Chicago Public League: Under the Radar Prospects You Need to Know
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2019 was the last time these players took part in an IHSA sanctioned football game. But the football gods have shone their light on the ILL state, and as a result, we’re a little under a week away from a…
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Continue Reading2019 was the last time these players took part in an IHSA sanctioned football game.
But the football gods have shone their light on the ILL state, and as a result, we’re a little under a week away from a season that will go down in the history books as 1 of 1.
This unique season gives players a chance to create a buzz for themselves, especially those flying under the radar due to the delayed season. Let this article be the momentum they need to carry themselves into this season, and hopefully, it’ll get them on the right person’s radar.
So without further ado, let’s get to know ten under the radar prospects you may not know, but should.
Cameron Manney | ATH | Currie ’22
Allow me to introduce Cameron Manney. He’s a prospect whose name hasn’t circulated through the Illinois recruiting circuit yet, but he is a name you’re going to want to know. Manney is a superior athlete whose upside is through the roof and is the true definition of a swiss army knife. He lines up at QB, WR, and DB. But if I had to project him, it would be as a DB at the next level. He has the savvy to read and react when the ball leaves the QB’s hands. He’s athletic enough to cover the field from sideline-to-sideline and has a solid frame to come up and support the run.
Jacobi Beard | RB | Morgan Park ’22
Beard is a prospect who I’m excited to see this spring. I got a chance to speak with his head coach Chris James, a former Morgan Park standout and a receiver at the University of Illinois. James is as reliable of a source as they come, and the first thing out of his mouth was that Jacobi could be one of the best backs in the state. He’s a load to bring down at 5’9″ 220lbs. Has average speed but is sneaky explosive and gets stronger as the game goes on. He won’t be flying under the radar for long If he’s as good as advertised.
Willie Taylor | ATH | Clark ’23
Taylor has the chance to be good— I mean really good. He’s another ultra-talented prospect in Illinois’ heralded class of ’23 who unfortunately is flying under the radar. Taylor has an already solid frame with plenty of time and room to grow. He has a nose for the ball and is a sure tackler who isn’t hesitant to come and lay the boom, and he also excels in tackling in space. Taylor’s overall versatility allows him to be just as dynamic on offense. He lines up in the backfield and out wide and possesses both the speed and elusiveness of an offensive game-changer. I wouldn’t be surprised if the buzz surrounding Taylor’s name grows exponentially after spring ball.
Keontay Taylor | OL/DL | Phillips ’22
Taylor is a heckuva athlete for a guy his size. He’s a lead blocker when pulling and has no problem getting to the next level for a pancake. He’s an above-average base drive blocker and once he locks onto you, he’s not stopping until the whistle is blown. He plays an overall physical brand of football and is just as effective on the defensive side of the ball. Not only is his athleticism a mismatch for most lineman, but he can also over-power you and penetrate the backfield in an instant. After transferring from Proviso East, he’ll suit up this spring for Wendell Phillips, who’s currently the only Public League school to win an IHSA football state championship.
Jalen Tripp Jalen Tripp 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Lincoln Park | 2022 State IL | WR | Lincoln Park ’22
What’s there not to like about the 6’4″ 195lb junior out of Lincoln Park. He’s a threat in the intermediate and deep passing attacks, and for a guy his size, he’s just as productive in the catch and run game. His size alone poses a physical mismatch for most DBs, and that mismatch is even more glaring in the red zone. He doubles as a defensive back, and again, for a guy his size, his wingspan alone allows him to disrupt passes in the air easily. Tripp is also a solid tackler who is more than capable of supporting the run.
Jamon Gooden | QB | Phoenix ’22
Selected to Chicago’s 2019 Chicago All-City team, Jamon Gooden is an efficient dual-threat QB who led his team to an undefeated record in conference play as a sophomore. An elusive yet bruising runner who possesses the arm strength to drive the ball downfield, and as of now, projects as a WR at the next level. But I think under the right tutelage and with two seasons left in his high school playing career, Jamon has all the necessary skills along with the upside to develop into a college-level QB.
Taylen Goodwin | ATH | Brooks ’23
I got a chance to see Taylen a couple of times in person and walked away both times highly impressed. This kid is going to be a star when it’s all said and done. He’s a smooth operator, and it shows with his ability to run the route tree effortlessly. Possesses soft hands and the leaping ability to high-point the ball. What stood out the most to me is his understanding of coverages and how to circumvent his way through a defense—a skill that comes in handy for a slot receiver like Goodwin.
Aaron Warren | ATH | Morgan Park ’22
Aaron first got on my radar during my visits to the HEROH League during this extended offseason. The first thing that stood out is that he doesn’t lack for anyhting in the confidence department; he’s beyond confident in his abilities and isn’t hesitant to let you know. He’s a versatile athlete who can get it done in many ways. I saw him lock someone down on one rep, and then the next rep, he’s giving guys the Moss treatment. His head coach raved about his abilities and wanted me to know that Aaron is indeed a P5 type of talent. Will primarily play FS this season but will take over as the Mustangs QB for his senior campaign.
Grzegorz ” last=””]” last=”Krupa”] | OL | Taft ’23
Get Mr. Krupa on your radar now because he has the potential to see his name climb the rankings of OL in the C/O ’23. His leg drive is phenomenal, and he uses it to take defenders on a ride backward until the whistle is blown. Consistently creates running lanes and is above-average in pass protection. His strike and shed is a thing of beauty and proves that he is fundamentally sound at an early age. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if his name blows up over the next few years.
D’Andre Ward | ATH | Harlan ’22
Ward can be used as a change of pace back, an elusive slot receiver, or a ball-hawking DB; regardless of what position he’s playing, he has the ability to impact the game the moment he steps on the field. Possesses decent speed and enough wiggle to make defenders miss in space. I think the extended offseason will prove to be just what Ward needed to take the next step and elevate himself to one of the premier players in Chicago’s Public League.