2025 Rankings: Top Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Illinois recently updated our class of 2025 rankings extending the list from 150 to 300 ranked prospects along with 140+ on the watch list.&nbsp; Now we dive into each position to look at who is the cream of the crop including here in <strong>2025 Rankings: Top Athletes</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291979' first='Donovan' last='Robinson'] (Loyola – 6'3” 210)<br></strong><br>One of the most impressive all-around tapes we have seen in the 2025 class.&nbsp; What stands out is how many area he contributes.&nbsp; Offense, defense, and is a core special teams player.&nbsp; Probably projects best as an outside linebacker or a safety.&nbsp; Love how well he covers flipping his hips and making plays on the ball.&nbsp; Can chase and run after opponents in the open field.&nbsp; On special teams he is a return threat, blocks field goals, and covers downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='213605' first='Jovan' last='Clark'] (Morgan Park – 6'0” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark is the definition of a freak show athlete!&nbsp; Strong and super athletic.&nbsp; He can play safety, linebacker, or even some running back.&nbsp; Probably projects best as a linebacker at the next level. Reacts so well to the ball with his burst getting to the ball carrier.&nbsp; Closing speed is incredible and he lays the hammer with his hitting once he gets there. Takes tremendous angles to make the tackle and wraps up well.&nbsp; Really pursues the ball slicing through the line of scrimmage for tackles for loss beating blockers to their spots.&nbsp; Also shows well in coverage especially as a linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299479' first='Brennan' last='Saxe'] (Fremd – 6'3” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saxe had 76 receptions for 925 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season.&nbsp; Definitely projects as a WR at the next level. Great size at 6'3" and once he adds more strength will be even better. High point balls in the redzone.&nbsp; Seam route is one of his favorites.&nbsp; Runs well after catch. Gets off line of scrimmage and is so technically sound overall including on short routes. Adjusts to ball in air and is extremely effective on go routes. Can play inside or out of slot. Sound on short routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='161367' first='James' last='Penley'] (Nazareth – 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 forced 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 – 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; Like 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='331577' first='Erimus' last='Wright'] (Hillcrest – 6'0” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright is a big and physical athlete that can play effectively on both sides of the ball.&nbsp; Explosive running back that has juice hitting home runs going downhill.&nbsp; Kid has juice!&nbsp; Also does it on the other side of the ball lining up everywhere from safety to outside linebacker flying all over making tackles and interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->