Exciting Round 1 Matchups & the Top Prospects in Them

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have made it to the second season! Illinois high school playoff football is here, and we are wasting no time waiting for good games. Round 1 is giving us equal teams, that are loaded with college quality talent on each side of the roster. Today, I am going to list some of the games I'm most excited for, and then we will check out the tape of the top uncommitted prospects on each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 Minooka (7-2) vs 18 Sandburg (6-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161334"],"_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":"One of the top uncommitted senior RBs in IL will be in action vs Sandburg on Friday. Joey is a shifty, quick twitch, explosive RB. His instincts and vision make him a dangerous runner between the tackles. Partridge has a knack for bursting through tight running lanes. Joey can make defenders miss in a phone booth, and has the speed to get outside and up field. Keep an eye on the playmaker as he looks to lead his team on a playoff run.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5665"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354189"],"_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":"When Minooka wants to go to the air they have another dominant senior ready to show off on the big stage of the playoffs. Carson is a massive TE prospect. The big fella is a special athlete with the speed to get behind DBs. You don't expect to see a kid this big be able to quickly eat up cushion from DBs, and run away from them in the open field. Jacoby can do that, and his soft hands make him a reliable target. Carson is also an effective run blocker who can move DL where he wants them. The senior is a matchup nightmare with his size, speed, and strength. I believe he can play at a high level of college football.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a56c9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["537273"],"_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":"The senior OG is one of my favorite IOL in the state. Barrett is a technician. He plays with a wide, powerful base, keeps his hands inside, trusts his feet so he doesn't have to reach for defenders. Zach delivers a strong pop on first contact. His short area agility and burst allow him to get in position to have leverage over his opponent. The senior has the range to double team to level two, or attack straight up to LBs. This is a need to know OL prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5718"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831096"],"_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":"Charlie is a fun athelete to watch on tape. First strong impression is the junior has an effective release package at the line. He is quick, agile to avoid CB's hands, and accelerates with a burst. The WR is also a nuanced route runner. Charlie can start/stop on a dime, he has the balance to hit double moves, and he is able to run crisp route breaks. Snoreck also has a big catch radius. He goes up and gets it over DBs, and he has the awareness and body control to make impressive sideline grabs. This is a WR to have on your boards.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5766"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">14 Naperville Central (7-2) vs 19 Downers Grove South (19)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["865828"],"_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":"Christian is an athlete to know in the 2024 Edge position group in IL. The senior is a stout run defender. He has next level strength that allows him to stand up pulling linemen or the OT over him. Kuta uses his length to get separation, and then is able to disengage to make the tackle or even wrap up while being blocked. The senior is a high IQ football player too. He sniffs out screens, gets his hands up in throwing lanes, and sees pulling linemen quickly and gets in position to take them on quickly. His best football is ahead of him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a57b4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267512"],"_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":"Another dominant member of the Central DL group to know is senior [player_tooltip player_id='267512' first='Maverick' last='Ohle']. The senior is explosive in the trenches. His first step, acceleration, and closing speed are next level quality. Maverick flies around the field, and consistently is in the backfield disrupting plays. Ohle uses leverage, and strong hands together to be able to get underneath OTs, drive them off the ball, and then disengage with those heavy hands and pass rush moves. Maverick is a well rounded, strong, explosive athlete that I am confident can help a next level team at the D2 level or higher.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5804"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271789"],"_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":"Teams need to check out the senior RB out of Downers Grove South. Deon isn't the biggest back at 5'8u0022 170 lbs, but the RB is extremely tough to get on the ground. He seems to bounce off tackle attempts, regain balance from awkward angles, and runs through arm tackles. His low center of gravity and quick feet make him a dangerous opponent. The senior RB is more quick than fast. He can make defenders miss in tight quarters between the tackles,and has a nice burst to his  game. I'm excited to see how he performs in this showdown in Round 1.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5853"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354283"],"_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":"Dylan is a long safety prospect who has put together some solid tape. He has experience playing a deep zone as well as lining up over a slot WR. Spencer has a solid backpedal that gets him depth, and he transitions out of it quickly. The senior has repeatedly shown off the range to go from the deep safety position to making tackles against the run near the line. He is a prospect that the D3 level should definitely get eyes on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a589f"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16 Bradley B. Bourbonnais (6-3) vs 17 St. Charles North (6-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899317"],"_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":"Ethan looks ready to lead his team into the showdown with St. Charles North. He looks the part of a college QB with his 6'3u0022 205 lbs frame. The big QB has sound technique, and moves easily. His feet get him through his drop, move with his eyes, and are always in position to get the ball out. Kohl has a quick release, and gets the ball out with a high release point. The feet and big frame/arm work together to put solid velocity on passes that need to beat DBs to spots. The senior also places the ball very well so that his receiver can catch it in stride without slowing down, no matter what level of the field he is at. Don't sleep on the senior QB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a58ef"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161194"],"_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":"Marquise is an undersized scat back that is able to get lost behind his OL. Marquise picks through the tight quarters in the trenches, and is able to burst through lanes quickly after identifying them. Aaron has the vision to find his aiming point, blocks, and gaps. The offense will need him to put together a good game to keep the offense balanced this Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5938"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227142"],"_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":"Anthony is put all over the field. Wide receiver, slot receiver, punt returner. St. Charles North is put in position to get the ball in his hands and make plays. Anthony is dangerous after the catch. He is elusive in the open field, has solid speed, and can accelerate to top speed quickly. Taormina sees the field very well, almost like you would expect an RB to. Get the ball to him quickly, and let the senior go to work after the catch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a5985"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["161508"],"_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":"The #1 QB in the Class of 2025 will lead his team into the battle with Bradley B. Bourbonnais. The dual threat QB has the tools to hurt the defense on the ground or through the air. He is a physical runner on the ground, with enough speed to gain big chunks when given daylight. Through the air is where he thrives. Plumb has next level arm talent. He can fire the ball downfield, even off platform. Ethan makes quick decisions, and has command over the ball to have pinpoint placement. The pocket mechanics are strong too. The footwork keeps him ready to get the ball out, he has a prototypical throwing motion, and a very quick release. I'm excited to see him on the big stage of playoff football.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6539bb84a59d4"} /-->