PRzIL Rankings Update: Top-10 Most Electric Offensive Weapons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PRzIL </em>is rolling along with our high-powered 2024 rankings update coverage after highlighting the top uncommitted prospects, the state's hardest hitters, and the top unsigned ballhawks from the defensive secondary. I mentioned in the hardest hitters feature that a big hit is one of the best plays and one of my favorite parts about the Great Game of Football, but another attention-grabbing part of the game that gets me extremely fired up is an absolutely electric offensive contributor who is dynamite with the ball in his hand. And holy cow, Illinois' 2024 class is brimming with offensive firepower, particularly at the top end, where twitch, speed, explosiveness, balance, vision, and natural playmaking ability reign supreme. <em>PRzIL </em>did a deep dive into the tape once again to name our Top-10 Most Electric Offensive Weapons in the Land of Lincoln, and we're excited to present a diverse array of positions, skillsets, and body types that snatch ankles, make people miss, sit them on their butts, and get the crowd on their feet and leave their mouths agape. Let's get to know the Top-10 Most Electric Weapons in the state! Thanks for reading. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271314"],"_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":"NUMBER ONE:rnrnRepresenting the TE position, 6'5, 240 lb. u003cemu003eMarian Central Catholicu003c/emu003e standout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='271314' first='Christian' last='Bentancur']u003c/strongu003e will be heading to Clemson, South Carolina after the conclusion of his senior season and will leave a trail of embarrassed, humiliated, and wounded defenders in his wake. In my almost half decade of scouting Midwest talent for u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneu003c/emu003e, I've seen some complete and star-studded TEs come out of America's Heartland, but I'm hard pressed to think of a TE who was u003cstrongu003eBentancur'su003c/strongu003e size that is as dynamic and elusive with the ball in-hand as the #1 TE in Illinois' 2024 class. At 6'5, 240 lbs., u003cstrongu003eBentancuru003c/strongu003e is absurdly quick and sudden in his lateral movements and cuts, which allows him to set up defenders, get them on their heels, and then break right where they aren't expecting to shatter some ankles and sit them on their butts. He also possesses the top-end speed to dust pursuit angles, outrun much smaller opponents, and take the top off the defense. The footwork also helps him to be shifty and effective in his releases at the LOS, and he can drop his hips well and create separation at the top of the route well for a big guy, which makes for DBs looking around confused, guessing, and trying to figure out what just happened, which includes blaming their fellow CB/S, a theme that is present multiple times in his junior highlights. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eBentancuru003c/strongu003e knows how to use that size to his advantage, as he's balanced through contact and able to drag defenders and run through tackle attempts like they're middle school tacklers. He also tracks u0026amp; plays the ball very well in the air and pulled off some highlight reel one-handed catches in his junior tape. Overall, he's a man amongst boys, and of all the things he does well, the twitch and quickness and ability to beat would-be tacklers laterally and with his footwork is very impressive, very rare for a prospect of his size, and stands out the most among his many positives as an offensive weapon. Such a fun junior tape to watch, he embarrassed defenders in countless ways last fall and is set to be even more dominant in 2023. Good luck containing this man!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["148856"],"_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":"NUMBER TWO:rnrnThe RB position has changed, evolved, and is under more scrutiny than other position on the gridiron, which trickles into both high school recruiting and NFL projection, although the latter has been impacted far more. Despite the radical change of the running back in this modern era, u003cemu003eMount Carmel'su003c/emu003e electric RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='148856' first='Darrion' last='Dupree']u003c/strongu003e brings the quintessential yet contemporary value that defies the current reconstruction of the position. A recent commit to the Wisconsin Badgers who stands an excellent chance of continuing their accomplished legacy of running backs, u003cstrongu003eDupree u003c/strongu003epossesses a balanced and dynamic skillset that helped the u003cemu003eCaravanu003c/emu003e to a 14-0 record in 2022 and a Class 7A state championship, not to mention his First Team All-Conference and Illinois Gatorade POY finalist selection. The 5'10, 195 lber. is a Madden controller of moves, jukes, spins, hurdles, stiff-arms trucks, and cuts, and he also possesses the breakaway speed that can capitalize on gaps and holes in the defense and take advantage of daylight and the edge of the defense when presented to him. u003cstrongu003eDupreeu003c/strongu003e also shows off patience, vision, and burst when finding space and allowing his blocking to develop, and his anticipation and hesitation to make reckless pursuers miss is quite exciting on tape. Additionally, he's sudden and powerful in his cuts, and great hands out the backfield, making him a hard-to-find weapon in the pass-catching game as a RB who can run routes on the perimeter, out of the slot, or as a wing. He shows a bit of natural ability as a route runner who can drop his hips at the top of the route as well. Of all the exciting and impressive ways he creates electricity with the ball in hand, his balance is the most noteworthy and thrilling. With a powerful lower body that packs a punch and can withstand contact like a RB 20-30 pounds heavier, u003cstrongu003eDupreeu003c/strongu003e can stay upright and onward through big collisions and hard hits from high-quality competition and eats the contact like it's breakfast cereal at the start of his morning. Wisconsin fans are, and have the right to be, extremely excited about what he's bringing into Madison. This kid is fun to watch and very hard to bring down. Best of luck to CCL, non-conference, and playoff opponents trying to corral u003cstrongu003eDupree u003c/strongu003ethis fall.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["160520"],"_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":"NUMBER THREE:rnrnAnother Wisconsin Badger commit, u003cemu003eBolingbrook'su003c/emu003e 5'11, 170 lb. pass catcher u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='160520' first='Kyan' last='Berry Johnson']u003c/strongu003e somehow went under the radar and under-recruited as a prospect on the recruiting trail and is one of the biggest sleepers in the B1G West's various commitment classes. Absolute dynamite on the offensive side of the ball, u003cstrongu003eJohnson u003c/strongu003eowns some of the best COD skills in the entire state and is insanely twitchy and can cut on a dime after the catch as a route runner, leaving defenders frozen in their tracks, grasping at air, or sprinting by what they thought was going to be a big hit into a tunnel of open space and the faces of astounded u003cemu003eBolingbrooku003c/emu003e and opposition fans. The explosive burst and acceleration out of his cuts are thrilling and help him get up to speed from a dead stop in a blink of an eye. Lethal on WR screens, u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e also demonstrates an eye-catching vertical that can float high through the air and high-point the football right on the head of outstretched DBs arms and win contested catches in highlight-esque fashion. I also like the contact balance for his size that can eat opposing hits and keep his feet like he's 20 pounds heavier, and his fluidity, fearlessness (especially when going up for the ball), and athleticism combine for a sensational offensive weapon and junior highlight tape. The u003cemu003eRaidersu003c/emu003e passing attack is going to be lethal in 2023.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["161321"],"_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":"NUMBER FOUR:rnrnI was fortunate enough to be able to witness a young u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='161321' first='Dominik' last='Ball']u003c/strongu003e as a freshman way back when my now-wife and I were living in Chicago, and even then it was obvious the young RB was bound for FBS or P5 football, as his build, speed, and instincts form the backfield looked, felt, and played well above his age. Fast forward a couple of years and he's entering the fall of his senior year as a Tulane Green Wave commit, one of the best RBs in the state, and owns a powerful and electric play style that is thrilling to watch and a nightmare to match up against. The 5'9, 185 lber. did own a P5 offer from the KState Wildcats, and is a first-choice type recruit that P5 programs may tuo if they need a running back during the fall and later into the 2024 cycle, including the home state Illini. u003cstrongu003eBallu003c/strongu003e is a compact, powerful, energizer bunny of a RB with a terrific blend of speed and power that bobs, weaves and strikes through defenses like Floyd Mayweather. His big-play speed, burst, and ability to get to top speed quickly help him take advantage of the slightest slivers in a defense, and he can cut at top speed and maintain his momentum, as well as cut back across the grain to create Sportscenter Top-1o-worthy TD runs. Speaking of Youtube and SC Top-10 runs, u003cstrongu003eBallu003c/strongu003e possesses excellent contact balance and can bounce off big collisions and run through, spin-off, or step through tackle attempts, as well as stay upright through dog piles and rebound off bodies in eye-popping fashion. If you give him space or miss that initial tackle it's game over, especially when he gets the edge, and additionally, he's got good hands out of the backfield and is willing to lead block and get his hands dirty as well. It all comes down to his extremely strong lower body, which helped him post 168 rushes for 1,390 (8.3 YPC) yards and 16 TDs plus 21 receptions for 368 yards and 3 more TDs last fall, which led to 8A First Team All-State, All-Area, All-Conference, and  Conference MVP honors. This kid's a P5 talent and a heckuva pickup for the Green Wave. Get out of his way this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["136388"],"_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":"NUMBER FIVE:rnrnThere are a few types of hard-to-find positional outliers that really get me fired up. I love 6'4 DBs, bowling ball-built fullbacks and HBs, u0022undersizedu0022 slot receivers, and of course, XL running backs. u003cemu003eBishop McNamara Catholic'su003c/emu003e 5'10, 230 lb. RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='136388' first='Jaydon' last='Wright']u003c/strongu003e absolutely falls into that latter category, but despite what you may assume when looking at the measurables, u003cstrongu003eWrightu003c/strongu003e is brimming with finesse and combines the two to produce a downright electric playstyle and skillset that tore up the fields of south Chicagoland. As a Minnesota Golden Gopher fan, I am extremely excited about the juice he's going to bring into Minneapolis and the Dinkytown campus, as along with his college-ready size, u003cstrongu003eWrightu003c/strongu003e holds impressive weight room numbers such as his 415 lb. bench and 505 lb. squat that surely help his exhilarating running ability. Off the bat, he's got a mean u0026amp; highly effective stiff-arms in the state - one of the most lethal in the state I may add - that bullies would-be tacklers off him and tosses them aside like an older brother manhandling his younger sibling. He sent defenders flying with it nearly a dozen times while I watched his junior tape, and Wright also demonstrates eye-catching and outstanding balance. He has a rep where a defender shoots in at his leg like a projectile but u003cstrongu003eWrightu003c/strongu003e throws it skyward and dodges the attempt while staying upright on one leg in a rare display of tackle-breaking ability. Also can spin, absorb, and occasionally hurdle through contact from a variety of defenders. u003cstrongu003eWrightu003c/strongu003e also shows off good COD and quickness when cutting and juking laterally and can set up defenders to leave them snatching at a ghost while maintaining his momentum. He also can drop the shoulder and sit an opponent down like he's putting them in timeout, and additionally shows off vision and pull away speed when given daylight. The combination of strength and finesse makes for a thrilling ball carrier that embarrass opponents in more ways than arguably anyone in the state. RTB!","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["891209"],"_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":"NUMBER SIX:rnrnRemember when I mentioned how much my love for u0022undersizedu0022 slot backs? Purdue Boilermakers commit u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='891209' first='Jesse' last='Watson']u003c/strongu003e is electric and explosive out of the slot and also comes from one of my favorite programs in the entire nation in the u003cemu003eEast St. Louis Flyersu003c/emu003e, who possess arguably the most talent-ridden rosters in the entire Midwest. u003cstrongu003eWatsonu003c/strongu003e is lightning in a bottle and an absolute weapon for the u003cemu003eFlyersu003c/emu003e passing game and was a big part of u003cemu003eESLu003c/emu003e winning their 10th state championship in 2022 after capturing the 6A state crown last fall. The 5'8, 155 lber. has splash-play speed that was lethal on both offense and special teams, and is a twitched-up, wiggly, and smoothly sudden runner with the ball in hand who can cut on a dime, accelerate out of his breaks, and take the top off the defense with ease. The footwork, both as a route runner or after the catch, stands out on tape and creates separation smoothly, and you can visibly see how opponents are unable to keep up when trying to track and mirror u003cstrongu003eWatsonu003c/strongu003e while in pursuit of the speedy WR. They'll drop their hips and try to match feet, but they simply can't start/stop and accelerate like the SB and he's more than a handful to try to corral once he's got the rock in his hands. Also will throw off a beautifully timed spin move that leaves opponents flying into the sideline as well. I would not want to meet this kid in space, and I'm positive there are countless southern Illinois, Chicagoland, and nationally competitive defenders who would agree with me. Can't wait to watch him in the B1G.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["158489"],"_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":"NUMBER SEVEN:rnrnOne of the top receivers and college football prospects in the United States of America, u003cemu003eGlenbard South'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='158489' first='Cam' last='Williams']u003c/strongu003e chose the Notre Dame Fighting Irish over offers from 20+ other programs around the country and will head to South Bend with a plethora of raw talent and nuanced technique that will keep Irish fans on their feet for years to come. For now, he's been rousing fans around Glen Ellyn, breaking hearts of opposing fan bases, and giving nightmares to would-be defenders who toss and turn at night thinking about how u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e will embarrass them on Friday night. Despite not having verified times in terms of speed, u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e is one of the fastest players I saw while watching film for the u003cemu003ePRzIL u003c/emu003e2024 rankings update, able to run his QB's throws and take the top off the defense as easily as me or you can walk to the kitchen. With good shake at the LOS in his releases, u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e can get DBs to reach, open the gate, or get off balance, which allows him to easily stack and burn the panicking CB for giant gains and game-breaking receptions. The speed also translates to after the catch, where the 6'2, 190 lber. can cut at top speed without losing momentum and take the utmost advantage of space given to him in the open field. In additional exciting fashion, his control and vertical ability to high point the football u0026amp; pluck it out of the air and away from his body makes for thrilling catches on top of helpless CBs and safeties, and u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e can play through contact and win contested catches that are a guarantee to get fans on their feet and his teammates fired up. He also  owns a solid stiff-arm and has no problem dropping his shoulder and meeting defenders with physicality, and is just as dangerous after the catch as he throughout a route. He's clinical WR with top-tier athleticism that combine for an electric skillset  that is one of the finest in the US of A. Notre Dame got a baller!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["160490"],"_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":"NUMBER EIGHT:rnrnNothing can get a crowd on their feet quite like a contested catch with a DB draped all over a wideout, and I'm sure that u003cemu003eBolingbrook'su003c/emu003e fans and opponents will agree that Michigan commit u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='160490' first='I'Marion' last='Stewart']u003c/strongu003e produced highlights of this quality early and often in u003cemu003eThe Brook'su003c/emu003e games last fall. The First Team 8A All-State pass catcher is a natural and going up and coming down with the rock, no matter where the ball was placed or how tight the coverage. He's fearless when the ball is in the air, and is also able to stir up a crowd by shaking a would-be tackler out of his shoes or taking the top off the defense. Exceptional route running, especially when a crowd knows a mismatch or potential big play is incoming, is also very exciting, and u003cstrongu003eStewartu003c/strongu003e is silky smooth as a route runner and when changing direction to create separation, able to easily and fluidly drop his hips and leave defenders stuttering and trying to find a grip in the turf to keep up. He's also able to slip through, duck under, and stiff-arm past tackle attempts for exciting broken tackles left in his wake. The contested catch ability and bravery when sacrificing the body and going up to snag the rock out of the air is the best in the Land of Lincoln and particularly impressive among his many fun and exciting traits and will be a massive positive as he transitions to B1G and high-level college football. Now at u003cemu003eKenwood Academyu003c/emu003e, he'll be electrifying crowds in the 773 and Chicago Public League as a senior.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["160515"],"_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":"NUMBER NINE:rnrnWe got another u003cemu003eMorgan Park Mustangu003c/emu003e making his way onto the Illinois 2024 classes Top-10 electric offensive weapons, and he also happens to be one of the top uncommitted prospects in the entire state. 5'11, 160 lb. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='160515' first='Chris' last='Durr'] Jr.u003c/strongu003e has earned four FBS offers, a P5 offer from Louisville, and five FCS offers, and last season earned First Team All-State and First Team All-City honors after recording 51 receptions for 1,013 yards and 16 TDs in the dangerous u003cemu003eMustangsu003c/emu003e passing attack. u003cstrongu003eDurr Jr.u003c/strongu003e is a silky smooth cutter who can start/stop on a dime and leave defenders flying by and out of control like they got pushed from behind. His combination of splash play speed and effectiveness at beating opponents laterally helps him turn routine receptions into game-changing plays and impressive displays of athleticism, and he keeps fans and opposing defenses on their toes with how quickly he can turn nothing into something and break open a game with his burst, footwork, and pace. u003cstrongu003eDurr Jr.u003c/strongu003e also demonstrates excellent ball tracking ability and body control when playing the ball out of the air, good footwork that is very efficient at the LOS in his releases, and tons of burst. Morgan Park's explosiveness is on another level in 2023. Good luck keeping them contained.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["130591"],"_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":"NUMBER TEN:rnrnThe Fighting Illini landed another heavyweight talent out of the CPL when u003cemu003eMorgan Parku003c/emu003e standout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='130591' first='Tysean' last='Griffin']u003c/strongu003e announced his commitment to the B1G institution led by Bret Bielema on June 12th. Illinois has to be excited about u003cstrongu003eGriffin's u003c/strongu003eprowess with the rock in hand, which isn't to say the u003cemu003eMustangsu003c/emu003e' rising senior doesn't excel in other parts of the game, as u003cstrongu003eGriffinu003c/strongu003e projects to either side of the ball in college and brings a natural playmaking ability to the fields of Chicago and the Illini's 2024 commitment class. Speed is the name of his game, as you don't need to call anything fancier than a simple jet sweet to set u003cstrongu003eGriffinu003c/strongu003e up for a game-breaking splash play that will drive an opposing defense, and particularly a DC, crazy and tossing u0026amp; turning in their sleep later Friday night and beyond. u003cstrongu003eGriffin'su003c/strongu003e speed is noticeable and impressive - although we don't have any verified times - and he knows how to utilize space and plays angles well when evading tacklers and working to hit the edge. Also a quick and fluid cutter, the u003cemu003eMorgan Parku003c/emu003e rising senior also demonstrates balance and can stay upright through heavy hits and pursuers through contact. He was on another level in comparison to his also athletic CPL peers, and will be an easy-to-root-for hometown hero for the Illini these next 3-5 years. The B1G better be on notice!","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b6c7c3e3e36"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->