PrepRedzoneIL 2025 Rankings Update: Biggest Stock-Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I hope everyone is enjoying their week and the beginning of the PRzIL 2025 rankings update coverage. Yesterday, we dug into my Top-10 rising junior prospects currently w/o a college football offer, and we have an exciting lineup of featured articles set to go live the rest of the week. If you've been reading <em>PRzIL </em>and/or the <em>PrepRedzone </em>site as a whole for a while, you'll know our rankings updates always include "Top Newcomers" and "Biggest Stock-Risers" pieces that highlight the prospects who were introduced on the new rankings, as well as the recruits who saw their ranking rise the most. They're always fun to write and are popular with our wonderful subscribers, but before we get into this 2025 version of the Stock-Riser report I wanted to make sure our readers know that I had zero part in the last version of the rankings. Luckily, we're back on the right track and excited for the future of our Land of Lincoln site, and I was more than honored to be assigned the Illinois rankings for this latest update cycle. Although I had no part in the last 2025 ranking, there were still some noticeable jumps and climbs from the rising juniors that are worth mentioning, and we have the details and evaluations for your enjoyment below. Thanks for reading PrepRedzoneIL, we're pumped to have you all! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["609227"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: left;u0022u003eComing out of the defending Class 5A runner-ups, #44 overall ranked u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='609227' first='Deuce' last='Thornton']u003c/strongu003e, who measures in at 6'3, 285 lbs. and also wrestles for u003cemu003ePeoria, u003c/emu003emade a significant climb from his previous spot on the 2025 watchlist and was an easy addition to the Top 50 as an offensive u0026amp; defensive lineman and occasional tight end. 2022 was his second season as a varsity starter for the u003cemu003eLionsu003c/emu003e, and he showed he was more than comfortable against upperclassmen and seasoned varsity contributors, as u003cstrongu003eThorntonu003c/strongu003e was a beast in the run game and showed off strength at the point of attack, pop, and heavy hands that sent opponents flying and visibly shook once he made contact. The 280 lber. is also technically sound, shows off good leg drive, and is comfortable as a zone blocker who can shift u0026amp; adjust from defender to defender during a play and is also more than able to get to the second level and find work there. The strength is the big eye-catcher from his sophomore tape, as well as his positional versatility, as u003cstrongu003eThorntonu003c/strongu003e lined up at OC, OT, and TE in the condensed sophomore reps. I can't wait to see u003cemu003ePeoria'su003c/emu003e comeback szn in 2023, especially on their young and talented OL.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["325422"],"_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":"Coming out of the always-loaded St. Louis metro area north of the Illinois border, u003cemu003eCollinsville High School'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='325422' first='Devin' last='Habermehl']u003c/strongu003e reps Southern IL well as a 6'2, 225 lb. DE located more than four hours south of Chicago. A three-sport standout for the u003cemu003eKahoks u003c/emu003ewith a solid resume as a young thrower on the track u0026amp; field squad, u003cstrongu003eHabermehlu003c/strongu003e is currently ranked right outside the Top 100 as the #101 overall prospect, and in the loaded u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 rankings, the DE/TE has as good of a chance of seeing that ranking climb as anyone on the list. Defensively, he gets off the ball well, is excellent at tackling in space, and is effective at using a bull rush, push/pull, and rips to defeat blocks from OTs to either shoulder. u003cstrongu003eHabermehlu003c/strongu003e is strong through contact and keeps OTs on their heels with his explosive first step. As a TE/HB hybrid, the 225 lber. is a crushing blocker and finisher who laid some massive hits around the LOS and in space last fall. He's got initial pop, heavy hands and great hand placement, and runs his feet hard once he's engaged. u003cstrongu003eHabermehlu003c/strongu003e also has pop after the catch with the rock in-hand. The kid excels in the physical aspect of the game and I can't wait to see how another year in the weight room has treated him. He's got a busy camp season ahead of him this summer, so u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e will be keeping a close eye on him throughout June and July. Ball out, u003cstrongu003eDevinu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["278890"],"_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":"West Central Illinois product and u003cemu003eGlenwood High Schoolu003c/emu003e wideout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='278890' first='Gavin' last='Simmons']u003c/strongu003e is one of a plethora of talented WRs making up the loaded 2025 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e rankings, and Chatham, a town of over 14k, should be very excited about the 6', 175 lb. pass-catchers future. His sophomore tape is impressive, opening with a sweet one-handed grab while working out of the slot, and goes on to include deep TD catches, touchdown-springing blocks on special teams, and impressive kick returns involving half a dozen broken tackles that show off contact balance, lower body strength, and grit. u003cstrongu003eSimmonsu003c/strongu003e has strong, soft hands, breaks his routes off well, solid speed, and uses that aforementioned balance to work through weaker tackle attempts at his lower body and remain upright. He can work out from the perimeter or the slot, and is an asset on special teams whether he has the rock or not. Junior year will be a big one for him as he attempts to up his game to a new level, climb up the 2025 rankings, and join his fellow '25 WRs holding early college football scholarship offers. Man, I love this WR group.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["331578"],"_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":"I keep a close eye on u003cemu003eHillcrest High Schoolu003c/emu003e and their potential college football prospects, especially after enjoying and now missing the presence of Mar'keise u0022Buckyu0022 Irving on my Minnesota Golden Gophers. The u003cemu003eHawksu003c/emu003e regularly put out studs, and in their 2025 class they possess some must-watch recruits who are still sharpening and developing their games going into their upperclassmen campaigns. Heading the pack is 6'3, 265 lb. offensive lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='331578' first='Jazarri' last='Jackson']u003c/strongu003e, who, in addition to his prowess on the football field, is a standout student in the classroom and is already experienced on the recruiting trail with multiple unofficial visits under his belt to the likes of St. Xavier, Eastern Illinois, and Illinois State. As a varsity LT last season, u003cstrongu003eJacksonu003c/strongu003e showed off strength when he fully extends his arms, the ability to stay engaged with wriggly opponents once he gets hands on, and a knack for finishing defenders once he gets them off-balance or out of position. u003cstrongu003eJacksonu003c/strongu003e is also experienced in pass pro, comfortable working at the second level of the defense and in space, and has a good motor on him that is always looking for work. The #106 ranked prospect came off the watchlist in this latest ranking update and has the potential to seriously continue his climb up the charts. Go u003cemu003eHawksu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["331569"],"_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":"Another former watchlist member who now sits inside our Top 100 at #93 overall, u003cemu003eRomeoville'su003c/emu003e 6'3, 250 lb. OT and DL u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='331569' first='Tony' last='Galloway']u003c/strongu003e is already a strong kid who can put up 500 lbs. on the squat rack and is nearing a 300 lb. bench. Despite his highlight tape needing some refurbishment, the two-way contributor put up good reps on both sides of the ball last season and displayed a good get-off on the DL, a gift for splitting double teams and making plays in the backfield, the ability to easily seal defenders at the second and third level of the defense, and a nasty streak in him once he gets his way with an opponent. u003cstrongu003eGallowayu003c/strongu003e has a rep around two minutes into his sophomore tape that really impressed me, as the 250 lber. took a perfect angle to run down a loose DB after an INT from his OL spot and hawks the kid down after 50+ yards to save a TD. It's an impressive display of speed, hustle, and grit for a lineman of his size and age, and Galloway is going to be even more of a force next fall as a junior.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["331562"],"_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":"From watchlist to the Top 75, u003cemu003eWaubonsie Valley'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='331562' first='Stefan' last='Popov']u003c/strongu003e has the chance to continue the u003cemu003eWarrior'su003c/emu003e current trend of high-profile and highly-touted high school prospects and put up strong reps along both the offensive u0026amp; defensive lines last fall as a sophomore. The 6'3, 270 lber. can easily rip through 1-on-1 blocking attempts when playing DL, is patient and anchors very well in his pass sets as an OT, and does a great job of running his feet once he's engaged with an opponent. I also like how he works laterally along the LOS and uses leverage to his advantage when trying to finish defensive linemen. His strength on the gridiron is also evident in the weight room, where he easily repped a 315 lb. bench press as well as a 315 lb. front squat in the offseason going into his now-completed sophomore year. u003cstrongu003ePopovu003c/strongu003e also posted a 4.78 short-shuttle at The Line Showcase in IL this spring. There are some good things going for him on both sides of the ball going into his upperclassman campaign and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e is pumped to check out how the offseason has treated him.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["299591"],"_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":"One of our higher ranked 2025s on this list, u003cemu003eGlenbrook South'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='299591' first='Tyrone' last='Cotton'] IIIu003c/strongu003e rose significantly from his previous WL position and now lands as our #60 overall prospect as both a DB and WR. Both Jake Lemming and I like u003cstrongu003eCotton'su003c/strongu003e game, which saw him post an impressive 12 PBUs and 4 INTs last fall as a sophomore, and the film shows a DB with length and a ton of room to grow and add good weight, a smooth and fluid backpedal and COD skills, length, and ball skills. I really like how he can flip his hips, and u003cstrongu003eCottonu003c/strongu003e does a good job of staying technically sound with consistent eye discipline, not to mention his speed to stay on top of deep routes and quickness out of his breaks. He's fun to watch and made plays on the ball from a variety of positions and on a variety of routes, and also popped off some big plays offensively when he gets the ball in his hands. Especially in off-man coverage, u003cstrongu003eCotton Islandu003c/strongu003e is not a fun place to be if you're an opposing wide receiver. The kid is a stud!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["831093"],"_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":"6'2, 175 lb. u003cemu003eGrayslake Northu003c/emu003e four-sport standout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='831093' first='Cameron' last='Bates']u003c/strongu003e is yet another must-know WR on the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 rankings and had a productive sophomore season last fall that totaled 32 receptions for 587 yards (18.3 YPC) and 7 TDs. From the WL to #51 overall, u003cstrongu003eBatesu003c/strongu003e is capable of some highlight reel catches that not every wideout can make, and opens his tape with two eye-catching snags high in the air in which the sophomore had to sell out and fearlessly play the ball over tight coverage that put his body on the line. u003cstrongu003eBatesu003c/strongu003e can eat up off and press-man coverage like it's his breakfast thanks to his top-end speed, capability to stack DBs and shiftiness in his releases, ball skills, and strong hands at the catch point. I also like his ability to break off his routes smoothly and accelerate out of a dead stop. Whether it's during the route or after the catch, this kid is dangerous. He's only getting better too, which should frighten Lake County DBs these next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["383436"],"_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":"u003cemu003eJones College Prep'su003c/emu003e stud 2025 DB/ATH u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='383436' first='Nashaun' last='Brown']u003c/strongu003e is one of the hardest hitters in the Illinois 2025 class and has a ton of room to continue to grow in the rankings after rising from the watchlist to #91 overall. He'll be featured in our next article as well, so stay tuned, but for now, I want to make sure to mention how much I like his dynamic athleticism on the gridiron, where he can do just about anything asked of him and was a big-time weapon on both offense and defense. Offensively, I like his speed, ball skills, and vision after the catch, and as a DB I like his anticipation and speed out of his breaks, ability to run the alley in run support, and above all, his physicality. u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e can make plays around the box or in space and was a force game-t0-game for Jones, whose campus I used to live right across from when we were living in Chicago. More on u003cstrongu003eMr. Brownu003c/strongu003e tomorrow with u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e!rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":9,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-647956a522383"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->