CBC/Cardinal Ritter Joint Practice Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past week two of the top teams over the past few years who have won and competed for state championships the past few years had a joint padded practice this past week. I attended and here are a few observations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions and Cadets have two of the most athletic quarterbacks in the area and state. Illinois commit [player_tooltip player_id='299504' first='Carson' last='Boyd'] (6'0" 185) was his typical self with with his ability to go through his progressions, make reads and find open receivers with his pinpoint accuracy throwing the ball. He also showed his great running ability, speed and ability to make plays with his feet by design or when protection breaks down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CBC's 2026 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='284043' first='Nick' last='McClellan'] (6'0" 185) is more of a runner then a passer, but showed a good understanding of the passing game in his offense and ability to deliver the ball. He's a playmaker with the ball in his hands running, throwing, as a receiver or on defense at safety. Their success will depend heavily on him. He looked good in his role as QB1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ritter 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1187171' first='Nigel' last='Gooden'] (6'1" 175) is a player who has trained hard in the offseason on his skills and also looked good, He will be a player you'll be hearing about over the next few years. A good athlete who can also spin it very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both squads has a deep group of running backs. The Cadets with 2025s [player_tooltip player_id='1305798' first='Alex' last='Morris'] (5'7" 160), AJ Johnson (5'9" 200) and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='402113' first='Courtney' last='Rivers'] (5'9" 182). The Lions with 2025s [player_tooltip player_id='188601' first='Jamarion' last='Parker'] (6'0" 195), [player_tooltip player_id='188604' first='Keon' last='Sloan'] (5'10" 190) and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1128410' first='Manny' last='Ellis'] (5'7" 160). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker, who recently committed to Nebraska, didn't really participate as Ritter wanted to look at it's other backs in it's stable to evaluate. Sloan is strong and runs down hill with the ability to move the pile or break a big play. Ellis is a versatile back who is fast, elusive and makes plays in space. He's also an option in the slot and an all-purpose back who can really catch the ball well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris, Johnson and Rivers are a a great trio of speed and power who combined for over 2,000 yards rushing in 2023. They looked like they are ready to increase on those numbers. Morris has had an especially good spring in camps,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the best 2025 WRs in the state and nation CBC's [player_tooltip player_id='179185' first='Corey' last='Simms'] (6'3" 190) and [player_tooltip player_id='1112513' first='Dejerrian' last='Miller'] (6'3" 195) looked in mid-season form running crisp routes, getting behind defenders and hauling in big pass for scores. Each have been taking official visits and Simms will announce at the end of the month. Miller early in the season following taking all five official visits. Simms also looked good playing some safety for the Cadets,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jay Ackerman (6'8" 346) OT and [player_tooltip player_id='1118563' first='Anthony' last='Gladney'] (6'5" 270) make some nice bookends to anchor the Lions offensive line. Both have great size, move very well and did a nice job with their run blocking and pass pro. Ritter has size across the entire line and as they continue to gel will be one of the biggest and most talented in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CBC has two of the top tight ends in the state in 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='233164' first='Jackson' last='Kohl'] (6'5" 240) and [player_tooltip player_id='1294357' first='Jake' last='Plummer'] (6'6" 210). Both are not only big targets and reliable receiving options, but are physical and consistent blockers in the run game. Kohl has multiple D1 offers and Plummer recently landed his first one, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive linemen were really getting after it and popping pads Two of the top DE recruits in the 2025 class CBC's [player_tooltip player_id='830880' first='Triston' last='Abram'] (6'4" 220) and Ritter's Charles Brooks (6'5" 220) showed their ability to rush the passer and big disruptive in the backfield to blow up plays. The Lions [player_tooltip player_id='1305805' first='Bryce' last='Gray'] ( 6'0" 285) is one of the most productive defensive tackle/nose guards in the state. He's explosive, strong and quick. Ritter 2026 DT [player_tooltip player_id='1305795' first='Jocques' last='Felix'] (6'3" 275) showed why he recently landed his first D1 offer. He is athletic and runs really well for his size. He was physical and showed a good motor. He's seeing his recruitment continue to pick up. CBC's 2025 DE [player_tooltip player_id='1066977' first='Jordan' last='Watson'] (6'4" 255) has drawn the attention from colleges this spring and is poised for a breakout senior season and 2026 NG [player_tooltip player_id='1130317' first='Tilton' last='Hughes'] (6'2" 297) got some quality time with the first and second DLs and did a good job. He played hard and made some plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both schools have impressive linebackers with 2025's [player_tooltip player_id='1118566' first='Lance' last='Walker'] (6'2" 220) and [player_tooltip player_id='822399' first='Arthur' last='Porter']( 5;11: 185) leading the way for CBC and Ritter 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1188358' first='Marshaun' last='Ivy'] (6'3" 230) looking like he is going to have a breakout season in 2024. Walker and Porter are physical playmakers who can really run and cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Ivy has great size, is physical and has the added ability to rush the passer </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1278966' first='Jayvyn' last='Jenkins'] (6'0" 165) looked like he will step in and make a difference in the Lions defensive backfield along with heavily recruited CB [player_tooltip player_id='669410' first='Antonio' last='Parker'] (6'0" 170) and Iowa State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1118571' first='Vi'Naz' last='Cobb'] (6'2" 200). The CBC defensive backfield will be one of their teams strength with speedy playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='328989' first='Zakiese' last='Smith'] (5'9" 175) and [player_tooltip player_id='1124917' first='Austin' last='Tillman'] ( 5'11" 175). Smith is a ballhawk and one of the leading interception returnees in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->