Five Players You Need to Know From Chicago’s Michelle Clark HS
Chicago Clark is ready to put the state on notice this season, and barring any catastrophic collapses, you can expect to see this team participating in this year’s IHSA playoffs. Led by head coach Kevin Simmons, this team has the…
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Continue ReadingChicago Clark is ready to put the state on notice this season, and barring any catastrophic collapses, you can expect to see this team participating in this year’s IHSA playoffs. Led by head coach Kevin Simmons, this team has the perfect mix of upper and underclassmen talent to see them through their journey in 2020.
In this article, we’ll look at five players who I believe can make some noise this season.
Lamont Pringle, DT, 6’1, 310, SR
Pringle is primed for a breakout season after being selected to Chicago’s all-city team in 2019. The senior DT is a force in the trenches, he uses his size and strength to penetrate the backfield and has an explosive first step that can collapse a pocket in the blink of an eye. Commands a double team more times than none, plays with a high motor, and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball.
Yafae Cotton, WR, 5’8, 165, JR
Cotton is a natural-born playmaker. A gifted athlete with elite speed that can stretch the field vertically—most effective when lined up as a slot receiver. A creative runner who’s slippery in space and excels in making defenders miss in tight spaces. Adds value as a dangerous returner who can flip the field in an instant.
Willie Taylor, ATH, 5’10, 175, SO
Taylor is a true ATH that can do just about anything on the field. A first-team all-conference selection as a freshman in 2019, Taylor has tremendous upside and is easily one of the top players in Illinois’ class of ’23. If you watch his film, you’ll see him taking handoffs out the backfield, beating DBs deep as a wideout, sacking and picking off the opposing QB, and he even returns kicks for TDs. Offensively he’s skilled in many areas and is a big play waiting to happen. On defense, he’s a very physical, instinctive player who has an incredible nose for the ball.
Dezmon Richardson, ATH, 5’11, 160, SR
The all-state track star can take the top off any defense. Has top-end speed mixed with great lateral quickness, you simply just have to get the ball in his hands and watch him go. Richardson is by far the most unique athlete on this Clark squad. He lines up at WR, DB, QB, and even has a strong and accurate leg while serving as the team’s kicker and punter.
Dontrell Starks, WR, 6’3, 180, SO
Starks is another player who contributed at a high level on varsity as a freshman. A tall and long WR that’s able to glide past DBs with ease. Knows how to use his size to box out smaller DBs and is a jump ball maestro. Has a big catch radius due to his enormous wingspan. Excels as a deep threat and can be an even more dangerous target in the red zone.