Two Way Stars Headline the 2027 ATHLETE Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top athletes in the state are prospects that impact on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball!&nbsp; Absolute game changers!</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>Taylor is the clear #1 ATH in the class!&nbsp; As a edge player he racked up 68 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 7 pass breakups, 1 pick six, 23 TFLs, and 3 forced fumbles.&nbsp; Then offensively at tight end he had 23 catches for 430 yards and 4 touchdowns.&nbsp; Absolute freak show with his size, strength, and athleticism combo.&nbsp; Explosive pass rusher around the edge. &nbsp;Powerful with his hands.&nbsp; Gets off blocks throwing tackles like they are rag dolls.&nbsp; His speed to power is off the charts!&nbsp; As a pass catcher he is a big target that snatches it with pretty natural hands and is tough to bring down with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Tracks it well on longer passes.&nbsp; Good blocker in run game that takes pride in it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791871' first='Jackson' last='Cook'] (Harlem)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook is a big time two way athlete!&nbsp; On offense he had 655 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns.&nbsp; Defensively he had a pair of interceptions.&nbsp; In the return game he also took one back to the house.&nbsp; As a defensive back he steps in front of passes and takes them to the house.&nbsp; Good instincts on several pick sixes.&nbsp; As a wide out he is a vertical threat that can out jump in the air on go routes.&nbsp; Tracks well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1344621' first='James' last='Johnson'] (Belleville East)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson was primarily looked at as a wide out early in his career, but man was he impressive as a DB in multiple outings we saw him as a junior.&nbsp; Good on short and in breaking routes snapping his head around to grab the ball.&nbsp; Like how he tracks it and adjusts on downfield passes.&nbsp; Does damage on bubble screens after the catch.&nbsp; Feel and instincts making plays on the ball as a defensive back at either free safety or corner.&nbsp; Sticky coverage staying with the receiver in coverage and breaking when they break.&nbsp; When in off coverage he explodes to the receiver if they sit down.&nbsp; He has a nose for the ball and used his length to bring in interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1271823' first='Tyler' last='McConnell'] (Pinckneyville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'6” 200 pound prospect is a true athlete!&nbsp; Legit prospect at both tight end and edge.&nbsp; Also a highly ranked hooper as well.&nbsp; He is a mismatch as a flex tight end.&nbsp; High points the ball in the air.&nbsp; Snatches it out of the air with his hands on short routes.&nbsp; Downfield threat that adjusts to ball and wins jump ball situations.&nbsp; Love what he brings as a redzone threat!&nbsp; Willing blocker.&nbsp; On the edge he is shot out of a cannon getting to the QB.&nbsp; Definitely has pass rush ability with his speed and burst.&nbsp; Blows up running backs trying to block him!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334152' first='Donald' last='Collier'] (Cahokia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more under appreciated athletes out of the metro east.&nbsp; This past season he had 1,729 all purpose yards along with 18 touchdowns on the offensive side.&nbsp; Defensively he racked up 98 tackles, 7 passes broken up, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 interceptions.&nbsp; Explosive change of direction, ball skills, and game changing plays on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151334' first='Jaylen' last='McMiller'] (Glenbard West)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMiller is a 5'10” 175 pound athlete who brings value as a kick returner that can take it to the house.&nbsp; Slippery running with the ball and is a gadget player on the offensive side.&nbsp; Physical at the line with the receivers as a defensive back.&nbsp; Can run with them downfield and make plays on the ball knocking down passes.&nbsp; Good instincts and tackles in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->