2025 Ball Hawks in Illinois

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1223946"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8f4e74f20d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Division 1 recruit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223946' first='Demaje' last='Williams']</strong> emerged as a game-changing playmaker for Kenwood Academy last year. His prowess at safety is remarkable, patrolling the middle of the field with exceptional range and length. Williams is fluid in the back end, demonstrating the ability to play fast and break on passes with precision. As a junior, he recorded 7 interceptions, ranking him among the state's leaders in this category.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["980649"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd020641b13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Opposing offenses must locate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='980649' first='Jaden' last='Edwards']</strong> before every snap and have a plan to neutralize him. His sharp instincts enable him to play with speed and precision, reading route patterns and exploiting them effectively. Last season, he intercepted 5 passes, and as the new season kicks off this week, he could double that total. Expect Edwards to make his presence felt early and often in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801887"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd020641c19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801887' first='Nasir' last='Rankin']</strong> is one of the top prospects in Illinois' class of 2026 as the new season begins. This year, Rankin will suit up for a new team, having transferred to Morgan Park for his junior season. Despite the change, expect him to continue proving he's one of the best athletes on the field, excelling on both sides of the ball. He's explosive with the ball in his hands, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Defensively, he was a turnover machine last year, accounting for 6 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212314"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd020641ccd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's no doubt <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212314' first='Jacob' last='Harvey']'s</strong> future lies at wide receiver, but his performance at cornerback last year shouldn't be overlooked. Standing at 6'1" and 175 pounds, the same physical attributes that make him a weapon at wide receiver also contribute to his effectiveness as a shutdown corner. He's not afraid to press, playing a physical brand of football at the corner spot. His natural hands were evident on defense, where he recorded 5 interceptions as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->