Sophomores That Could Take a Big Step Forward in 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season is getting closer and we're going to continue to provide coverage on some of Illinois's best. Today we're looking at a group of 2025 prospects that I think could take big strides in 2023. Each one of these young men contributed at the varsity level as a sophomore and I believe the upside is most certainly there. </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><em><strong>DB: Wyatt Mueller, 6'1" 190, Quincy Notre Dame</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On tape, Mueller shows plus ball skills, refined body control, and is a fearless tackler. He's got a good frame for the safety position, is always closing on ball carriers, and plays an urgent brand of football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='663039' first='Jacob' last='Benson'] 6'5" 280, Hononegah</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benson flashed on tape at times, showing a firm punch, extensive turnover on his knee drive, and the ability to reach five techniques on called sprint outs. He plays with a wide base and gets his steps in the ground. If he can show consistency in his first step and nastiness, he's going to develop nicely next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id='331521' first='Grant' last='Gensler'] 6' 165, Rochelle</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gensler can identify passing concepts and break on the football. He's got tight footwork and consistently stays over the top in zone. He has great ball skills for a young defensive back and can provide run support within the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>QB: [player_tooltip player_id='278885' first='Bradyn' last='Little'] 6' 195, Quincy Senior</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little's production in 2022 speaks for itself, throwing for 2,772 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore. On tape, he's always on time, throws well on the move, and can drop the deep ball right into the bucket. He can fit the football through tight windows for cover two-hole shots and can get the ball out of his hand quickly against the rush. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OL: Dontrall Fort, 6'5" 325, Jefferson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort has room to grow from a technical standpoint but has physical gifts that can be refined. He's strong as a bull, can move down linemen against their will, and is quick to the point of attack. He's flexible &amp; can bend and has the feet to set to wide rushers off the edge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OL: Hunter Gale, 6'5" 315, Rock Falls</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gale is patient as a pass protector, can control second-level blocks, and has a durable base. He's got quick feet for a big man, is flexible, and can read &amp; react to counter moves on the fly. If he too can show some on-field attitude, his stock will move up quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->