Rockford Area Sleepers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockford area is such an underrated area when it comes to football talent. Year after year, they produce productive hidden gems that go on to have successful careers at different levels of college football. Today, I wanted to shine a light on some guys that I think have upside, but aren't getting a ton of recruiting love right now. These young men project at all different levels of college football and should be names to keep an eye on this fall.</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 --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DL: Aundre Pilgrim, 6'4" 225, Hononegah</em></strong>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a long defensive end prospect with solid twitch, well-trained hands, and a high motor. He can work as a stand-up or with his hand in the dirt, he can dip &amp; rip around the edge and can get skinny against opposing down blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>WR: David Ballard III, 5'7" 145, Rockford Lutheran</strong></em>, <em><strong>2025</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An elusive prospect with the football in his hands, equipped with great balance and outstanding vision. David has smooth change of direction, he can adlib after the catch, and is quite physical for a prospect his size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='271803' first='Drake' last='Broege'] 6'3" 265, Hononegah</strong></em>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A violent striker that explodes off the football and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Drake has a powerful upper body, is extremely effective as a gap scheme puller, and plays through the whistle for four quarters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>QB: Cole Warren, 6'2" 190, Hononegah</em></strong>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A crafty quarterback prospect with a live arm and impressive athletic ability. Warren knows how to look off single high safeties, he's an extremely accurate third-level thrower and can improvise &amp; keep a play alive when the protection breaks down. He's got terrific footwork in the pocket and is tough as nails against free rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>WR: Leonard Spates, 5'11" 175, Auburn</strong></em>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A slick route runner with a knack for finding the endzone in the red area. Spates can stop on a dime to make you miss, he shoots his hands late for contested catches and is a ferocious blocker out on the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: AJ Moore, 5'8" 170, Rockford Lutheran</em></strong>, <em><strong>2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore has plenty of potential at both running back and safety. He's quick, can get in and out of his cuts, shows natural body control, and is quite gutsy. He can run the alley with the best of them and speeds his feet after initial contact is made.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->