2025 Film Room: Western Suburbs Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up in our positional evaluations of the 2025 class we dive into the Athletes!&nbsp; These are prospects that might not project to one specific position, but their physical tools jump off the charts and could play a number of different positions.&nbsp; Here is <strong>2025 Film Room: West Suburbs Athletes!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='161367' first='James' last='Penley'] (Nazareth Academy – 5'10” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Impressive stats for this Nazareth WR/CB recording 73 grabs for 1,176 yards and 9 scores offensively while on defense having 49 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 2 picks, and a pair of force fumbles.&nbsp; As a pass catcher he is a massive YAC threat as he explodes with the ball in his hands. Makes guys miss in short areas putting defenders on skates. Adjust to the ball in the air on go routes and is willing to go over the middle.&nbsp; Makes short play into long gain. Best out of slot. As defensive back he displays very good instincts making plays on the ball.&nbsp; Uses his hands well to break up passes, solid recovery speed, and is a physical tackler.&nbsp; I would give him a shot as a slot WR first and then if that doesn't work he can be a good corner or nickel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='162591' first='Garrett' last='Reese'] (Nazareth Academy – 6'2” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reese is a 6'2" fluid athlete that plays both wide receiver and defensive back.&nbsp; Solid wide out that snatches the ball and adjust to it in the air.&nbsp; Love him more as a corner though.&nbsp; At 6'2" with length and his athleticism he jumps off the tape.&nbsp; Accelerates toward the ball.&nbsp; Read and react.&nbsp; Makes plays on the ball in the air and tackles very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831097' first='Luke' last='Melendez'] (Ridgewood – 5'11” 155)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melendez had 38 catches for 843 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.&nbsp; Much more than just a pass catcher though as he is an effective return man and safety.&nbsp; Good hands and is a YAC threat as a WR.&nbsp; Makes guys miss in space.&nbsp; Deep ball threat.&nbsp; Like what he brings as a punt returner with his speed and creativity having vision to find the hole.&nbsp; As a DB he makes plays with the ball in the air getting interceptions in the middle of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331517' first='Liam' last='Kolinski'] (Wheaton St. Francis – 6'0” 195)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kolinski is a well built defender that could be either an outside linebacker or safety.&nbsp; Makes plays on the ball in coverage.&nbsp; Really pursues the ball and tackles well in space.&nbsp; Can also stuff the run game in the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833297' first='Teryn' last='Hatter'] (Glenbard East – 5'8” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hatter is a running back and safety that also brings some kick return ability.&nbsp; As a safety the 5'8" DB brings range covering ground and makes plays on the ball.&nbsp; Lots of picks and quick reads.&nbsp; Ball hawk in the secondary.&nbsp; As a back he is a strong and physical runner that follows his blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331442' first='Kewon' last='Marshall'] (West Aurora – 6'2” 165)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dual sport athlete that has impressed on the hardwood this spring.&nbsp; As a football prospect he brings versatility in all three phases.&nbsp; Offensively he is an athletic and physical wide out that can high point and blocks well down field.&nbsp; On defense he lays down the hammer with his hitting in the secondary.&nbsp; On special teams he impacts as a returner and on kick coverage units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299603' first='Will' last='Beaman'] (Neuqua Valley – 6'0” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beamam is a running back and linebacker.&nbsp; On the offensive side of the ball he is a physical runner that has good speed and burst with the rock.&nbsp; Gets to the corner on sweeps.&nbsp; Defensively he attacks downhill making plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Stuffs the run and has sideline to sideline range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='266908' first='Dylan' last='Jung'] (Wheaton North – 5'11” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jung is a 5'11" 200 pound athlete that will be a nice thumper in the middle of a defense.&nbsp; Thick bodied linebacker that stuffs in the run game, wraps up, and pursues the ball.&nbsp; Plays with a lot of physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832147' first='Antonio' last='Dewald'] (IC Catholic – 5'11” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dewald is a very fluid athlete that projects best as a corner or nickel.&nbsp; Breaks great on the ball.&nbsp; Solid tackler in space.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833305' first='Dylan' last='Beacom'] (Waubonsie Valley – 6'1” 175)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beacom projects best as a free safety or outside linebacker (if he can add some strength) at the next level.&nbsp; Good angles to the ball.&nbsp; Solid height and tackles well wrapping up.&nbsp; Chases down backs in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450956' first='Zach' last='Schaefer'] (Neuqua Valley – 6'0” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schaefer is a good athlete that is a physical tackler that chases down guys.&nbsp; Could also project at strong safety down the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->