Sophomore Standouts From the Land of Lincoln
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! The Class of 2026 has a slew of athletes to know. Athletes you can’t wait to get on your recruiting boards. These athletes are already showing high end talents and traits…
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The Class of 2026 has a slew of athletes to know. Athletes you can’t wait to get on your recruiting boards. These athletes are already showing high end talents and traits that could result in them playing at the D1 level once their time rolls around. We aren’t waiting to highlight those athletes at PRZ IL. Let’s dive into some of the top, right now.
Mack is a monster for Dunlap high school The massive 6’6″ 220 lbs sophomore is all over the field. He plays QB, DL, WR, LB and will do anything else you need him to do too it seems like. The impressive athlete is a superior talent overall, and that opens up the door for his team to use him as needed. As a passer he can push the ball downfield with arm strength and velocity. He is a big target that can box out DBs easily at WR. On defense, the sophomore has a solid first step, and has the power to be able to win with bull rushes or heavy hands. Mack is as true of an ATH as you will find. He could fit a lot of roles.
Highlights
Gene is going to be in the race for top OL in the Class. He has an excellent frame to build on at 6’4″ 275 lbs. The mass doesn’t affect him on the field. It only makes him more of a dominant force. Gene is an OT with an excellent blend of athleticism and power. He can win at the line of scrimmage against DL with a quick first step, accurate hand placement, leverage, and a powerful base/leg drive. In pass protection, Gene is light on his feet. He can get deep in his pass set, change direction laterally, and is still able to put DL on the ground. I’m excited of this development because there is still even more room for his balance and body control to improve and that will only make him more dominant.
The sophomore QB out of Downers Grove North put on a show this season. He led his team to a State Runner Up finish while putting up 2,100+ yards and 29 TDs. The 6’2″ QB looks the part of a high level college prospect. He has smooth, prototypical mechanics that get the ball out quick. His feet always seem to either be set to throw or able to quickly snap into position to fire the ball. Those feet also move him around the pocket to buy time or roll out away from the defense. The arm talent is special as well. Whether on the move or from the pocket, Owen is able to get behind the ball and fire it on a rope to any level of the field. Most importantly, Lansu has control over where he places the ball. He understands how the DBs are playing his receiver and puts the ball where his man can go get it. Big things are ahead for the 2026 QB.
Any teams implementing a FB in their offense need to make themselves well aware of the 6’3″ 220 lbs sophomore out of Cary-Grove. Logan is an absolute animal as a runner from the FB position. He is a north-south runner who thrives on contact. Logan plays behind his pads and is the one who delivers contact. His contact balance is exceptional for his size and age. The power he plays with allows him to move the pile, run through arm or shoulder tackles, and his play style sets the tone in the trenches. Once he gets into the open field Logan has enough speed to create the big plays. Check out the tape.
Highlights
Zachary already looks like a mismatch out wide at receiver. He has a long, 6’2″ frame that is loaded up with speed and ball skills. Zachary is a vertical threat who quickly stacks CBs and puts pressure on safeties with his deep posts and go routes. Washington does a great job of tracking the ball deep downfield, can adjust to it, and has soft yet strong hands to make difficult catches in traffic or at awkward body positions. His burst off the line jumps off the tape as he quickly passes by CBs that are pressing him. Take a look at the exciting tape below.