Prep Redzone IL/IN Showcase: MVP’s & Standouts
In this article:
I spoke to multiple Prep Redzone scouts that attended our event and got a ton of feedback on who we felt were the top performers. Here were our MVPs from Saturday’s showcase. QB MVP: Sean Cruz, Evanston, 2022 A dual…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI spoke to multiple Prep Redzone scouts that attended our event and got a ton of feedback on who we felt were the top performers. Here were our MVPs from Saturday’s showcase.
QB
MVP: Sean Cruz, Evanston, 2022
A dual threat with quiet footwork and a tight release. Cruz dropped multiple deep balls in 1 on 1’s and showed phenomenal timing with random wideouts. When you turn on the tape, you’ll see an athletic quarterback prospect that can excel throwing the football on all three levels. He can fit the ball into tight windows and showed he’s not afraid to deliver a rope over the middle.
Other Standouts
Angel Nelson Angel Nelson 5'9" | 175 lbs | QB Merrillville | 2022 IN , Merrillville, 2022
Joey Antonietti Joey Antonietti 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Lyons Township | 2022 State IL , Lyons, 2022
Scott Ballentine, Andrean, 2024
RB
MVP: Caleb Marcus Caleb Marcus 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Brownsburg | 2023 State IN , Brownsburg, 2023
Marcus’ head coach John Hart raved to me about his potential and man, did he show it on Saturday. Caleb clocked a 4.56 40 yard dash to go with a 10’8 broad jump. He was fantastic out of the backfield during 1 on 1’s and flat-out out ran linebackers while catching ball after ball. He’s elusive in space and showed explosive route running ability. To me, he should be a division one-caliber kid.
Other Standouts
Matthew Lawson, Elgin, 2024
WR/TE
MVP: Dillon Moore Dillon Moore 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Ben Davis | 2022 State IN , Ben Davis, 2022
Moore could have potentially been the MVP at DB as well, but I chose to give him the WR honor. This is a fundamentally sound route technician with good build-up speed and twitchy hands. He’s a talented deep ball tracker and understands how to use a stem on defensive backs. Moore caught everything thrown his way and used his size & leaping ability to dominate during 1 on 1’s. Keep an eye on him as he could have a future at DB as well.
Other Standouts
Thomas Skokna, Hinsdale Central, 2022
Noah Pfafflin Noah Pfafflin 6'2" | 185 lbs | LB Lyons Township | 2024 State IL , Lyons, 2024
Ryan Usher Ryan Usher 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Lincoln-Way East | 2024 IL , Lincoln-Way East, 2024
Cam Williams Cam Williams 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Glenbard South | 2024 State IL , Glenbard South, 2024
OL
MVP: Richard Myers Richard Myers 6'7" | 300 lbs | OL Castle | 2022 State IN , Castle, 2022
A massive human with long arms and quick feet. Myers almost never gives up his chest and can anchor down against any sort of bull rush. He’s patient with his hands and can easily redirect against any counter moves. He’s quick out of his stance and is rarely beaten off the ball. I think this young man is going to sneak up on some people and could gain some serious interest with a good summer.
Other Standouts
Benjamin Decker, Noblesville, 2023
Tyson Cramer, Pontiac, 2023
DL
MVP: Brooks Bahr Brooks Bahr 6'6" | 275 lbs | DL Loyola Academy | 2023 State IL , Loyola, 2023
Bahr seems to be dominating wherever he goes, and the Prep Redzone IL/IN Showcase was no different. This is a powerful defensive end with a great first step. He consistently wins at the point of attack and showed loose hips getting around the edge. He uses his long arms to get lockout before ripping off and making a play behind the LOS. I think he has the potential to kick inside and play some three-technique based on his frame and pure strength.
Other Standouts
Leighton Jones Leighton Jones 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL Brownsburg | 2023 State IN , Brownsburg, 2023
Andrew Laurich Andrew Laurich 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Yorkville | 2023 State IL , Yorkville, 2023
Preston Jarvis, Brownsburg, 2023
Eddie Tuerk Eddie Tuerk 6'4" | 265 lbs | DL Lyons Township | 2024 State IL , Lyons, 2024
LB
MVP: Ty Hopp Ty Hopp 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Aurora Central Catholic | 2022 State IL , Aurora Central Catholic), 2022
Ty actually picked up an offer from Army right before he walked into our camp. When he stepped out onto the field, he was lights out. He was one of the fastest LB’s in attendance and was fluid throughout individual drills. He showed no issues running with backs out of the backfield and gave RB’s fits if he got hands on them. This is a high motor kid who will do whatever you ask of him and could be one of Illinois’ bigger sleepers at the linebacker position.
Other Standouts
Jacob Bottarini Jacob Bottarini 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Marmion | 2022 State IL , Marmion, 2022
Sean Allison, Hinsdale Central, 2022
DB
MVP: Gregory Atkinson, Marian, 2022
Atkinson showed up to the camp and balled out. During the testing portion, he ran a 4.50 40 yard dash, which ended up being the top time at the camp. During individual drills, he showed outstanding footwork and had some twitch behind his breaks. He was far and away the best player regardless of position during 1 on 1’s. He picked off a couple of passes and forced numerous PBU’s. Be on the lookout for his senior film, as it should be a good one.
Other Standouts
Dillon Moore Dillon Moore 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Ben Davis | 2022 State IN , Ben Davis, 2022
Anthony Hood, Whitney Young, 2024