Rising Sophomores Ready to Standout at the Varsity Level

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer camp is almost upon us! High schools across the state are getting ready to hand out pads and begin prep for the 2023 season. I'm personally ready to get out and see some of the state's top programs. In the meantime, I'll be covering some of Illinois' top-rising talent. Today, I'm looking at which sophomores are ready to have a big season at the varsity level. Some of these prospects have already seen varsity action, while others will be getting their first taste under the lights. </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 --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='839921' first='Hawken' last='Anderson'] 6'3" 275, Glenbrook South</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson shows nifty footwork, plenty of flexibility, and can reset his hands at a moment's notice. I think he projects as a guard or center at the next level and is due for a big 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='801878' first='McHale' last='Blade'] 6'4" 235, Hillcrest</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A twitchy big man that explodes off the snap and can cause immediate disruption. He's got impressive grip strength, he can get skinny through smaller gaps, has solid hip mobility, and shows excellent body control. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='801884' first='RicoAntonio' last='D'Alessandro'] 6'4" 185, Whitney Young</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-sport standout with dynamite leaping ability and elite concentration. Rico is smooth at the top of his route, he knows how to box out a defender with his frame and can line up at all four receiver spots. His frame, quickness, and overall athleticism make him a division one prospect in both football and basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='401622' first='Logan' last='Abrams'] 6'3" 220, Cary Grove</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan has already put together one season of varsity action and flashed plenty of upside. He's got a good first step, he can quickly disengage against run blocks, he can hold his ground against opposing double teams, and has the lateral quickness to disrupt outside zone schemes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='401603' first='Devin' last='Hamilton'] 6'3" 190, Marist</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long strider with deceptive speed, terrific balance, and strong hands in traffic. Hamilton can go up and get the football, he's a fantastic kick-returner with good vision and can pluck every throw within the framework of his body. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>QB: John Bargen, 6'3" 170, Dunlap</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bargen has polished footwork, he throws with great anticipation and timing &amp; puts plenty of air under his deep ball. He's fearless against the rush and is willing to take big hits against free runners. He easily identifies matchup issues pre-snap and can make throws outside the pocket off-platform. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->