IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Corners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 defensive backs who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye on these rising stars at the defensive back position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830846"],"_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":"While Ellens is potentially one of the best kick and punt returners in the country, the Class of 2025 star out of Glenbard West is also one of the best corners in the state of Illinois. The 6'0, 175 lbs defensive back has the smooth athleticism and quick twitch movements that all elite corners possess. Ellens has phenomenal cover skills, as he possesses the speed to run with any receiver, the discipline to play patience, and the technique to lock down the best wide outs the state has to offer. This do-it-all athlete is a rising star within the Land of Lincoln who can't be missed.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["299449"],"_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":"Hagan is a 6'1, 180 lbs corner out of Providence Catholic. While he excels on both sides of the ball, the Class of 2025 playmaker projects as a defensive back at the next level. Hagan plays with fantastic anticipation and technique that allows him to always find himself around the football. Hagan has disciplined eyes, impressive ball skills, and next-level instincts that allow him to jump routes and take the ball the other way. Whether playing zone or man coverage, Hagan is a prospect who can lock down anyone he's matched up against. Keep an eye on this rising star as he heads into his senior year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["299591"],"_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":"Cotton is a 6'1, 170 lbs cornerback out of Glenbrook South. The Class of 2025 lockdown defensive back is one of the top cover corners in the state of Illinois. He has the frame to match up against bigger wide receivers but also has the quickness and agility to hang with faster wide outs. Cotton showcases phenomenal technique in both off man and press man coverage. He is a smooth back pedaler who can flip his hip quickly to stay in the hip pocket of wide receivers on vertical routes. He can also transition in and out of breaks to knock away level 1 and 2 throws. As Cotton heads into his senior campaign, this rising star is sure to shut down one half of the field week in and week out next season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["830854"],"_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":"While Shearer primarily plays in the slot for Morgan Park, the 5'9 defensive back is incredibly impressive in coverage. Shearer can also play safety or hybrid outside linebacker. While he has a smaller frame, Shearer plays 100 miles per hour on every play. He is an extremely sure-handed tackler and gets off of blocks with impressive physicality. He has the speed and athleticism to cover in the slot and has polished technique and recovery skills. Long story short, Shearer is a prospect who plays through the whistle on every play, whether its a pass or run. Heading into his senior campaign, Shearer shouldn't be slept on for much longer.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["831099"],"_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":"Ellis is a 6'1, 180 lbs two-way player out of Roxana. The Class of 2025 athlete showcases a variety of clips that impress at running back, but he has potential to be an elite defensive back at the next level as well. Ellis is a physical corner, who isn't afraid to get off of blocks and make tackles at or near the line of scrimmage. In coverage, Ellis is physical in his jams once the ball is snapped, and he has the speed to run with nearly any receiver he's matched up against. He can play through the hands of opposing wide outs and never gives up on a play. Keep an eye on this rising star in Ellis as he prepares for his final campaign.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a808fb6a07c"} /-->