Athletes That Create Fireworks
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With the 4th of July weekend upon us, and fireworks set to be going off for the foreseeable future, I thought it would be a fun idea to go through the rankings on the Prep Redzone IL site, watch a ton of highlights, and identify the athletes who are the most explosive or create fireworks with the ball in their hands, or from their position in the trenches/on defense. These are the type of athletes that get the next level excited. The ones that a coach can give the ball to a few times to swing the momentum in their favor with a big play or can make a momentum swinging play from the trenches. To help narrow down the list we will focus on the uncommitted athletes. Let’s get started!
It doesn’t get more explosive than the RB out of Kankakee. Tony “Lightning” Phillips brings elite speed to the field. He runs an outstanding 10.54 100M, and that speed easily translates to the field. When Tony sticks his foot in the ground and accelerates up field you better be right on his path or there is no catching him. Once in the open field Tony easily pulls away from the defense and erases pursuit angles. No question, Tony has D1 talent and explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Get him the rock on the edge or out in space and let him create the fireworks from there. Check out the highlights below.
Highlights
This is my choice for RB1 in Illinois. Dupree checks off a ton of boxes you look for in an FBS recruit at the position. He has speed that looks unfair at the high school level, even against top competition. In tight quarters, Dupree has the lower body power and explosive agility to be able to juke or jump cut and leave defenders tackling air. The best part is that he has great size at 5’10” 195 lbs to be able to play all three downs at the next level. More playing time means more chances of creating those fireworks on the field. We will be watching this kid create those fireworks on Saturdays in no time.
Highlights
When I started writing this article I didn’t expect to include an LB, ignore the WR ranking, as one of the athletes who creates consistent fireworks on the field. Watch the tape and you will get why he made the list. First of all, even at 6’2″ 195 lbs, Noah is very effective in coverage. He has the footwork and body control to be able to play in coverage, read the QB, and grab INTs with his natural hands from his time playing WR. But to be included as an LB we needed to see more. Watch this kid when he plays downhill. He can go from the slot to the mesh point of the RB/QB before they can finish a fake or hand off and deliver big hits that put the ball on the ground. I believe this kid can create the same fireworks on the edge at the next level. Give his tape a look.
Highlights
It was clear that Chris needed to be included in this article after audibly saying “WOW” to each of his first few plays on his highlights. Chris has the quick twitch in his route running that leaves DBs wondering where he went. Durr explodes out of his breaks with ease. After the catch, Chris has D1 speed and his quickness again shows up as he jukes, spins, or cuts away from DBs. Durr also showed off some physicality that you don’t expect to see from a 5’11” 160 lbs WR. Chris is a true mismatch. He will give DBs nightmares as they prepare for him all week. Get the ball in his hands and watch the fireworks go off.
This kid’s highlights are firework after firework. His speed is a major mismatch for HS opponents. The highlights have to get teams at the next level excited just based on the versatility shown. Julius makes explosive plays from the WR position running routes, running jet sweeps, and from the RB position. OCs can get as creative as they want as they try to get Julius the ball out in space. Once he does, Ellens will not be caught from behind. He plays the game at a different speed than his opponents. It is no surprise seeing the FBS/FCS offers coming in for the Glenbard West athlete.
Highlights
This kid is a cheat code. 6’5″ 315 lbs and the explosion and fireworks show up on every play. His first step explosion is elite. It eats up the cushion of neutral zone right at the snap, his hands fire out when he punches and he easily clears his path to the QB or RB as he extends those powerful arms and runs his feet. It is easy to see why he has earned the #1 spot in the IL rankings. We will be watching the mismatch nightmare create fireworks from the middle of the trenches for many Saturdays over the coming years.
Highlights
Marcus brings the fireworks at the QB position. He does it with his arm and with his feet. Through the air, Marcus has a strong arm. The ball explodes out of his hands when he really steps into one to beat closing windows or pushing the ball deep downfield. He also creates fireworks with his accuracy and touch. Brown is able to place the ball right where it needs to be for his man to catch it in stride and create fireworks of their own. On the ground, when Marcus decides to take off he is able to explode through the line with strong acceleration. His top end speed allows him to pull away in the open field. No question, Marcus has enough speed to be able to carry that dual threat ability to the next level.