Land of Lincoln 2024s Blowing up this Offseason

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I miss living in Illinois and the city of Chicago. The food, my in-laws cabin in Wauconda, the Chicago skyline, Lake Shore Drive, living by our family, and of course, the high school football. I was a kid in a candy store watching the likes of <em>Mt. Carmel</em>, <em>Joliet Catholic</em>, <em>Fenwick</em>, <em>Antioch</em>, <em>Palatine</em>, <em>Wauconda</em>, and <em>Marist </em>in my brief year-and-a-half of living in the Land of Lincoln, and I could have happily lived out the rest of my days in Illinois eating Lou Malnati's and watching the Blackhawks at the United Center (sorry about Patty Kane). Sadly, most good things come to an end, but with my in-laws and little sister still residing in Edison Park and Wrigleyville I'll continue to travel to Chicago for the foreseeable future and am already drooling thinking about watching CCL, Lake County, and more Illinois prep football again. To get my present fix of Illinois high school football and recruiting, I wanted to dig into the offseason grind and the 2024 class and highlight some recruits that I've noticed have been blowing up on the recruiting trail since the season ended. As always, there's a TON of Land of Lincoln products who are seeing their offer sheets expand rapidly, and <em>PrepRedzoneIL </em>is here to give you the most detailed rundown of the state's D1 recruits. Congrats, boys. More offers coming! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["326053"],"_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":"The 6'3, 210 lb. OLB from around an hour west of Chicago was busy during his junior season and visited the likes of Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Iowa State, and Iowa throughout the fall. However, he didn't hold an offer until after the season had concluded when Northern Colorado reached out with a FCS scholarship offer. Around a month later, Iowa State offered a P5 scholarship, and Western Michigan, Lindenwood, and most recently Army have since joined the fray. Also a good wrestler who holds a 4.15 GPA,u003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='326053' first='Cael' last='Brezina']u003c/strongu003e totaled 87 tackles, 19 TFLs, 2 INTs, and 3 touchdowns in his junior campaign. Dangerous as an off-ball OLB, standup EDGE, occasional 5T with his hand in the dirt, u003cstrongu003eBrezina u003c/strongu003eshows an understanding of pursuit leverage when holding the edge, is strong and physical when working off blocks, gets off the ball well, and has the speed to run down plays from the backside. I also love watching him drop into passing lanes as well as when he comes up from depth to close on QBs or RBs out in space. The last thing I would ever want to do is try to block this kid, as he laid some massive hits on would-be blockers of all sizes in 2022. There's a lot of good things going for the well-built 'backer and he's a versatile defender for u003cemu003eDowners Grove Northu003c/emu003e. One of the better in the state if I may add!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["271315"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eIC Cathoilic Prepu003c/emu003e in Elmhurst has a loaded and talent-ridden roster coming up in the ranks and are home to arguably the state's biggest stock-riser in 6'5, 225 lb. TE/ATH u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='271315' first='Eric' last='Karner']u003c/strongu003e. The rising junior had a quiet fall on the recruiting front and didn't hold an offer until last month, but boy oh boy is that changing, and changing fast. On February 13th, Western Michigan reached out for his first offer, and since then Illinois State, Ohio, Kent State, Boston College, Fordham, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, and Coastal Carolina have added to his sheet of scholarship offers. Also excitedly, he's got a visit set to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama on April 3rd, so we still may be at the beginning stages of u003cstrongu003eKarner's u003c/strongu003erecruitment journey. In his junior season highlights, in which he was a part of the Illinois' class 3A state championship squad, u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e looks freakishly fast for his size and was a major asset in the passing game as a TE and occasional receiver. Great hands, quickness, ball skills, balance, and overall body control are all on display as a route runner, when he plays the ball in the air, and after the catch. Also excitedly, his athleticism is on display as a 6'5, 220 lb. free safety able to read, react, and close space, and he also got reps as a DE in 2022. Additionally, he has some solid reps of him laying out DBs as a blocker out on the perimeter. A prospect of his size showing some of the movement skills and overall athleticism is a rare and eye-popping sight. What a junior year for u003cstrongu003eMru003c/strongu003e. u003cstrongu003eKarner u003c/strongu003eso far!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Joe Barna","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Wheaton North ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"6'4, 250 lb. u003cemu003eWheaton Northu003c/emu003e defensive end and tight end u003cstrongu003eJoe Barnau003c/strongu003e has seen junior season success pay off on the recruiting trail, both during the fall and especially since the offseason has kicked off. In November, Miami (OH) and the Ohio Bobcats were the first two programs to offer up, and things really began to pickup in the winter. Iowa State offered a P5 scholly in mid-January, and after that Bowling Green State, Central Michigan, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Wyoming, Tulane, Old Dominion, Kent State, and Toledo have joined the list of suitors. The All-Conference and All-State selection displays an enticing pass-rush arsenal to start his tape off, showing off bend, a strong long-arm, a chop/rip, and the ability to go speed to power off the edge as a 5T. He's also noticeably strong on tape, with the lower body strength to easily eat cut blocks, and is a crushing tackler, putting some painful and vicious-looking hits on poor QBs during last fall. He gets the most out of every hit, and is consistent with his technique and footwork, using good angles to get to the QB as fast as possible. u003cstrongu003eBarna'su003c/strongu003e combination of speed, power, technique, and physicality was a force to be reckoned with last fall and looked like a nightmare to deal with for opposing lineman, tight ends, RBs, QBs, and defensive coordinators. I love the tape!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["354265"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eJohn Hersey High Schoolu003c/emu003e wide receiver and DB had an All-State season in 2022 and posted 40 catches for 861 yards and 9 TDs, 10 rushes for 84 yards and 2 TDs, seven kick returns for 279 yards and 2 TDs, and eight punt returns for 259 yards and 2 TDs. Additionally, he tallied 30 tackles, 4 INTs, and 4 PBUs on the defensive side of the ball, and has seen his in-person production pay off with Akron, Central Michigan, Indiana State, Illinois State, South Dakota State, South Dakota, and Lafayette College offers rolling in since the beginning of February. The University of Minnesota also invited him to a spring practice in March and/or April. When u003cstrongu003eGroveu003c/strongu003e gets to top speed and blows by opponents it's a sight to see, and helps him turn routine returns, wide receiver screens, and general receptions into massive plays and explosive touchdowns. u003cstrongu003eGroveu003c/strongu003e can also cut at top speed and high points the football well on either side of the ball. I couldn't believe how many opponents left him in single coverage last fall. That speed also helps him come downhill and close on ball carriers like he's shot out of a cannon, as well as patrol the MOF and show off a ton of range in pass defense. Speed is, and always will be, the name of the game, and u003cstrongu003eGroveu003c/strongu003e has it in spades.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Marques Easley","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Kankakee ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cemu003eKankakeeu003c/emu003e has had no shortage of P5 prospects come out of their program as of late and have themselves a blue-chipper in 2024 OT u003cstrongu003eMarques Easleyu003c/strongu003e. The 6'7, 300 lber. is in somewhat of a different situation than his peers on this feature, as he was already a hot commodity during this past season and earned offers from Mizzou, Boston College, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Michigan State, and Penn State from October to November. However, since the season ended, the offers have stepped up in both quantity and quality, with blue-bloods and national programs joining in the race for Easley's talents. Since his junior season ended, Easley has heard from Colorado, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas Au0026amp;M, Rutgers, UNLV, Iowa State, Florida State, Syracuse, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama (!), Ole Miss, Auburn, Miami, Georgia, Oklahoma, Purdue, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, and USC, in that order. It's a big deal for a Midwestern recruit to get out of that regional footprint, and u003cstrongu003eEasleyu003c/strongu003e now holds one of the most prolific offer lists of any 2024 in the Midwest. It's for good reason to, as u003cstrongu003eEasleyu003c/strongu003e is bendy, mobile, and can change direction more like a lineman 100 pounds lighter. Watching him flip his hips and pull across the LOS as the backside tackle is an eye-popping sight to say the least, and the top end speed, ability to break down and block in space, and get off the ball is elite for a player of his size. I also like his leg drive and motor once he's engaged with an opponent, and I also like how comfortable he is in pass pro. No wonder he's blowing up!","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["363220"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"The Plainfield product and u003cemu003eJoliet Catholic Academyu003c/emu003e junior is one of my favorite prospects in the 2024 class, in large part due to his multi-sport dominance and accomplishments. I am a sucker for football/wrestler standouts, and u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='363220' first='Dillan' last='Johnson']u003c/strongu003e is as good as they get, rated as the #1 heavyweight wrestler in the entire nation and a three-star prospect on the gridiron. He'll be featured in an upcoming u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneu003c/emu003e Midwest special highlighting the top football/wrestling two-sport stars in Americas Heartland, so for now we'll focus on his gridiron exploits only. The 6'2, 280 lber. came into the season without an offer but earned plenty of recruiting attention of P5, FBS, and FCS suitors, and things came into fruition after the fall concluded, as SEC Mizzou kicked things off on January 8th and Iowa State, Miami (OH), Wyoming, Western Michigan, Akron, Bowling Green State, Cincinnati, Old Dominion, Cal-Berkeley, Kent State, Kansas State, and Tulane shortly following suit. On tape, the DT definitely looks like a stud wrestler, showing off excellent hand usage and short area quickness to keep blockers off-balance and guessing in both run and pass support. u003cstrongu003eJohnson'su003c/strongu003e first step, ability to get skinny to slip past blockers, and break down to make the play at high speed is also strong, and his nimbleness and array of ways to beat blocking attempts is diverse and impressive for a 3T of his size. u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e can beat blocking attempts with such ease that opponents could rarely get even a hand on him in his junior tape. Definitely a rare specimen at a premium position whose hard work is paying off and then some. Keep it up, u003cstrongu003eDillanu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"Mako Grant ","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Kenwood Academy ","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cemu003eKenwood Academyu003c/emu003e in Chicago has been absurdly stacked in the talent department the past couple of season and have an excellent 2024 class that is still developing and improving its stock. One of the standouts goes to 5'11, 175 lb. athlete u003cstrongu003eMakou003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eGrantu003c/strongu003e, who posted 64 carries for 547 yards and 6 TDs with 64 tackles with three forced fumbles during his junior season in 2022. His recruitment got going towards the end of the fall as Nebraska offered a B1G scholarship, and in January things picked up again, with West Virginia, Marshall, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Western Michigan, Akron, and Illinois State all reaching out with offers. u003cstrongu003eGrantu003c/strongu003e opens his junior tape with some massive hits on the defensive side of the ball, knocking ball carriers horizontal and hard into the turf while showing a ton of closing speed as an undersized but far-from-lacking physically linebacker. As a RB, he was a splash play machine, which his yard-per-carry average can attest to, and his burst, speed at the top end, and general elusiveness made him just as liable to cut past you and break your ankles as he is to straight up blow by you, with an occasional truckstick mixed in there as well. Vision, versatility, and a comfortability of tackling in space also all come to mind when watching his junior tape. I could watch this kid lay the wood all day. If I was a college coach or recruiter I'm putting u003cemu003eKenwood Academyu003c/emu003e near the top of my list for must-stops in the Land of Lincoln.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["161337"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Coming out of Hazel Crest, 6'1, 165 lb. u003cemu003eMarian Catholicu003c/emu003e defensive back u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='161337' first='Austin' last='Alexander']u003c/strongu003e has had an eventful recruiting process thus far. A one-time Wisconsin Badgers commit who verbaled to the Badgers on October 31st, Wisco was his only offer at that time, and since the season ended we really started to see some fireworks. Nebraska, USC, Northern Illinois, and Iowa State all offered while he was committed, and on January 25th the junior decommitted from the Badgers and reopened his recruitment. P5 programs definitely took notice, and since then Purdue, Michigan State, homestate Illinois, and Michigan all have offered up. It's a bountiful list of suitors without a doubt, and you can see why after you check out the junior film. u003cstrongu003eAlexanderu003c/strongu003e possesses great coverage skills and technique, with loose hips, clean breaks, ball skills, and the ability to play man coverage out of the slot or on the perimeter. I also love how he fights off blocks and lays strong cut tackles in run support, and is athleticism is on display as a returner and receiver, where he's lightning quick with the ball in his hands and shows good speed as well. He's one of those DBs that is always around the football, and his INT and PBU numbers from last fall speak to that fact. u003cstrongu003eAlexanderu003c/strongu003e is one of the stickiest DBs in the state and the entire Midwest.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"William Nolan ","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2024 ","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"John Hersey ","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Another u003cemu003eJohn Hersey High Schoolu003c/emu003e and Arlington Heights concoction, 6'6, 260 lb. lineman u003cstrongu003eWilliam Nolanu003c/strongu003e is a three-sport standout who excels as a center on the hardwood and an accomplished shot-putter in track u0026amp; field. His gridiron exploits are beginning to pay off too, as he compounded in-season visits to Minnesota, Texas, and NIU with scholarship offers from Eastern Michigan, Indiana, Central Michigan, Ball State, Syracuse, Illinois State, Western Michigan, Akron, Northern Illinois, Miami (OH), and Kent State since January 21st. u003cstrongu003eNolan's u003c/strongu003esize and strength helps him overwhelm and dominate opponents in 1-on-1 blocks, using good hand placement and leg drive to work defenders into the turf whether they want to go or not. He does a good job of staying engaged once he gets his hands on, and I like his lateral agility and capability to move, work, and block out on the edge of the LOS, in space, and at the second level of the defense. He's got a couple reps I really like where the big boy, as the playside OT, flies out to the edge to take out the safety in a WR tunnel screen, and his overall balance and start/stop capability are big reasons for his success as a blocker. Not a lot of pass pro but with u003cstrongu003eNolan'su003c/strongu003e athletic skillset I can definitely see him being able to handle standout pass rushers out on the edge. Yet another standout Illinois born-and-bred lineman bound for big things at the next level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["161321"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"I have to pat myself on the back here. I knew u003cemu003ePalatineu003c/emu003e RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='161321' first='Dominik' last='Ball']u003c/strongu003e was bound for the bright lights of the upper echelon of college football when I watched him carve up a Hoffman Estate defense as a young freshman back in the spring of 2021. A powerful and balanced RB then, he's done nothing but step his game up since, and saw an excellent junior season pay off on the recruiting trail this winter. Kansas State, Central Michigan, Indiana State, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Illinois State, Tulane, Northern Illinois, South Dakota, and Fordham have all offered scholarships since January, and the list is only getting bigger. In 2022, he posted 168 carries for 1,390 yards and 16 TDs plus 21 receptions for 368 yards and 3 more touchdowns offensively, and was named his conference's offensive MVP and 8A First Team All-State for his efforts. u003cstrongu003eBallu003c/strongu003e, the son of a bodybuilder and a a decorated track athlete, opens his tape with an eye-popping run that saw him break left, cut back right, then cut back left and upfield, all while cutting, spinning, and breaking off tackles from what looks like all 11 defenders out on the field. His speed is legit, and if you give him daylight he's gone. He also has a strong lower body that helps him run through and spin off weak and strong tackle attempts alike, and I love how smooth he is when he cuts and leaves defenders grasping at air. Some of the group tackle attempts he broke through in 2022 is flat out ridiculous, and just like I saw when he was a freshman, he's a powerful, balanced, and explosive RB that continues to develop and get better. I'd offer him in a second if I was a D1 college coach. I've loved watching your journey, u003cstrongu003eDominiku003c/strongu003e, and your senior year is about to be monstrous.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["160520"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Coming out of another program dripping with college football talent, u003cemu003eBolingbrook'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='160520' first='Kyan' last='Berry Johnson']u003c/strongu003e has some high-profile teammates but is carving out his own niche as a recruit since the offseason kicked off. Last spring, the 5'11, 165 lber. got things going with UConn and Houston offers, but stepped things up in January with Marshall, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Wyoming, Illinois State, Eastern Michigan, Cincinnati, and Western Michigan offers all rolling in to welcome the new year. Twitchy and sudden in his releases, at the top of the route, and after the catch as a receiver, u003cstrongu003eBerry Johnsonu003c/strongu003e also has a magnificent third play of his junior tape where he elevates and high points a football in what looks like three or four feet off the ground and right over the top of a helpless DB for a touchdown. A downright electric athlete, u003cstrongu003eBerry Johnson'su003c/strongu003e body control, balance, and COD skills makes him lethal in 1-on-1 situations all over the field, from coverage, tackling, and contested catch scenarios. What an exciting junior tape! Honestly, having only two P5 offers at this point in time is a crime.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_11_player_details_player_name":"Jesse Watson","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_11_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_11_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_11_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_11_player_details_school":"East St. Louis ","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_11_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_11_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_11_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_11_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"It shouldn't come as much of a surprise to our lovely subscribers that an u003cemu003eEast St. Louis Flyeru003c/emu003e makes this list, with 2024 WR/DB u003cstrongu003eJesse Watsonu003c/strongu003e representing the Southern Illinois powerhouse. After earning three P5 offers last spring, Watson has seen double the amount of FBS scholarships roll in since his junior season ended this past fall. Starting with UNLV, the likes of Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Miami (OH), Eastern Michigan, and Toledo have all reached out since the end of December, and I guarantee that number will grow between now and the summer, and especially once the summer camp circuit begins. As a junior, the wideout showed off blazing speed that left defenders in the dust when he was on offense or as a returner on special teams, and was able to take the edge with exciting ease and finish big plays like a seasoned vet. He can also cut on a dime and get out of his breaks with noticeable burst and speed, and that aforementioned speed is also spotlighted as a route runner and especially as a deep threat. He can take the top off the defense like it's a walk in the park, and can go from a dead stop to top gear in the blink of an eye. u003cstrongu003eWatsonu003c/strongu003e is one of the most explosive athletes in the state and a perfect addition to the u003cemu003eESLu003c/emu003e legacy of prospects. I would not want to try and cover this dude 1-on-1.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["161322"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"To round off this u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneILu003c/emu003e recruiting feature we're heading back to u003cemu003eIC Catholic Prepu003c/emu003e for their 5'11, 170 lb. WR/DB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='161322' first='KJ' last='Parker']u003c/strongu003e. It's been a spread out recruiting process so far for Mr. Parker, who earned two P5 offers in 2021 and another in 2022, and is seeing things pick up again in 2023 with Marshall, Northern Illinois, Cincinnati, Miami (OH), Western Michigan, and Ohio all offering up since the new year has kicked off. The two-way contributor posted 37 receptions for 1,082 yards and 17 TDs en-route to conference POY and All-State honors as a wideout, and on film he was a big play machine in each and every one of u003cemu003eICCP'su003c/emu003e 2022 contests, including the state championship game. Watching him eat up DBs cushions would give me nightmares as a hypothetical opposing DC, and I also love how he tracks and plays the ball in the air, showing gracefulness in plucking the ball out of the air while maintaining his balance and allowing himself to continue forward for big gains after the catch. He's also elusive after the catch, is shifty at the LOS in his releases, and shows a willingness to block as well. The production and the film align in exciting fashion and u003cstrongu003eParker u003c/strongu003eshould see more P5 offers rolling in sooner rather than later. u003cemu003eICCPu003c/emu003e has a great thing going!","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":13,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640011c5d2346"} /-->