Watch List Standouts Film Review
In this article:
Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! Here on the Prep Redzone Illinois site we have a deep, talented Watch List. With so much talent to know on there, I wanted to take the time today to breakdown…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingUse code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!
Here on the Prep Redzone Illinois site we have a deep, talented Watch List. With so much talent to know on there, I wanted to take the time today to breakdown the season highlights from multiple members of the Class of 2024 that are apart of the list. These are athletes we highly recommend taking a look at, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see several of them move up into the rankings after this season. Let’s get right into it!
Now up to 6’4″ 280 lbs, Colton looks the part of a dominant next level OL. The tape checks off so many boxes you look for. In pass protection Bendery has excellent footwork. He is able to get deep into a pass set against speed rushers. He can change direction to mirror counter moves. The anchor strength and long arms allow him to swallow up bull rushers. His strength allows him to then flip the momentum and bury the bull rusher. In the run game, Colton uses that heavy punch and powerful lower body to drive DL out of the trenches. He also has the range to get to the second level easily. The Loyola Academy OT is rising quickly. I’m a big fan of the senior.
Highlights
We have him currently at DL, but that will have to be switched over to TE because the now 6’4″ 220 lbs senior is making a big impact on the Yorkville offense without touching the ball. Dominic acts the part of an extra OL. He has great range to get to the second level and the long TE closes quickly on his target. He uses his length to get that first contact and is able to generate a good amount of power to get movement in his favor. That range allows him to play horizontally and hook the contain man to spring his back or QB loose. Don’t overlook the under the radar senior. Check out the tape.
Highlights
One offer is simply not equal with the talent that the 6′ 200 lbs Homewood-Flossmoor senior RB has to offer. He is a big back with intimidating power to earn the tough yards between the tackles. His center of gravity, balance, and footwork allow him to make earn yards after contact. The big back also plays with some strong lateral burst to avoid defenders in space. He is a back with the vision and burst to find a lane and hit it quickly, and the power to make his own hole if one ins’t there. Don’t sleep on the back.
Highlights
The Plainfield South QB is working towards that first offer. The tape is worth taking a look for QB needy teams, especially and the D3 and potentially D2 levels. There are a pair of traits that stand out together on tape. The touch and accuracy that Connor shows off to all three levels of the field is eye opening. The way he can drop in between levels of defenders. The technical side of his game is sound too. He has a quick release, his feet move with his eyes as he looks for his receivers. Folliard is also a poised decision maker who doesn’t panic in the pocket. Give the tape a look.
Cayden has slid down to the DL for his senior season and plays with complete reckless abandonment. He battles to win reps any way that he can. You will see him power/bull rush his way through OL and RBs on his way to getting pressure on the QB. That strength also stands out and he uses a push-pull move to get OL out of his rush path. Garcia also has already made excellent strides in developing his hand fighting moves despite the limited experience at DL. We saw the push-pull, rip, and swim moves. I am very excited about his future. He is athletic, strong, a quick learner when it comes to the technique. Cayden should be rising on the board of coaches.
When it comes to playing safety at a high level you need to check off three main areas. First is that you have the range and football IQ to be able to quickly process plays, and then get in position to make a play or close on the ball. JT does that very well. Second, can you drop down and play man coverage over a TE or slot receiver when needed. Poynton has shown he has the loose hips, reactive athleticism, and burst to stay tight on his man in man coverage. Last, can the defense rely on you to be the last line of defense as a tackler, and be able to play in the box and help against the run. Another big strength for Poynton. It is clear to see why the offers have picked up this year, including 3 D1 offers for the Lincoln- Way East product. Give the film a watch if you haven’t yet.