Underrated Prospects From Around the State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we continue our offseason coverage, today we're looking at some of the most underrated prospects in Illinois. These guys have shined on Friday nights and consistently made their presence felt across the state. I think their value as football players is through the roof and they've earned the right to be on college's radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OL: Jamar Finklea, 6'3" 245, Bloom</em></strong><em><strong>, 2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamar needs to add some weight, but man does he play with an edge to him. On film, he shows a ton of positional versatility, his knees are constantly churning as a run blocker and has a forceful punch with some pop to it. He showed top-tier grip strength and can flat-out move for a big fella. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>QB: [player_tooltip player_id='354178' first='Ethan' last='Bagwell'] 6'3" 220, Collinsville</em></strong><em><strong>, 2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ethan is currently committed to Missouri for baseball, but man does he have a ton of upside in football. On film, he shows excellent touch, the ability to improvise, and is deadly accurate throwing on the move. This is a gunslinger through &amp; through with a live arm and undervalued athleticism as a runner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DT: Gavin Tinch, 6'4" 285, Prairie Ridge, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a well-versed run-stopper with a strong anchor and plays with maximum effort at all times. Tinch plays with a low pad level, can control interior offensive linemen on man blocks, and will bait quarterbacks to leave the pocket as a rusher. This young man has a very high ceiling and I think his best football is ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>OL: Andy Burburija, 6'3" 260, Crystal Lake South, 2024</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a tough kid that plays a physical brand of football. He blocks well in space, is a knockdown machine, and shows no issues maintaining second-level blocks. I love this kid's onfield attitude and how he speeds his feet through contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>TE: Jack Berger, 6'4" 215, Deerfield, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was impressed by Burger's frame and route-running ability. He's developing well as a run blocker and is a major receiving threat on the intermediate level of the field. He's a bull after the catch that will muscle through arm tackles and drag opponents with him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='271847' first='Korey' last='Randle'] 6' 155, United, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An elusive prospect that is lightning in a bottle. Randle shows explosive change of direction, is fearless going over the middle, and has great body control. He's got excellent top-end speed, navigates well through tight windows, and can take the top off just about any defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->