IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Safeties

<!-- 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":["349399"],"_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":"Zook is a 6'1, 185 lbs safety out of Yorkville who is beginning to see his recruiting heat up. The Class of 2025 rising star followed up his impressive sophomore campaign by earning First Team All-Conference and All-Area after his junior season. Zook has earned these honors each of the past 2 seasons. He showcases incredible range and instincts, possessing the ability to patrol the area be the hashes while taking the ball away on shots over the middle of the field. Additionally, Zook his an incredibly physical player who can get downhill in a hurry and knock the ball out after a receiver secures the catch. Heading into his senior year, Zook has potential to be an All-State safety next season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["331521"],"_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":"Gensler earned All-State Honorable Mention honors following his junior campaign. The 6'1, 175 lbs safety out of Rochelle Township earned First Team All-Conference Honors in back to back seasons. Gensler is a do-it-all free safety who is as good in coverage as he is at tackling in the open field. Gensler can cover a lot of ground in coverage, showing off his smooth back pedal and ability to transition his hips and gain ground. He is as sure-handed a tackler as one will find in the open field, taking sharp angles and using his whole body to secure the tackle. As Gensler heads into his senior season, keep an eye on this rising star in the Land of Lincoln.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["537257"],"_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":"Makota is a true two-way player who thrived on both sides of the ball in his junior season. The 5'11, 185 lbs athlete out of Maine West possesses elite speed that translates to both offense and defense. At defensive back, Makota provides a lot of versatility. He can strain out and cover sideline to sideline as a middle of the field safety or spin down and set the edge in the run game. He puts his entire body into tackling, as Makota is sure to get opposing ball carriers on the ground as soon as he gets his hands on them. As he heads into his senior campaign, Makota is a can't miss prospect on both sides of the ball.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["299468"],"_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":"Mikulski is a 6'0, 175 lbs safety out of Providence Catholic who burst onto the scene this season. He is one of the top cover defensive backs in the Class of 2025. Mikulski can roll down and play man coverage in the slot, showing off his polished technique, patient footwork, and impressive ball skills. In zone coverage, Mikulski possesses disciplined eyes and can transition his hips quickly to stay on top of wide receivers in the slot. He moves in and out of breaks smoothly and drives on the ball in a hurry to shut open windows. This rising star in Mikulski is poised to build on his impressive junior campaign next season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["299531"],"_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":"Godenschwager racked up 21 solo tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions during his junior campaign this past fall. The dynamic strong safety out of Downers Grove South is difficult to block in the open field. He plays with a high motor and can weave in and out of traffic to cut opposing ball carriers down at the point of contact. In coverage, Godenschwager is a highly instinctual player who can jump routes to take the ball away. Both a secure tackler and a trusted defender in coverage, this do-it-all safety is poised for a massive senior season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6e01288a24"} /-->