PrepRedzoneIL 2026 Rankings Coverage: Watchlist Players to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting underclassmen, particularly freshmen, is a tricky thing. Yes, there are always the obvious pack leaders and P5-looking young bucks who stand out from their peers, but those are generally outliers compared to the vast majority of freshmen and even they are not sure things in the recruiting sense. Each and every cycle, we see late bloomers and under-the-radar prospects explode onto the Division 1 and Power-5 recruiting scene later than their contemporaries, and given the biological nature of teenagers hitting growth spurts at different times throughout high school, a prospect's college football potential can extrapolate at many different points throughout their high school careers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the new <em>PrepRedzoneIL </em>2026 rankings are live and published, we currently have a 60+ player watchlist filled with youngins that have a great chance of qualifying for one of the aforementioned trends, and although they just barely missed the rankings cutoff, a few by a razor-thin margin, there's still a ton of time remaining in their prep athletic careers and are all prospects who <em>PRzIL </em>will be thoroughly keeping tabs on, and all 60+ are more than likely to find themselves ranked come next update. Some are lacking size, some varsity experience, and some simply need more time to develop, but the <em>PRzIL </em>WL Players to Know are far from lacking in talent, and I'm excited to break down some of their skills and ability here. Make sure you pay attention, the next stock riser and up-and-comer are more than likely below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801978"],"_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 6'5, 290 lber. out of u003cemu003eLincoln Communityu003c/emu003e was right on the cusp of the recently refurbished 2026 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e rankings and is more than likely to make the cut when we do a micro-update sometime after we finish the rankings coverage from the 2024 class in a couple of weeks. As a defensive tackle last fall, the freshman showed off the strength to overpower 1-on-1 and double teams with similar ease and into the backfield where he can get ahold of RBs for TFLs. He can make tackles through contact and does a good job of keeping his hands active when working off blocks. Also shows good leg drive as an offensive lineman. u003cstrongu003ePooleu003c/strongu003e is looking to make the jump to varsity this coming season and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e is looking forward to seeing how the offseason has treated him!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["801980"],"_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":"u003cemu003eWoodstock'su003c/emu003e freshman gunslinger u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801980' first='Caden' last='Thompson']u003c/strongu003e is another piece of the already-loaded 2026 crop of quarterbacks in the Land of Lincoln and comes into the summer before his sophomore year at 5'11, 165 lbs., and with some varsity experience under his belt. He posted a 65% completion percentage, 900+ total yards, and 10 total TDs, mostly on the freshman squad but also at the varsity level, and already flashes some good reps that show off the ability to see the field well and get rid of the ball quickly. I also like his touch on his downfield passes, mobility inside and outside of the pocket, and tight spiral. u003cemu003eWoodstocku003c/emu003e has a good looking QB room for this upcoming fall!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["802039"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"A 5'8, 155 lb. u003cemu003eSt. Laurenceu003c/emu003e wideout, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='802039' first='Ayden' last='Ginn']u003c/strongu003e won freshman offensive MVP honors last fall and helped his squad of first years win the CCL/ESCC orange division in his successful introduction to high school football. u003cstrongu003eGinnu003c/strongu003e posted 48 receptions for 986 yards and 12 TDs and added 26 tackles defensively, and did so athletically and electrically while showing off explosiveness and a ton of juice with the ball in his hands. He's got soft hands that can pluck the ball out of the air in traffic, high-point the pigskin through contested coverage, and has some absurdly elusive and impressive cuts that leave would-be tacklers grasping at air. u003cstrongu003eGinnu003c/strongu003e is as explosive out of his cuts and naturally shifty as anyone in the class right now, and I like his coverage u0026amp; tackling skills defensively, as well as his physicality. The freshman tape is an exciting one and I can't wait to see how he's developed in this upcoming sophomore campaign.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["802040"],"_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":"Another young quarterback worth watching and showing promise as a freshman, u003cemu003eYorkville'su003c/emu003e 5'11, 150 lber. u003cstrongu003eJack Beethamu003c/strongu003e suffered an unfortunate clavicle break right at the end of his freshman season but still put together a quality first year of action that included a 64% completion percentage and 24 TDs to only 3 INTs. Against non-varsity competition, u003cstrongu003eBeethamu003c/strongu003e displayed a strong arm that can fit the ball into tight windows and allow him to accurately complete passes back across his body. He showed he'll stand in and finish a throw through contact and a big hit, and accuracy to throws at the first u0026amp; second levels of the field. From the limited tape and stats, it looks like u003cstrongu003eBeetham u003c/strongu003ecan keep his offense moving and complete the routine as well as tougher throws to put together longer drives while taking care of the football. The toughness he showed on the TD throw that ended up breaking his collarbone is a big plus as well.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["801996"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"CCL competitors with a wrestling background are generally going to find a fan in yours truly, and 5'9, 180 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801996' first='Sean' last='McGann']u003c/strongu003e is one of multiple u003cemu003eBrother Riceu003c/emu003e representatives on the newly released u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings who also happens to fit those two qualifications. u003cstrongu003eMcGannu003c/strongu003e posted 73 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 FF as a freshman last fall and is a promising OLB who reads/reacts and closes quickly, is productive between the tackles or out on the edge and does a good job of working up u0026amp; under blocking attempts with quickness. Also can aid in pass coverage and is a strong kid with a naturally low pad level right now that gives opposing freshman offenses fits last fall. There's a ton of depth at the CCL heavyweights, so u003cstrongu003eMcGannu003c/strongu003e is going to have to continue to work hard and develop his game to see varsity action with the u003cemu003eCrusadersu003c/emu003e, but the foundational pieces seem to be there from the freshman tape. Keep up the grind, u003cstrongu003eSeanu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["801993"],"_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":"Coming out of Glenview and the u003cemu003eGlenbrook Southu003c/emu003e program, 6'1, 180 lb. athlete u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801993' first='Adidum' last='Aadum']u003c/strongu003e already holds good size but brings far more to the table than feet and pounds. His length and long strides helped him immensely as a triple-option wing, where he popped off some long and productive runs in dominant fashion last fall. With the speed to burn pursuit angles and take the sideline on a defense, u003cstrongu003eAadumu003c/strongu003e also uses that powerful lower body to easily run through tackle attempts and stay upright without losing too much momentum. I also like his vision, stiff arm, and contact balance, and physicality as a ball carrier, and u003cstrongu003eAadumu003c/strongu003e was simply too big, fast, and strong for non-varsity opponents last fall. u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e is excited to see how he elevates his game out of the freshmen ranks and into the next level!","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["801994"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Another u003cemu003eBrother Rice Crusaderu003c/emu003e to make the list, 6', 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801994' first='CJ' last='Gray']u003c/strongu003e was the freshman team's QB1 last fall and is putting some good things on tape in both football, basketball, and baseball. An obvious athlete at the quarterback position, u003cstrongu003eGray's u003c/strongu003egot speed, vision, and balance when he tucks the ball and takes off, and can produce splash runs and big gains for his offense with his legs. He also makes quick decisions and sports a quick release and clean mechanics as a passer. I'd like to see a little but more from him in the passing game next fall, but his ceiling as an athlete is very high and he was a dominant ball carrier last fall. The future is bright for u003cstrongu003eMr. Grayu003c/strongu003e.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["481899"],"_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":"A varsity starter and offensive contributor as a freshman, u003cemu003eCorliss High School'su003c/emu003e standout first-year athlete u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='481899' first='Elliott' last='Turner III']u003c/strongu003e made waves in the CPL Red Southeast Conference and carries a ton of promise in his still-growing 5'8, 135 lb. frame. As a CB, u003cstrongu003eTurner IIIu003c/strongu003e brings a ton of physicality (especially for his size) in run support and has no problems coming up and sticking RBs at the perimeter of his defense and out in space, and I like how he naturally stays around the football and is speedy enough out of his breaks to undercut and make plays on shorter/intermediate passes. As a wideout, he does a good job of creating separation as a route runner, is tough to bring down for his size after the catch, and has the speed to take the top off the defense. Like many freshmen on the initial u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings, u003cstrongu003eTurner IIIu003c/strongu003e is going to need some help from mother nature and will require some physical growth and maturation to continue to raise his stock going forward, but size isn't everything and u003cstrongu003eTurner III'su003c/strongu003e varsity experience and athletic gifts are big plusses right now.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["499431"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Another freshman gunslinger that fans of Illinois high school football need to keep their eyes and ears out for, u003cemu003eFremd Highu003c/emu003e u003cemu003eSchoolu003c/emu003e 6', 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='499431' first='Johnny' last='OBrien']u003c/strongu003e led the freshman squad to a 9-0 record in 2022 and is one of a multitude of u003cemu003eVikingu003c/emu003e underclassmen that together spell out a bright few seasons on u003cemu003eFremd'su003c/emu003e horizon. The lefty can fit the ball into tight windows, throws with anticipation and accuracy, and has a clean, smooth throwing motion and some solid arm strength for his age. u003cstrongu003eO'Brienu003c/strongu003e is also getting some attention as an LHP/OF this spring. Next fall will be a big one for the young signal-caller.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["369201"],"_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":"One of an exciting collective of u003cemu003eMt. Zionu003c/emu003e 2026s from central Illinois, quarterback u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='369201' first='Keller' last='Stocks']u003c/strongu003e measures in at 6', 175 lbs. and is also a promising wrestler who carries a 4.0 GPA. u003cstrongu003eStocksu003c/strongu003e split time between freshman, sophomore, and JV last fall, and the kid is outstanding as a scrambler and when things break down, as his pocket awareness, footwork, and ability to keep his eyes downfield and make something of a broken play is as natural as it is exciting. u003cstrongu003eStocksu003c/strongu003e can buy time and allow his receivers to get open as well as tuck the ball and make people miss when he carries the ball as a rusher and has noticeable contact balance and shifty cuts that can make would-be tacklers miss all over the field. Also shows off a good arm that can stretch the ball vertically as well as complete the routine yet necessary passes that keep an offense and receiving corps humming. With his flowing locks bouncing out of the back of his helmet, u003cstrongu003eStocksu003c/strongu003e is one of the most-fun QBs to watch on the rankings u0026amp; watchlist and is going to have some big-time weapons to throw to when he makes the varsity scene. Good thing u003cstrongu003eStocksu003c/strongu003e is a weapon himself!","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["401610"],"_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":"My favorite of the talented crop of 2026 QBs currently holding down the watchlist, u003cemu003eFenwick High School'su003c/emu003e 5'8, 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401610' first='Jamen' last='Williams']u003c/strongu003e was coming off a decorated career as a middle school gunslinger and carried the momentum into his first year of high school with the u003cemu003eFriarsu003c/emu003e. u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e led the u003cemu003eFenwicku003c/emu003e freshman football team to an undefeated season last fall, and had a strong winter as well, where he was named MVP of the freshman basketball squad. He's now slinging darts with the Team Goalz 7v7 squad and is making things happen in the passing game with some more talented Land of Lincoln 2026s. u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e has a big arm that throws a nice deep ball that can catch receivers in stride and plop right over a DBs head, and he's also fantastic with his legs and shows off good vision, shifty hips and footwork, and a variety of means to make tacklers miss. He can also scramble and improvise when pressure falls into his lap in the pocket, and can keep his eyes downfield and find open receivers after breaking tackles or take off and produce big runs as a ball carrier. I like some of the ball placement u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e showed off on a couple of throws in his freshman tape as well. He'll be leading the u003cemu003eFriar'su003c/emu003e varsity offense soon enough!","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["801987"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"u003cemu003eBenet Academy'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 165 lb. safety and wide receiver u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801987' first='Jack' last='Getz']u003c/strongu003e just barely missed the cutoff to be ranked and is sure to find himself on the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 Big Board when we do our mini micro-update this summer. Playing for the u003cemu003eRedwingsu003c/emu003e sophomore squad, u003cstrongu003eGetzu003c/strongu003e displayed a great knack for defending the run, with strong pursuit angles and sideline-to-sideline range in run support. That's not to mention his closing speed and comfortability tackling in space and 1-on-1 settings, and u003cstrongu003eGetzu003c/strongu003e also has some game in pass coverage, where he's got a smooth backpedal and can open his hips without wasting steps or movement. u003cstrongu003eGetzu003c/strongu003e can also play the ball well in the air. He also showed off his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands as a returner, where he has a strong rep of him cutting back across the grain and cutting past a helpless defender for a big gain on a punt return and has another rep of him easily taking a return to the house and past two to three would-be tacklers. The size, athleticism, and especially technique and ease in run defense are also present in droves on his freshman tape. I think u003cstrongu003eGetzu003c/strongu003e has the chance to be one of the best DBs in the IL 2026 class when it's all said and done!","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["801990"],"_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":"One of the strong representations of u003cemu003eMount Carmelu003c/emu003e freshmen to make the inaugural u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings introduction, 6', 235 lb. OG/DT u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801990' first='Tim' last='Harkins']u003c/strongu003e is a definite name to watch in the developing 2026 OL class. u003cstrongu003eHarkinsu003c/strongu003e packs a punch and is strong at the point of attack, especially once he's engaged and able to drive an opponent backwards, but the initial pop is explosive and sent more than a few defenders flying onto their butts last fall. He's also mobile, and is more than able to handle quicker defenders in the second level of the field as well as trap and pull across the LOS with efficiency and power, as well as generally find success in a zone blocking scheme. u003cstrongu003eHarkinsu003c/strongu003e also has a bit of a mean streak and bully mentality that I love to see in young maulers, and his pop and strength are up there with the best of them in the young crop of lineman. He's going to be hard to keep off the rankings come next update, especially if he grows and adds some size. u003cstrongu003eHarkinsu003c/strongu003e is going to send a lot more kids flying backward and onto their rear ends in the coming years. Go u003cemu003eCaravanu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["801717"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"The 6'2, 270 lb. u003cemu003eWhitney Youngu003c/emu003e freshman was a varsity starter at left tackle and is bound to have an abundance of varsity experience in the Chicago Public League by the time his high school athletic career concludes. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801717' first='Markius' last='Woods']u003c/strongu003e can play both guard or tackle, plays with a solid base, can handle speed and/or power rushes in his pass set, and shows decent strength at the point of attack. I definitely see some movement skills in his freshman tape, and if u003cstrongu003eWoodsu003c/strongu003e can continue to hit the weight room hard and add good mass and muscle to his frame he's going to be a tough assignment for opposing defensive lineman these next three seasons. u003cemu003eWhitney Youngu003c/emu003e has some ballers! Don't sleep on them.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["801883"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Coming out of u003cemu003eHuntley High Schoolu003c/emu003e and the NW suburbs of Chicagoland, wide receiver u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801883' first='Connor' last='Wade']u003c/strongu003e saw varsity action as a freshman and made the most of it, producing some big receptions through tight coverage against quality competition. u003cstrongu003eWadeu003c/strongu003e is balanced after the catch and shows some elusiveness, is a willing and physical blocker on the perimeter of the u003cemu003eRed Raidersu003c/emu003e offense, and even has some reps of him throwing the football on WR trick plays! What can't he do? I also like how the 5'10, 150 lber. can break off his routes, as well as find holes in the middle of the field and reel in catches through oncoming hits. u003cstrongu003eWadeu003c/strongu003e is a good athlete and a tough freshman who is sure to make the jump to primarily varsity reps as a sophomore this fall. u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e can't wait to see it!","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["801890"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"u003cemu003eProspect High School'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 185 lb. defensive endu003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='801890' first='Charlie' last='Letzig']u003c/strongu003e is already an exciting three-sport athlete with good numbers and experience in football, baseball, and track u0026amp; field coming out of his freshman year of high school. As a DE for u003cemu003eKnightsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eLetzigu003c/strongu003e was a force off the edge and opens his tape with an eye-catching rep where he blows an offensive tackle backwards, onto their butt, and into the RB attempting to chip while staying on his feet and onward into the RB for a huge TFL. His combination of get-off, length, motor, and strength at the point of attack were more than a handful for non-varsity lineman to handle last fall, and u003cstrongu003eLetzigu003c/strongu003e was also a strong tackler who can easily blow back a RB to halt a rusher in his tracks and prevent extra yardage. He also shows a bit of bend around the arch and is able to effectively rush the passer from either a two or three-point stance and all over the defensive line. All the tools are there for the defensive end to continue finding sacks and massive TFLs at the next level of competition. Keep up the good work, u003cstrongu003eCharlieu003c/strongu003e. And keep eating!","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_16_player":["801997"],"_player_evaluations_16_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"6'1, 200 lb. u003cemu003eVictor J. Andrew High Schoolu003c/emu003e lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801997' first='Judah' last='Van Engen'] u003c/strongu003eis a highly-ranked thrower in the state of Illinois' track u0026amp; field scene and showed off that congruent strength on the gridiron last fall, especially as a defensive lineman. u003cstrongu003eVan Engenu003c/strongu003e laid some crushing hits last fall and was a powerful force against non-varsity competition who made sure opponents felt him through four quarters of action. As a defensive lineman, his get-off gave opponents a ton of trouble, and he's also got a good rip to work through contact and can close quickly once he's past the LOS. u003cstrongu003eVan Engenu003c/strongu003e also shows a strong punch as an offensive lineman and can successfully find work in space and at the second level of the defense. DL is where he really shines though, and his speed from the interior made for some good reps as a freshman and a player the opposition must account for, especially in the run game. His future is bright as a defensive lineman and thrower.","_player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_17_player":["401604"],"_player_evaluations_17_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_17_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_17_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"A must-know u003cemu003eMount Carmelu003c/emu003e freshman who is one of a handful of stud u003cemu003eCaravanu003c/emu003e 2026s on the come-up in the Illinois prep football scene, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401604' first='Devon' last='Armstrong']u003c/strongu003e already possesses good size at 6'1, 175 pounds and posted 35 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FF, and a interception last fall in non-varsity action. As a safety/nickel hybrid, u003cstrongu003eArmstrongu003c/strongu003e was an asset in coverage from the slot or on the perimeter and more than capable of disrupting offenses as a box defender. He brings good speed to the table, can get out of his breaks well, and is a quality edge defender who knows who defends with leverage and can tackle in space. His frame and length make me really excited for his physical development and his ability to impact the run and pass game will prove very useful for his DCs at higher levels of competition. The u003cemu003eCaravan'su003c/emu003e freshman class is worth keeping an eye on.","_player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_18_player":["283925"],"_player_evaluations_18_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_18_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_18_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"Part of the reason I love u003cemu003eKenwood Academyu003c/emu003e prospects so much is their prowess at the contact point and the explosive thumpers that make up their roster year after year, and continuing the trend into the 2026 class comes linebacker u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='283925' first='Jayvon' last='Anderson']u003c/strongu003e. I love how he goes full throttle and brings his hips through contact to create some massive collisions from his LB and occasionally DL spots, and his closing speed from the second level of the defense in particular is eye-catching and impressive. u003cstrongu003eAndersonu003c/strongu003e also made an impact offensively and on special teams, and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e can't wait to watch him lay more wood the next three seasons of Land of Lincoln high school football. I'd recruit u003cemu003eBroncosu003c/emu003e every day of the week if I was a college coach or recruiter.","_player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_19_player":["802036"],"_player_evaluations_19_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_19_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_19_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_19_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_19_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_19_evaluation":"Yet another gunslinger out of the loaded u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 class, u003cemu003eBarrington'su003c/emu003e 6', 165 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='802036' first='John' last='Cocoma']u003c/strongu003e and led the u003cemu003eBroncosu003c/emu003e freshman squad to a 4-4-1 record in the fall of 2022. A mobile QB who can complete accurate throws on the move or pickup gains for his offense when he tucks the ball and takes off, u003cstrongu003eCocomau003c/strongu003e is a good athlete who can run the read-option and gets rid of the ball quickly. There's a couple u003cemu003eBarrington u003c/emu003erising sophomore looking to make big strides in 2023 and Cocoma is heading the pack on that front.","_player_evaluations_19_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_20_player":["802037"],"_player_evaluations_20_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_20_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_20_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_20_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_20_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_20_evaluation":"u003cemu003eGenevau003c/emu003e has a superstar in their 2025 class, and the grades both above and below him will benefit from the recruiting attention that has turned towards the u003cemu003eVikingsu003c/emu003e direction. One of the 2026s that will receive some added eyes and opportunities on the recruiting trail when college recruit u003cemu003eGenevau003c/emu003e is 6', 190 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='802037' first='Tyler' last='Drake']u003c/strongu003e, who plays both LB and RB and totaled 37 tackles, 11 TFLs, 5 sacks, 3 PBUs, and a two rushing TDs last fall. Playing with the sophomore team in 2022, u003cstrongu003eDrakeu003c/strongu003e showed he was a physical tackler who displays good pursuit range and is a comfortable and efficient tackler in space and 1-on-1 situations. Also does a good job of holding his ground when taking on blocks and closes quickly when he diagnoses the play and triggers on the football. The size will help u003cstrongu003eDrakeu003c/strongu003e get on the field earlier than most, and hopefully the skillset helps him stay there. It's a great time to be a u003cemu003eGeneva Vikingu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_20_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":21,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6450667070af9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->