Preseason Preview: Nazareth Academy Roadrunners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are just over a month away from kickoff for the 2023 season. As the season approaches, we will be previewing some of the top programs across the state. Next up is last year's 5A IHSA State Champions, the Nazareth Roadrunners. They are poised to defend their title with a balanced attack on both offense and defense. Let's take a deeper dive into some key starters returning for the Roadrunners, as well as some other prospects who are ready to step up and take on a bigger role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278245"],"_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":"Kaminski is a top 10 player in the Land of Lincoln and a top edge rushing recruit in the country for the class of 2025. Kaminski went above and beyond in his sophomore campaign, finishing the season with 17.5 sacks, 38 tackles for loss, 72 total tackles, and over 40 quarterback hurries. The 6'3, 225 lbs Riverside product was nearly unstoppable. Kaminski displays over-the-top athleticism and physicality, regardless of the situation. When rushing the quarterback, Kaminski showcased polished technique through a multitude of moves. He can win with speed, power, or finesse. In the run game, Kaminski fires off the ball with low pad level and utilizes lateral quickness to redirect and make plays in the backfield. The class of 2025 in Illinois is loaded with elite pass rushers, and Kaminski may finish at the top of the group following his upcoming junior season.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Oklahoma, Michigan, Illinois, Southern California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northwestern, and more.u003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["118787"],"_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":"Malachuk led Nazareth to a state championship in his sophomore season, throwing for over 2,400 yards, adding 313 on the ground, and tallying 24 touchdowns. Malachuk earned the 5A Player of the Game in the state championship. The 5'11, 180 lbs signal caller has a quick release and can make a variety of throws that sets his receivers up for success. The ball leaves Malachuk's hands with great velocity, and whether its a deep ball, touch pass, or middle of the field throw, Malachuk can make it. He has a powerful arm and shows tremendous touch on vertical throws. He can throw accurately on the run, and when called for, Malachuk can tuck it and show off his athleticism in the open field. Heading into his junior season, Malachuk's stock is on the rise as he looks to defend the Roadrunners state title.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["271881"],"_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":"Flanagan is a 6'0, 195 lbs hybrid defender who earned an All-Conference nod in his junior season. Flanagan, who played all over the field for the Roadrunner defense, posted 75 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 8 TFL's, and 2 INT's last year. He shined at both inside and outside linebacker, showing off his quickness, instincts, and physicality. At outside linebacker, Flanagan sets the edge with speed, taking on blocks with physicality and forcing the ball back inside. At inside linebacker, he gets downhill quickly and shoots gaps to make impressive tackles in the backfield. Flanagan is a surehanded tackle, who uses a strong base and footwork to eliminate space between himself and the ball carrier. He is a smooth dropper in the pass game and can close space quickly. Flanagan is poised to build off his impressive junior campaign heading into his senior season.rnrnu003cemu003eOffers: Illinois State, Butleru003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["161367"],"_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":"Penley is an extremely underrated corner who is sure to put people on notice in his junior campaign. Penley was a standout on varsity last year for Naz, as the sophomore excelled in a variety of ways. He is extremely polished in his technique, whether it's press man or zone. In man-to-man, Penley plays physical at the line of scrimmage, making it difficult for wide receiver to get clean releases off the line. He stays on top of routes with ease and breaks on the ball with urgency. The same goes for Penley in zone coverage, as he reads the quarterbacks eyes and jumps underneath throws to take it the other way. Penley is the definition of a rising prospect. As he begins his junior season, Penley could very well finish the year as one of the state's top corners.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Ethan Enriquez","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Nazareth Academy","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Enriquez played the role of outside linebacker/safety for the Roadrunner's last year. The 5'8, 175 lb rising senior showcases impressive speed and a high motor. Enriquez's passion shines through his film, as he is around the ball often. He gets downhill quickly and is a stout tackler in the open field. Enriquez flies to the ball at the snap, often making tackles after running from the other side of the field. Once his eyes are locked in on the ball carrier, Enriquez chases him down with extreme urgency. He plays with phenomenal physicality, quickness, and athleticism, proving Enriquez has a nose for the football. Heading into his season season, Enriquez's stock is on the rise.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["162591"],"_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":"In Reese's sophomore season, he showed flashes on both sides of the ball that he's sure to build upon this upcoming season. Reese has an long frame, standing at 6'2, 175 lbs and possesses elite speed and athleticism that will only improve as he gets older. He is a true athlete, as his clips at both corner and wide receiver were just a sign on things to come. On defense, Reese breaks on the ball with ease and has to speed to take it to the house for six. He is not afraid to stick his nose in and make open field tackles either. On offense, Reese is a smooth route runner who has soft hands. He can weave in and out of breaks fluidly and breaks off routes at the perfect time to create separation. Reese is poised for a breakout junior year as his stock is on the rise.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c1e484f35be"} /-->