The Fox Valley Conference’s Top 2024 Prospects
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As summer football camps approach and the 2023 season is around the corner, we will be previewing the top Class of 2024 Prospects from some of the best conferences around the state of Illinois. Today we will preview the Fox…
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Continue ReadingAs summer football camps approach and the 2023 season is around the corner, we will be previewing the top Class of 2024 Prospects from some of the best conferences around the state of Illinois. Today we will preview the Fox Valley Conference’s Top 5 Prospects:
As we look across different conferences throughout the state, it’s no surprise that another tight end pops up first in our conference rankings. Stec is up there with many of the top tight ends across the state and may even be number 1. The 6’6, 245 lbs Jacobs prospect impressive in every facet of the game. He is a smooth runner, beating defensive backs with crisp route running and breakaway speed. It’s hard to believe a player with his frame runs as well as he shows on film, but Stec lives up to the hype. Additionally, Stec is a very strong blocker who uses technique and physicality to run through his opponents. Look for Stec to be a dominant force in the Fox Valley this year before he heads off to the University of Wisconsin.
Highlights
Christopher Abihudi
Christopher Abihudi
Abihudi is a force at both offensive and defensive line. The Lindenwood commit from Hampshire High School projects as a nose/defensive tackle at the next level. Standing at 6’1 and weighing in at 290, Abihudi has the size and strength to clog the middle. He plays with phenomenal pad level and strong technique that allows him to drive most centers and guards backwards at the snap of the ball. Not only does Abihudi impress with his vertical penetration, but his ability to shed blockers and make a strong tackle in the backfield. As he heads into his senior season, look for Abihudi to be a wrecking ball in both the run and pass game (defensively), while making some highlight plays on offense as well.
The 6’0, 190 lbs wide receiver and defensive back out of Crystal Lake South impresses early and often on tape. Starting with offensive side of the ball, Prokos is a smooth route runner who wins one-on-ones from the slot. Whether its quickness, speed, or his soft hands, Prokos excels at finding open grass and making tough catches. No wonder Prokos went for over 1,000 yards as a junior. Defensively, Prokos displays physicality when coming down hill to make tackles. His technique is strong, and he breaks on the ball well when thrown his direction. Prokos is an instinctual player who is poised for a strong senior year in the Fox Valley.
The 6’1, 260 lbs defensive lineman from Burlington Central dominates the line of scrimmage in multiple ways. Mihelich plays in multiple techniques on the defensive line and projects as a defensive tackle at the next level. He plays with strong technique and hands that allow Mihelich to get pentration in the backfield. He can shed blockers easily, spill pulling offensive linemen, and finish on the running back for multiple tackle for loss. Additionally, Mihelich showcases solid technique and a high motor when rushing the passer. He retraces his steps well when the opposing quarterback steps up in the pocket. Look for Mihelich to break out during his senior season.
Highlights
The 6’2, 185 lbs signal caller from Crystal Lake Central is a dual threat player. Penza’s legs are equally as impressive as his arm. The fear with dual threat QB’s is that they look to run too quickly before allowing the play to develop. Penza does not fit this mold. He keeps his eyes downfield and showcases a quick throwing motion that gets the ball to wide receivers with velocity. He displays solid touch on deep balls and is extremely dangerous in the QB run game or when scrambling. He is both fast and shifty in the open field and can make multiple defenders miss. Penza is a do it all quarterback and should be one of the top quarterbacks in the Fox Valley, if not one of the top QB’s in the state.
Highlights
Other Players to look out for:
Drake Tomasiewicz – WR – Prairie Ridge
Gage Homola Gage Homola 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Hampshire | 2024 IL – LB – Hampshire
Connor Anderson – DB – Cary-Grove
Paulie Rudolph Paulie Rudolph 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB Jacobs | 2024 IL – LB – Jacobs
Kyle Boelkens – LB – McHenry