PrepRedzoneIL 2025 Rankings Update: Hardest Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's nothing I like more in football than a big hit. To me, it's the most exciting play in the game, capable of creating a turnover, shifting momentum, getting the crowd fired up, and mentally shutting down the recipient for the rest of the contest. When you're watching as much tape as I do when preparing a rankings update, some prospects simply leave your mouth agape and saying"wow, that kid is a thumper." It's my favorite thing to find when grinding film, and the <em>PRzIL </em>2025 rankings update left me with that feeling often and impressively regarding several Land of Lincoln rising juniors. To continue with our 2025 rankings coverage, we're highlighting and breaking down the hardest hitters that make up our rankings list, as well as what makes them such a thumper, how that game translates to the next level, their recruitments, and more. This is a fun one! Hope you enjoy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383436"],"_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":"We just discussed the u003cemu003eJohnson College Prepu003c/emu003e athlete in our last article highlighting the top stock risers between the last two u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 rankings updates, and in addition to u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='383436' first='Nashaun' last='Brown']'su003c/strongu003e overall dynamic ability on the gridiron, he also happens to be one of the hardest hitters in the Land of Lincoln's 2025 class. At 5'9, 175 lbs., u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e is an excellent testament to the fact that you don't need to be the biggest to be one of the hardest hitters, as fearlessness, absolute commitment, and technique can help a 175 lber. hit like they're 50 pounds heavier. As a defensive back and on special teams, u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e comes on-screen like a missle, and upends and/or sends opponents flying u0026amp; backwards like they got clipped by a truck. He can lay the boom low or high on ball carriers with equal impact, and can build a ton of momentum into contact with nasty effect. If he has a full head of steam especially, you better get out of his way, no matter how much you weigh.  There's a 5+ sequence of reps in his sophomore tape that are impressively massive hits against a variety of opponents in a variety of different situations. Check it out if you can u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jbcyku0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2Jbcyku003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["830844"],"_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":"One of a plethora of u003cemu003eMorgan Parku003c/emu003e prospects with outstanding potential and college football makeup, 5'11, 175 lb. DB u003cstrongu003eAhmadu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eGrayer u003c/strongu003eis part of a big-time group of returning defensive backs for the Mustangs and is quite a thumper coming from the defensive secondary. Whether he's inside the box or out on the edge, u003cstrongu003eGrayeru003c/strongu003e has some noticeable natural pop in his pads and is also a good cut tackler who upends ball carriers and halts gains in their tracks. He can also stick opponents right where they stand, even if they have a head of steam on them, and gets the most out of every tackle and makes sure ball carriers feel him and know it's #2 making the stick, tossing them to the ground violently or putting his full weight into the completion of a tackle. u003cstrongu003eGrayeru003c/strongu003e is a great inside-the-box, downhill, run supporter from the safety spot and loves the physical part of the game. He's also one of the c/o 2025 Illinois hardest hitters, and both his freshman and sophomore tapes attest to this.rnrnfrosh: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14881632/61a51c82c11b4404283a1788u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/14881632/61a51c82c11b4404283a1788u003c/au003ernrnsoph midseason: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14881632/6349a815c11a270fa43c9b95u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/14881632/6349a815c11a270fa43c9b95u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["830846"],"_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":"One of my favorite DBs in a stacked-to-the-brim crop of 2025 defensive backs in the Land of Lincoln, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='830846' first='Mason' last='Ellens']u003c/strongu003e was moved up to the varsity ranks of u003cemu003eGlenbard Westu003c/emu003e in week 5 of the 2022 season and made the most of it from the jump. The 5'11, 160 lbers. play made him an unchanging part of the u003cemu003eHilltopper'su003c/emu003e defense, and I'm sure his affinity for contact helped keep him as a steady presence in u003cemu003eGlenbard West'su003c/emu003e secondary. #36 opens his sophomore film by crumpling a u003cemu003eYorku003c/emu003e ball carrier on the sideline off a half-a-dozen steps and continues the film with big hits and big plays all around the gridiron. u003cstrongu003eEllens u003c/strongu003egoes all out into contact and uses his noticeable speed and acceleration to go full-out into opponents. He takes great angles to the football and uses consistent pad level to send kids flying, and can create big hits particularly well downhill from his safety spot or when running the alley to the sideline. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eEllensu003c/strongu003e helps his teammates create big hits as well, and I cannot wait to see how a year in the weight room helps his physical prowess and pad-popping ability.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KNtn2u0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2KNtn2u003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["830849"],"_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":"The younger brother of 2023 u003cemu003eSt. Ritau003c/emu003e grad and Minnesota Gophers LB signee Matt, 6', 200 lb. linebacker u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='830849' first='James' last='Kingsbury']u003c/strongu003e is in the middle of writing his own story with the Mustangs and got things going impressively in 2022 as a starting 'backer for the CCL heavyweight as a sophomore. He's also one of the 2025 classes hardest hitters, and in the sophomore varsity film you can see the younger u003cstrongu003eKingsbury u003c/strongu003ehas a diverse array of big hits on both defense and special teams, sending opponents flying when he pursues out to the edge of the defense, is lead blocking as an upback on kick return coverage, or off a couple steps of momentum as an OLB. I love how he brings his hips and runs his feet through a tackle, and his strength is obvious as he sticks ball carriers and seems to easily prevent even an extra step of yardage from RBs and WRs past the initial point of contact. He can also go low or high with equal amount of force, and does a great job of using opponents'' momentum against them and squashing gains where they stand. Just like his brother, u003cstrongu003eKingsburyu003c/strongu003e is growing into a beast and already one of the Land of Lincoln's hardest hitters coming out of the 2025s. I'd be psyched if he joined his brother in Dinkytown one day.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JuRq7u0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2JuRq7u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["471479"],"_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":"A massive 6'1, 225 lb. rising junior out of talent-rich u003cemu003eKankakeeu003c/emu003e, linebacker u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='471479' first='Kennyan' last='Chandler']u003c/strongu003e posted an impressive sophomore stat line of 113 total tackles, 26 TFLs (!), 4 FFs, and 2 INTs last fall and did so in bone-crunching fashion from his middle linebacker spot. u003cstrongu003eChandleru003c/strongu003e seeks out contact and knows what to do when he gets there, as he's another standout on this list who does a great job of running his feet through a tackle and uses his massive size and noticeable strength to halt ball carriers where they stand and force them backwards for 5-10 yards in dominant fashion. You can see opposing RBs and WRs whiplash when he hits them, as well as freeze and become unable to resist just from the sheer force of u003cstrongu003eChandler'su003c/strongu003e pop in the hole. If he catches you off-guard or not looking, you're also liable to go flying 5 yards back and hard off the turf, and I could watch him meet RBs in the hole all day, every day. He's got some serious strength and physical expertise going into his upperclassman campaign. Don't get in his way.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JzbCWu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2JzbCWu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["299634"],"_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":"A surefire top player in the state, u003cemu003eBrother Rice'su003c/emu003e 6', 215 lb. linebacker u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='299634' first='Christian' last='Pierce']u003c/strongu003e is the younger brother of 2023 Michigan DT signee Trey Pierce and is already a strong, experienced, and highly-touted prep player with an impressive list of offers that has most recently included Ohio State, Louisville, Boston College, Purdue, Mizzou, Arizona State, and Wisconsin. The rising junior recently posted a 275 lb. hang clean in early April after a strong sophomore campaign on the gridiron in the fall of 2022. In addition to his many dominant traits on the field, u003cstrongu003ePierceu003c/strongu003e is also one of the 2025 classes hardest hitters, and posted 100 tackles, 3 PBUs, and a safety last season. He topples ball carriers over and flat onto their backs when he makes contact, and is more than strong enough to tackle even bigger RBs and WRs high and in grown man fashion. u003cstrongu003ePierceu003c/strongu003e can completely reverse an opponents momentum in imposing fashion and creates noticeable whiplash when he puts his pads on an offensive player, whether they have the ball or are trying to block him. Scary enough for opposing teams and players, he's only getting stronger too. Bigger hits are coming in 2023!","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["831090"],"_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 my favorite linemen in the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 rankings, u003cemu003ePalatine'su003c/emu003e 6'3.5, 275 lb. OG u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='831090' first='Parker' last='Brault']u003c/strongu003e received some love in my first article covering the rankings update, so I'll make sure to focus solely on his physical contact prowess to not repeat myself in this new feature. u003cstrongu003eBraultu003c/strongu003e is an absolutely devastating puller and topples over helpless opponents like a battering ram, and if he squares them up and gets a clean hit, can bounce them off the turf like a padded basketball. He simply crushes kids and uses his strength and natural pop to create massive hits off an extension of his arms and/or a couple of steps of buildup. He sent opponents flying in 2022 and can manufacture the same kinds of impressive collisions from pulls, pass sets, and simple down blocks in an equally dominant fashion. u003cstrongu003eBraultu003c/strongu003e has his way with people, and I would not want to be on the receiving end of one of his blocks. Now, we've also officially crowned him as one of the 2025 class's biggest thumpers. Check him out u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JPP93u0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2JPP93u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["179193"],"_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":"It's fun to get offensive representation on a list of hardest hitters, and u003cemu003eEast St. Louisu003c/emu003e RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='179193' first='Larevious' last='Woods']u003c/strongu003e was an easy choice to add to the mix from the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 class of thumpers. With an ideally compact frame for dishing out contact at 5'9, 195 lbs., u003cstrongu003eWoodsu003c/strongu003e has a helluva truck stick attached to his pads and can knock opponents over like a bowling ball over pins while remaining upright and sending defending off into the turf violently and suddenly. u003cstrongu003eWoodsu003c/strongu003e can create so much impact force that would-be tacklers get turned a full 180 or even 360 degrees, crumples them like they're in a compacter, or got a cartoon piano dropped from above. Get out of his way! There's a Ford F150 on the u003cemu003eESL Flyersu003c/emu003e roster. Check out the film if you don't believe me u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17761158/639002bfe97ad306a82c0644u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/17761158/639002bfe97ad306a82c0644u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["831092"],"_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":"One of the states of Illinois' biggest early stock risers from the beginning of this summer camp szn, u003cemu003eOswego Pantheru003c/emu003e 6'3, 210 lb. LB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='831092' first='Carson' last='Cooney']u003c/strongu003e is fresh off his first college football offer from the home state Illini, and his prowess in contact on tape was definitely a plus for the Illinois staff's evaluation of the rising junior. u003cstrongu003eCooneyu003c/strongu003e does a great job with his pad level and bringing his hips through a tackle, and when combined with his size/strength, sends ball carriers backward and off their feet like a 300 lb. lineman has run through them. I also love how he stays engaged and wrapped up with his opponent through the hit, which allows his full weight to finish onto the ball carrier to create as much pain and force as possible. Each and every tackle he puts his all into the contact, and it pays off in exciting and fun-to-watch fashion on tape. Check him and his hits out here u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jqjscu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2Jqjscu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["349399"],"_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":"Don't come over the middle on Yorkville's [player_tooltip player_id='349399' first='Luke' last='Zook']! The 6'1, 180 lb. safety will square you up and send you flying in highlight reel, momentum-shifting fashion that are fitting in Youtube big hit compilations from NFL thumpers at the DB position. If he can get a full head of steam and meet you head-on at the sideline, u003cstrongu003eZooku003c/strongu003e can hit you so hard it'll send you into his or the opposition's bench, and the same goes for if you're trying to make a catch in his vicinity. You can see opponents get up in visibly painful fashion after he puts the pads on them, and I guarantee the contact stays in the heads of opposing wideouts for the rest of the game afterward. u003cstrongu003eZooku003c/strongu003e also can create big hits in the run game as well. You better think twice before coming his way! Sophomore tape u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16449685/6355838c3deb72050ce0db2bu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/video/3/16449685/6355838c3deb72050ce0db2bu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["830847"],"_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":"The u003cemu003eNaperville Centralu003c/emu003e OLB seems to surprise ball carriers with how much force he creates through contact, and patrolled the flats and hook/curls of his defense like a viper in the grass, tracking and setting up his strike with deadly intent. u003cstrongu003eWadeu003c/strongu003e topples ball carriers like he's 50+ pounds heavier, and has no problems manufacturing massive collisions shoulder pad to shoulder pad without having to go low on bigger opponents. He can reverse their momentum and crumple opponents in impressive and obviously painful fashion, and hits well above his weight class with destructive results. You aren't getting extra yardage on this kid, much less staying upright, and u003cstrongu003eWadeu003c/strongu003e takes on blocking attempts with equally dominant results. Get out of the u003cemu003eRedhawksu003c/emu003e trains way or you're going to get run over! Guaranteed. Tape u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16956488/6361ed46bed6e10ab0e1064au0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/video/3/16956488/6361ed46bed6e10ab0e1064au003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["330445"],"_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":"The highest ranked prospect on this list of u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2025 hardest hitters, u003cemu003eFenwick'su003c/emu003e 6'5, 265 lb. DE and frightening wildcat QB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='330445' first='Nathaniel' last='Marshall']u003c/strongu003e completely envelops and overwhelms opponents with his sheer size and strength. Even if he gets his hands on you and rips you to the ground, the force of the tackle leaves QBs and RBs visibly shaken and in pain while laying on the turf in agony in front of their friends and family, something not easy to do on such routine plays and tackles. You can tell a player hits hard when their opponents drop to the ground prior to the contact, and u003cstrongu003eMarshall'su003c/strongu003e sophomore tape is full of frightened QBs and RBs hurriedly hitting the turf in anticipation of the giant DEs incoming tackle. Additionally, it's a fun and rare sight to see holes part open like the red sea when u003cstrongu003eMarshallu003c/strongu003e had the ball in his hands as a wildcat quarterback. Yes, the u003cemu003eFriarsu003c/emu003e blocking was impressive on a lot of the goalline reps u003cstrongu003eMarshallu003c/strongu003e scored, but part of that is defenders checking out and wanting no part in a collision with big #90. When someone does get in his way, he can bowl through them like he's playing against middle schoolers, and has a mean truckstick that sends defenders flying backward or into the turf like a pickup hit them crossing the street. Easy pick for one of the Land of Lincoln's top thumpers in the 2025 class. Film u002du002du0026gt; u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K4mJeu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2K4mJeu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-647e591057d3f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->