Illinois 2025s Heating Up on the Recruiting Trail

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NCAA spring contact period has been a busy one, and Illinois has been firmly in the scope of Division 1 college football programs. For a lot of Land of Lincoln juniors, they have finally seen that coveted first D1 offer finally roll in, the culmination of years of hard work and determination. For others, things were bumped up an even bigger notch, as they received their first P4 offers, some of which were followed by more opportunities, while others took the shot, ran with it, and committed. <em>PrepRedzoneIL </em>has the most comprehensive recruiting news available on Illinois prep football players, get to know some of the rising stars on the boiling hot recruiting trail here, and only here. Let's dig in! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='831094' first='Drew' last='MacPherson']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Loyola Academy ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Despite the national recognition and competitiveness of the Chicago Catholic League, the amount its programs are recruited, and the high-profile names that lead the national position groups, it always seems like we have big-time, P4 stock risers that make up for their lateness to the scene by their national recruiting impact. Names like Matt Kingsbury (Minnesota), Jimmy Rolder (Michigan), and John Nestor (Iowa), all representing traditional CCL powers, saw their P4 recruitments take off a bit later than some, but take off they sure did, and all three are now finding/found success as underclassmen in the B1G. This year, one of the spring's top u0022late bloomersu0022 who burst onto the recruiting scene in overdue yet explosive fashion comes outu003cemu003e of Loyola Academyu003c/emu003e and their talented future safety u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='831094' first='Drew' last='MacPherson']u003c/strongu003e. The 6'2, 195 lber. was always an FBS talent, seeing his first D1 offer come last May from Toledo, and after 13 FBS and FCS offers to come in the next year, things came to a head in early May, almost a year to the day, when the Iowa Hawkeyes extended a B1G offer. It only took five days for u003cstrongu003eMacphersonu003c/strongu003e to accept the offer, and now we have another P4 commit out of the Great State of Illinois.rnrnThe Hawkeyes are getting a safety with a ton of dynamic ability and a unique high school positional background going into the secondary in college. He's one of the more dynamic high school RBs in the Midwest, with great pass-catching ability as a RB, either out of the backfield or from the slot, patience, vision, lateral quickness, acceleration as a ball carrier, and a willingness to play and dominate physically. u003cstrongu003eMacphersonu003c/strongu003e displays great length, and he shows it as a receiver when he has to climb the ladder and fully extend to reel in catches, showing off a big catch radius, his long legs also help him step, slip, and bounce through tackle attempts at his lower body. The 195 lber. displays solid speed, stacks DBs once he gets a step, has good burst, and is a crushing lead blocker when given the opportunity. I was impressed by the contested catch and 50/50 ball ability, and he demonstrated great hands, and the ability to use his strength and long frame to find success and produce through contact, either at the catch point, top of the route, or after the catch/run. Plus, he plays in one of the best conferences in the Midwest. Lots of upside and things to be excited about on u003cstrongu003eMacpherson'su003c/strongu003e high school football resume.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["830846"],"_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":"Yet another excellent example of what verified athletic numbers can do for a football prospect's stock, u003cemu003eGlenbard West'su003c/emu003e standout DB u003cstrongu003eMason Ellensu003c/strongu003e ran one of the best 100M times in the current pool of Midwest multi-sport standouts, popping off a 10.77 100M in late April and running a 21.80 200M the same day. Before the blazing sprint, u003cstrongu003eEllesu003c/strongu003e held 11 FCS and FBS offers, the first of which came from Kent State in April of 2023, but that raw speed propelled him over that last P4 hurdle, and a week after the accomplishment Iowa State offered his first P4 scholarship. This preceded Iowa, Minnesota, and Boston College offers, and he already has official visits planned with the Cyclones and Hawkeyes.rnrnu003cstrongu003eEllensu003c/strongu003e has one of - if not the #1 - best special teams tape in the Midwest, and opens his tape with a series of fantastic returns. His 100M speed is showcased well as a kick and punt returner, where his explosiveness, ability to cut at top speed, balance, and acceleration helped him take 3 kickoff returns to the house (averaged over 50 yards a return), a punt return for six, and a couple of them he was barely even touched. He also proved himself to be a dangerous deep threat as a receiver who can also play RB if needed and is also a standout DB for the u003cemu003eHilltoppersu003c/emu003e. The younger brother of 2024 South Dakota football commit [player_tooltip player_id='161329' first='Julius' last='Ellens'], u003cstrongu003eMasonu003c/strongu003e is comfortable playing the ball in the air and shows some good ball skills, he displays patient read steps, doesn't waste movement, and accelerates out of his breaks in coverage. Able to play both CB and safety, u003cstrongu003eEllensu003c/strongu003e also attacks blockers on the perimeter and is a physical run supporter who will meet WRs and ball carriers at the LOS, is a strong form tackler, comes downhill and closes with pace, and can make 1-on-1 tackles in space. Statistics are coming out that three-phase contributors, particularly TD-producing returners, go on to find success at the next level of ball and when you combine that with u003cstrongu003eEllens' u003c/strongu003eeye-popping speed, you have quite a strong resume as a prep football prospect.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1292142' first='Noah' last='LaPorte'] ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025 ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Princeton ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"It's been a crazy month of recruiting for u003cemu003ePrinceton'su003c/emu003e 2025 superstar athlete u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1292142' first='Noah' last='LaPorte']u003c/strongu003e, who owns eye-popping size for a WR/TE/FS at 6'5, 210 and still growing. Since early April, u003cstrongu003eLaPorteu003c/strongu003e has taken a seat firmly at the big boy's table of Land of Lincoln football prospects, first earning an offer from Eastern Illinois on April 7th, opening the door for Northwestern, Ohio, Kent State, Ball State, Michigan State, and Kansas to add themselves to the mix. Now sporting a heavyweight list offers, LaPorte is only getting hotter going into the summer camp circuit, where his size, ball skills, and athleticism are sure to turn heads in 1-on- settingsrnrnOwning a long, lean frame that shows significant room to fill in at the next level, u003cstrongu003eLaPorteu003c/strongu003e is a hybrid TE/WR for u003cemu003ePrincetonu003c/emu003e, lining up at the X, out of the slot, or as a wing, and can find success as a pass-catching threat from any position. The 6'5 standout displays a big catch radius and can climb the ladder and win 50/50 balls and highlight-reel contested catches, and a 6'5 WR with u003cstrongu003eLaPorte'su003c/strongu003e acceleration and burst is quite the sight to see on tape, and he can race by pursuing defenders like they're stuck in the mud. Plus, he's a strong, motivated blocker, puts some crushing blocks on opponents, and can win 1-on-1 battles in space or around the LOS, and I like how he can drop his hips and break down in space to eliminate third-level defenders downfield. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eLaPorte u003c/strongu003eshows some shake at the top of the route and has productive reps of him as a MOF defender and high safety, reading, reacting, and picking off passes, proving himself to be a legit free safety. The rising senior posted 34 receptions for 517 yards and 8 TDs, plus 46 tackles, 4 INTs, and 1 defensive TD, and is a raw, long, and athletic ball of clay that P4 programs are itching to get their hands on. I'll be keeping a close eye on him during camp szn.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Donte Green ","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_weight":"310","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Plainfield South ","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"It can't be an Illinois prep football recruiting cycle without a D1 prospect or two out of Plainfield. We just had an exciting lineman enter the fold as an FCS offeree in the past 10 days, as 6'4, 310 lb. OT u003cemu003ePlainfield Southu003c/emu003e OT u003cstrongu003eDonte Greenu003c/strongu003e earned offers from Southern Illinois and Illinois State. A fantastic student-athlete in the top 3% of his class and holding a 5.6 GPA on a 5.0 scale, u003cstrongu003eGreenu003c/strongu003e also has some game on the gridiron, wearing his 310 pounds well as a RT while looking agile, mobile, and smooth for a junior of his size. He plays plays whistle to whistle, is aggressive and brings his hips into contact, and displays good leg drive after contact. u003cstrongu003eGreenu003c/strongu003e is laterally agile and balanced, has some bend for a big guy, and is sticky once he gets his paws on a defender and overpowers them with the combo of strength and leg drive. The 310 lber. has a rep around a minute into his junior film where he looks fluid and impressive running and lead blocking far downfield, and I like his pass set, as he demonstrates solid footwork and can gain depth in his set when needed. u003cstrongu003eGreenu003c/strongu003e looks like a good athlete coming out of a competitive and well-coached program just at the genesis of his recruitment. Good find by the Missouri Valley in-state programs in SIU and ISU.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Arthur Mcknight ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025 ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Homewood-Flossmoor ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"If I'm recruiting the Land of Lincoln, I'm 100% always making a stop at u003cemu003eHomewood-Flossmoor High Schoolu003c/emu003e. A new name has emerged on an already established and talent-ridden u003cemu003eVikingsu003c/emu003e roster in 6', 160 lb. DB u003cstrongu003eArthur McKnightu003c/strongu003e. The rising senior burst on the state's recruiting scene on May 8th when the Illinois State Redbirds shot him a FCS Missouri Valley offer, and with the skillset he's bringing to the table as a prospect, he should be bound for more. A three-phase contributor as a DB, WR, and returner, u003cstrongu003eMcKnight'su003c/strongu003e possesses serious speed and knows how to use it, and he's a natural and impressive as a cornerback, where I think his future best lies position-wise. With long arms at his 6', 160 lbs and room to fill in, u003cstrongu003eMcKnightu003c/strongu003e is an explosive kick returner who shows some eye-catching speed on special teams and uses his game-breaking, splash-play speed with the ball in hand to cause opponents trouble on offense as well. He sees and utilizes space well, and displays some contact balance and burst when working through and avoiding tackles. Plus, he shows contested catch ability as a WR.rnrnDefensively, where he really shines as an aggressive and long cornerback, his technique in all phases of defense are both sound and consistent. I like his ball skills, and he's productive and disruptive at the catch point on a variety of routes, and he's instinctive and able to disruptive an opponent's passing game in both zone and man coverage. You don't see a lot of press-man in high school corners, but u003cstrongu003eMcKnightu003c/strongu003e looks comfortable, physical, long, and technically-proficient, and is easily one of the stickier CBs in Chicagoland. I hope he hits the summer camp circuit hard, the speed and coverage ability will certainly turn heads.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["830850"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Honestly, I'm surprised things have taken this long with u003cemu003eNaperville North'su003c/emu003e 2025 DB/OLB/ATHu003cstrongu003e Kaiser Williamsu003c/strongu003e. Size and length are at a premium when recruiting all positions, particularly defensive back, and u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e is long, positionally versatile - playing safety, OLB, and a little bit of DE in 2023 - and plays at a very competitiveu003cemu003e Naperville North Huskiesu003c/emu003e program. After a standout sophomore season that got him firmly on the radars of P4 programs, Williams has began to see his defensive role trend closer to the line of scrimmage, and he's transitioned to more of a LB since as a junior, the position I think best suits him at the next level. After more than a year on the radar of D1 teams across the Midwest, u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e finally saw his first D1 offer come in after the Akron Zips offered a FBS scholarship on May 8th. Northern Iowa followed with a FCS Missouri Valley scholarship about a week later.rnrnWith a great frame that's just itching to blow up and possessing length and significant room to fill in, u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e is rangy, physical, closes with pace, and has a few reps of him pursuing and chasing down ball carriers after covering a ton of ground in run support. He's quick and can unlock his hips when beating blocking attempts, brings speed and some bend as a blitzer, and does show some coverage ability, with the footwork and change of direction ability to mirror and breakdown with a route runner. I could see u003cstrongu003eWilliams u003c/strongu003ekicking up the popularity on the camp circuit after getting some in-person eyes on him, but a big offseason and the updated senior film are going to be big indicators on how his recruitment is going to develop. Keep an eye on u003cemu003eNaperville Northu003c/emu003e in 2024!","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1292241' first='Grant' last='Smith'] ","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_weight":"225","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"2407","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Maroa-Forsyth","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"There's an exciting amount of big, athletic. and versatile TEs in the Land of Lincoln's 2025 and 2026 classes, and a new rising junior has just entered the scene of FBS prospects. Coming out of Forsyth, a village of about 3,700 people, and u003cemu003eMaroa-Forsyth High Schoolu003c/emu003e, with an enrollment of around 350, comes 6'5, 225 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1292241' first='Grant' last='Smith'].u003c/strongu003e After a big junior season that saw him post 26 receptions for 448 and 8 TDs, as well as 44 tackles and 2 FFs in only three games of defensive reps, u003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e has been heating up on the recruiting trail since his first offer from Ball State University was received on May 8th. The Cardinals recruit the state of Illinois very well, and after the MAC competitor got involved, Butler, Western Illinois, and Eastern Illinois shot off offers, and Iowa Hawkeyes OL coach George Barnett made a stop to Maroa as well.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e helped lead the u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e to a 12-1 record in 2023, lining up all over the field, from the slot, inline TE, or around the backfield as a wing/HB while looking long and holding a lean 225 lb. frame that runs well and is fluid athletically. He has reps where he frankly looks like a giant out there. Competition has to be taken into account when fully evaluating u003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e as a prospect, but I can tell you that he shows the dynamic ability, dominance, and highlight-reel worthy reps you want to see in a big-time prospect against smaller school competition. His YAC ability stands out first and foremost in his junior film, and he has some big-time juice with the ball in hand. He can beat you with quickness, speed, or power, and his contact balance and intrinsic fight for as much yardage as possible per carry make him exciting to watch as a ball carrier. I like his lateral quickness and ability for his size, and his COD ability and top-end speed and acceleration are on display in his OLB reps as well, as u003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e can pursue sideline-to-sideline and far downfield in pursuit of the ball. I also like his big catch radius, shake at the top of the route, and eye-catching speed for his size. Plus, the 225 lber. is a motivated blocker who aggressively comes into contact and has a nasty streak as well. How u003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e performs in in-person evals and workouts, and his verified athletic numbers, will be a big factor in him potentially rising to a P4 recruit.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["252506"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Great to see a familiar name in the Illinois QB scene since 2021 finally see his hard work pay off. u003cemu003eNew Trier'su003c/emu003e 5'11, 200 gunslinger u003cstrongu003ePatrick Heneghanu003c/strongu003e is entering his third year asu003cemu003e New Trier'su003c/emu003e starting varsity QB and has created some serious steam behind his senior year campaign after earning his first college offer from FBS Kent State on May 7th! A standout u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneILu003c/emu003e Showcase performer as well as a consistent and high-performing QB in the offseason unpadded camp circuit, u003cstrongu003eHeneghanu003c/strongu003e posted a 405 lb. squat in February to help strengthen his dual-threat capability and has a ton of experience against big school Chicagoland opponents. He's also quite the student-athlete, adding an Academic All-State honor to his CSL All-Conference award on the gridiron, and he has a 3.9 GPA to boot.rnrnOn tape, the ball pops off his hands, and u003cstrongu003eHeneghanu003c/strongu003e can spin the rock and put some velocity on his throws. He displays a big arm that can rocket the ball downfield even off ihs back foot, quick release, and sound mechanics, and he sees the field well and can get through his reads and process a defense and coverage scheme quickly. I like how steps up into the pocket, avoids pressure and navigates the pocket well, and throws an accurate and strong ball on the move, and the 200 lber. displays noticeable and dangerous burst when he tucks and takes off. Doesn't have the top-end speed to finish runs, but can churn out big chunks of yardage and will run behind his pads as a ball carrier. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eHeneghan u003c/strongu003ehas some throws where he put the ball into some very tight windows, and he's accurate to all three levels of the field, something he showed in various off-season camps. Great move by Kent State getting in there early. Heneghan has visited a ton of college programs, many of them academic-oriented, so I'm interested to see how his recruitment continues to develop.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"Jimmie Maxson III","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"Brother Rice ","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Off the bat, u003cstrongu003eJimmie Maxson IIIu003c/strongu003e has an eye-catching resume as a prospect, measuring in at 6'4, 200 pounds at the WR position and coming out of the always-fertile recruiting grounds of u003cemu003eBrother Rice High School.u003c/emu003e After a great junior season that saw him show up in the u003cemu003eCrusader'su003c/emu003e passing attack in a ton of exciting ways, particularly as a deep threat, and route runner, and after the catch, u003cstrongu003eMaxson IIIu003c/strongu003e burst onto the 2025 recruiting scene in May, earning an offer from Western Michigan on the 7th and the Marshall Thundering Herd on the 9th. With top-tier competition - both inside the u003cemu003eCrusadersu003c/emu003e program and against their opponents - great size, and big-time playmaking ability, u003cstrongu003eMaxson IIIu003c/strongu003e has the chance to blow up on the recruiting trail as we head into summer.rnrnA huge target that resembles a power forward playing wideout, the 6'4 WR displays long arms and legs, a big wingspan, and some vertical ability, so his catch radius is massive and he has strong hands that can reel in receptions through contact. u003cstrongu003eMaxson IIIu003c/strongu003e tracks the ball well and is comfortable and effective high-pointing the football and winning 50/50 balls and contested catches, and he displays good speed for his size, both as a route runner and after the catch. The long legs, strong lower body, and natural balance prove him to be a hard 1-on-1 tackling assignment in the open field, and he stays upright and can produce through contact, as a route runner, when playing the ball in the air, or after the catch. Plus, he's effective at the LOS in his releases and shows off quick feet, allowing him to create separation at the top of the route.u003cstrongu003e Maxson IIIu003c/strongu003e got open and won reps on a variety of different routes in 2023. With a balanced, playmaking-oriented, and physical skillset as a 6'4 and still-growing WR, the upside and potential he'd bring into a collegiate WR room should have suitors licking their chops. Big-time current sleeper in the talented 2025 IL class of wide receivers.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"Khye Brown ","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"2025 ","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_9_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"Simeon ","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_9_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Another year, another name from u003cemu003eSimeonu003c/emu003e to add to your rolodex of Illinois recruits. There's a lot of talent on that u003cemu003eWolverinesu003c/emu003e roster besides future Notre Dame Fighting Irish EDGE Chris Burgess Jr., and a recent rising senior to burst into the fray is 6'3, 235 lb. EDGE/LB u003cstrongu003eKhye Brown.u003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e was another recipient of the Kent State Golden Flashes massive push into the Land of Lincoln at the beginning of the month, and he earned his first overall and first FBS offer from LB coach Cameron Robbins on May 7th to kickstart a budding recruitment.rnrnPossessing FBS-worthy size, u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e looks tall, powerfully built, with a big lower body and the ability to play with his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance. Played some 3T as well in 2023. Displays a good get-off, can change direction and start/stop/adjust well in space, and can tackle in space too, and knows how to set the edge and defend with leverage. The 235 lber. is a strong kid who can absorb and ricochet off contact well to make tackles through and after initial contact with a blocker, and he can create separation when he punches and locks out his arms. Besides the power moves, u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e demonstrates a good spin move and counter in pass rushing situations to win reps. Still raw, but he's a big, powerful, and physical defensive lineman with a lot of room to grow and improve. Kent State could mold this dude into a beast, although I doubt this will be his only offer. Going to be a big senior year for u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["831098"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Another Illinois 2025er who I'm a bit surprised about him having to wait as long as he did for D1 offer #1, big props to Missouri Valley Conference heavyweight Northern Iowa, who saw what u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e did in u003cemu003eOswego'su003c/emu003e 2025 WR u003cstrongu003eJeremiah Cainu003c/strongu003e. Earlier this month, the u003cemu003ePanthersu003c/emu003e offered a rising senior with big-time explosiveness at 6'2, 165 pounds (10'5u0022 broad and 6'7u0022 high jump), and he's going to be reeling in the offers quickly if he can continue to add to his junior track season high jumping accomplishments.rnrnThe track superiority comes to light well in his junior tape, where the WR and DB - who owns a long, lean frame with a noticeable wingspan, opens things up with multiple reps of him displaying an excellent ability to time out his jumps, make contact and play the ball in the air, and occasionally have to rely on tipping the ball to play to himself elsewhere, showing off some fantastic coordination and effort in the process. There's an eye-popping one-handed catch high in the air to open his junior tape, and overall the 6'2 WR owns a large, exciting catch radius that will catch anything that comes his way and is 50/50 jump ball machine who looks athletic and natural when plucking the ball out of the air. u003cstrongu003eCainu003c/strongu003e can drop his hips for a taller wideout, shows some quick feet and can create separation throughout his route, and can take the top off the defense. Things get really exciting when you begin to imagine what college football programs that do to utilize and take advantage of that track background at the next level. More offers coming!","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66490035c3c4c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->