2027 Rankings: Top Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2027 has been unveiled and now sits at 250 prospects.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position with the premier players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at&nbsp;<strong>2027 Rankings Update: Top Athletes</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1661734' first='Keysan' last='Taylor'] (Rockford Guilford)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Insanely impressive tape from this 6'4" 225 pound tight end/outside linebacker.&nbsp; Lets start on the offensive side.&nbsp; As a pass catcher he high points the ball in the air.&nbsp; Smooth getting off the line and is a sound route runner. Can line up on the line or out wide. Makes acrobatic catches downfield adjusting to the ball.&nbsp; As edge player he uses his size and length to his full advantage. Fluid running to the ball and is good covering in space.&nbsp; Wraps up and is an explosive tackler. Creates turnovers stripping the ball out. Patience and good angles. Good vs the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1271823' first='Tyler' last='McConnell'] (Nashville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McConnell is a 6'5" 200 pound athlete that has risen up the board on the hardwood and looks like he is primed to do more of the same on the gridiron.&nbsp; Elite size as a tight end being able to high point balls in the air.&nbsp; Excellent body control and has soft hands. Can line up on the line or split out.&nbsp; Physical runner with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Like him as a blocker too with his size and sound technique.&nbsp; Defensively he plays as an EDGE that tackles well in space and uses his length well as a pass rusher. &nbsp;Gets off blocks to make tackle.&nbsp; Also contributes on kick coverage unit.&nbsp; Runs very well for how big he is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334152' first='Donald' last='Collier'] (Cahokia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collier is a 5'11" 170 pound athlete that impacts on both sides of the ball.&nbsp; As a corner he jumps routes and can play the deep ball for interceptions.&nbsp; Great ball skills as a defender that is instinctual. Offensively lines up at running back and wide receiver.&nbsp; Explosive playmaker that is a smooth route runner and weaves through the defense when lined up in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1336662' first='Amari' last='Grayson'] (Richards)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grayson is a 6'1" athlete that can play wide receiver and defensive back.&nbsp; Projects best probably at wide receiver where he has good hands, makes catches in tight areas, and runs crisp routes. Vertical threat with good body control. Gets YAC with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; As a DB he brings some range on the back end being able to high point the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->