Under the Radar 2025 Will County Prospects
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In a county loaded with talent, we will take a look at a few players who impressed in their sophomore season. These athletes’ stocks are on the rise heading into their junior campaign as college programs across the country will…
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Continue ReadingIn a county loaded with talent, we will take a look at a few players who impressed in their sophomore season. These athletes’ stocks are on the rise heading into their junior campaign as college programs across the country will battle it out for some of Will County’s under the radar 2025 prospects.
Thomas is a big bodied wide receiver who saw success on the varsity level for Bolingbrook last season. Thomas grew quite a bit this offseason, measuring in at 6’3, 190 lbs. Thomas showcases the ability to block like a tight end, but runs routes and catches like a wide receiver. He is smooth and deliberate getting in and out of cuts and possesses the ability to stick his foot in the ground and change direction with ease. Thomas has soft hands and is about as physical as it gets for a wide receiver. The Raiders have a loaded group of pass catchers heading into next season, and Thomas should be a major contributor in that group.
Highlights
The 6’1, 185 lbs Shorewood product showed out for the Hilltoppers’ JV team last season. The Joliet Catholic outside linebacker exhibited physicality, instincts, and athleticism in his sophomore campaign. Beitler sets the edge with force and gets downhill to finish on ball carriers in the run game. He is a powerful tackler who uses leverage and speed to meet running backs at the point of attack. Beitler is a smooth tackler in the open field, and once he gets his hands on the opposing offensive player, the likely result is a tackle for loss. Beitler also impressed on special teams and is a stand out baseball player. Heading into his first varsity football season, Beitler’s stock is on the rise.
Highlights
Gist is a 6’0, 185 lbs running back who is ready to take on a big role for one of the state’s top programs in Lincoln-Way East. Gist impressed in his sophomore season, as his rare combination of size, power, and speed set him up to be the featured back for the Griffins in his junior campaign. Gist is a downhill and physical runner who looks to run through anything in his path. He runs with low pad level and puts his shoulder down to drive through tacklers, almost always falling forward for positive yards. Gist is the type of back who refuses to let one guy tackle him and won’t ever step out of bounds without delivering the final blow. Look for Gist to have a breakout year for LWE’s offense.
Mikulski didn’t let the bright lights of varsity football get to him last year, as he was one of Providence’s best defenders in his sophomore season. The New Lenox product measures in at 6’0, 170 lbs and possesses the skills that will make him an elite safety. Mikulski’s technique is next level, as he weaves smoothly in and out of his backpedal and can put his foot in the ground and make a play on the ball in the blink of an eye. Mikulski is also extremely physical. He gets downhill in a hurry and closes space to meet ball carriers at or near the line of scrimmage. Mikulski is sure to put coaches on notice in his junior campaign.
Highlights
Hampton saw time at both offensive tackle and guard for Plainfield East’s JV team last year. Hampton measures in at 6’1, 255 lbs and plays light on his feet. Hampton has the raw ability to drive defensive linemen back in the run game and hold his ground when pass setting. He plays with solid hands and delivers a strong punch that help him win one-on-one blocks. Hampton is quick and athletic on down blocks and moves well backwards when kick stepping. As Hampton adds weight and polishes his technique heading into his junior year, he should be a force on Bengals offensive line this season.
Highlights
The 6’0, 180 lbs linebacker from Lincoln-Way West is gearing up to hold down the Warriors’ defense in his first varsity campaign. Ramos is a stout tackler who delivers a strong blow to opposing ball carriers once he gets his hands on them. Ramos can diagnose run plays with ease and impressed for LWW JV team as he always seemed to be around the ball. Ramos reads slow and plays fast, allowing him to shed blocks and make his way to the running back, usually finishing with a physical tackle. Heading into his junior season, Ramos’ stock is rising quickly.