and acceleration; this young man is constantly creating disruption in the blink of an eye.   RB: HJ Grigsby III, 6' 180, Joliet Catholic, 2024   HJ put up some quality numbers in 2022, rushing for 1,351 yards and 16 touchdowns. He's got great speed, muscles through arm tackle attempts, and shows effortless change of direction through the hole. He can split two defenders on downhill runs, consistently keeps his churning, and can make you miss in a phone booth. He's a true three-down back who can catch the football out of the backfield and is a valuable asset in pass protection.

We hit the film and found some talented under-the-radar prospects from around Illinois. The upside is most certainly there with these recruits and they are more than deserving of some recognition. Look for them to have big senior seasons this fall and make their presence known.