Diamonds in the Rough: Class of 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Illinois is a state overflowing with athletes that have the ability and traits to be college recruits. With so much talent, unfortunately, it leads to athletes slipping under the radar. In today's article I dug into the PRZ IL rankings and found multiple athletes who need to be brought into the spotlight. I also expect to see all of these athletes rise up the rankings during our PRZ IL rankings update. These six are names to know going forward. We kick things off with a serious playmaker of an RB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354104"],"_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":"Rasheed has to be close to seeing his recruitment really take off. He holds an offer from Lindenwood and Indiana State, just received today. The Boylin Catholic RB brings a very well rounded skill set to the game. He has a good frame at 6'1u0022 180 lbs, game breaking speed, and physicality needed to carry a large workload at the next level. Rasheed has 10.85 100M track speed, and after watching the highlights it is clear that Rasheed plays just as fast. He pulls away in the open field with ease. The '24 RB also does a consistently effective job of running his feet through contact and picking up big yards after contact. Big things are ahead for the soon to be senior RB. Don't miss out on this playmaker.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c696d1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15150568/636fd12aa681a507684abf34' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2efee"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271880"],"_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":"A '24 who is quickly becoming one of the biggest hidden gems at the LB position is the 6'3u0022 210 lbs [player_tooltip player_id='271880' first='Jack' last='Lesher']. Jack personifies the idea of being the hammer instead of the nail. He absolutely smacks ball carriers and ends plays soon after he makes contact. Lesher's instincts and play recognition are also major strengths to his game. He is able to quickly diagnose plays and get himself in position to make plays. A major key to Jack's game is his ability to drop into coverage, have that same quick play recognition, and the range to be able to close on the ball. Jack looks like a future three down LB. Don't miss out on him. I believe he is looking for his first offer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c69741"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14760339/634dbb6fab93af0ca826ff7f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2f370"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271805"],"_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 6'1u0022 230 lbs LB has impressive tape. It seems like he is playing faster than the rest of the field because his instincts are so strong. He quickly reads plays and attacks with strong acceleration and closing speed. Catanzano also brings sideline to sideline range and the motor to chase down plays all over the field. Grady also makes highlight plays as a blitzer and with delayed blitzes. He uses good timing and picks his spots well. Grady currently holds an offer from Valpo football. Don't let him slip under the radar any further.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c6978c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14761754/632661d5da514d08c01e9f17' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2f401"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271876"],"_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":"Another talented IL product looking for his first offer is the 6'4u0022 202 lbs QB. Brock has solid athleticism that allows him to get outside the pocket and hurt defenses with his legs. Brock has solid arm strength. He can fire the ball into windows with velocity in the short to intermediate levels of the field. Brock can also push he ball downfield. Most importantly, Brock is an accurate passer. He puts the ball in safe spots away from the defense or right in stride with his receiver. Brock also maintains his accuracy on the run. There are several strong tools to work with in Brock. Give him a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c697cf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15846269/631388ea7bdcb50a94a9fe5c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2f4a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354146"],"_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":"One of the top hidden gems on the OL is the 6'4u0022 260 lbs out of DePaul College Prep. Erik's mobility and range jump off the tape early. He shows off a skip pull, ability to get to the lead up to the second level, and his ability to get out in space and hit those elusive targets. Erik is a punishing blocker too. You see a lot of his blocks end with his defender on the ground. Timbo also utilizes a strong initial punch that has created pancakes on it's own. Erik also has a frame that looks like it will be able to carry more weight. It looks like Timbo is looking to earn that first offer. Don't overlook the big, athletic, strong lineman.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c6980f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14973227/63db18e790f03404bc405daa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2f52b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354189"],"_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":"A massive steal at the TE position is the 6'4u0022 230 lbs [player_tooltip player_id='354189' first='Carson' last='Jacoby']. The massive athlete utilizes that size to create his separation. He can simply box out an LB or safety and use his long arms to catch the ball away from his body and the ball will be safe from the defense. Minooka uses him to attack the middle of the field where he can use that size to protect the ball and to pick up yards after contact. Jacoby fits the full description of a traditional TE. Not only is he a reliable target, the '24 is an impact blocker. Carson uses a wide, powerful base. His hands stay inside on the chest of his target, and drives his man off the line. You can trust him to win battles against edge defenders in those run blocking one on ones. Carson holds an offer from Bucknell. Check out the hidden gem, today.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b7e3c6984d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15790692/63eaf98c664b1105309a746f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b943d2f5a5"} /-->