PRzIL Rankings Update: Top Uncommitted 2024 Ballhawks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a former long-time defensive back through the youth, high school, and collegiate ranks, I naturally love DB play and pay special attention to the defensive backs in my areas of coverage while scouting for <em>PrepRedzone</em>. In my opinion, it's one of the most challenging position groups on the gridiron, where athleticism, instincts, and physicality all have to combine for a prospect to be a complete and high level safety or corner. In the <em>PRzIL </em>2024 rankings update, there is a loaded crop of DBs possessing size, talent, production, and versatility, and among the 17 ranked standouts, there are some very accomplished uncommitted corners and safeties who would make for a heckuva land for a collegiate coach at the next level. Having already highlighted [player_tooltip player_id='271837' first='Leontre' last='Bradford'] (East St. Louis) and [player_tooltip player_id='245942' first='David' last='Coffey'] (De La Salle Institute) in a previous feature on the rankings update coverage, we're breaking down the remaining uncommitted ballhawks here. Don't throw it these boys way in 2023! Let's dig in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["291196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I'm a big fan of the players, prospects, and people the u003cemu003eFenwick Friarsu003c/emu003e football program produces year to year, and 6', 190 lb. DB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='291196' first='Elijah' last='Romeus']u003c/strongu003e has been on my radar for a while and is no exception to my fandom. A 2021 state champ with Fenwick who holds a 4.35 GPA, u003cstrongu003eRomeusu003c/strongu003e holds offers from Illinois State (PWO), St. Thomas, Central Missouri, and Butler, and is a player with the potential to significantly raise their stock during his senior season in 2023. He's also caught our scouts attention during the summer camp szn, specifically u003cemu003ePRzWIu003c/emu003e lead scout and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e contributor Mark Johnson, who noted u003cstrongu003eRomeusu003c/strongu003e' three level versatility, fluid hips, and reliability as a tackler. I'm definitely in agreement with Mark, and appreciate his hard-hitting playstyle, closing speed in both run support and when breaking up passes, ability to tackle in space, and propensity to stay sticky to receivers in man coverage. He does a good job of getting his head around and staying hip-to-hip with WRs running downfield, and also shows off the athleticism to create big plays as a WR and kick returner, where his burst and quickness make him a problem after the catch. u003cstrongu003eRomeusu003c/strongu003e is a three-phase contributor and a dynamic playmaker who can do a ton that's asked of him on the gridiron. I also think it's super rad he rocks #44 as a safety, and he laid some of the bigger hits I saw while grinding tape for the 2024 update.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["898633"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eMount Carmelu003c/emu003e roster is looking stacked to the brim with talent in 2023, u003cemu003eespecially u003c/emu003eat the defensive back position, where their depth and top-end ability are arguably unmatched in the state of Illinois. One of their heavyweight DB standouts is 6'3, 195 lb. CB/S u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='898633' first='Dillon' last='Conway']u003c/strongu003e, who holds eye-catching size for the position and currently holds offers from New Hampshire, Eastern Illinois, and Illinois State, all of which came since the middle of May. This summer at the Northwestern prospect camp, he posted solid athletic numbers which included a 4.64 40 and 9'3u0022 broad with a 4.5 short-shuttle coming at an offseason showcase, all at 199 pounds, and was a big part of the u003cemu003eCaravan'su003c/emu003e 14-0 state championship run last fall, where he lined up and succeeded against high-quality bigger school competition from the Land of Lincoln, not to mention his prowess against CCL opposition. On tape, he's a longer, strong CB who can line up to the field or boundary and holds the ability to flip his hips and stay patient while the ball is in the air before using his long arms to play the ball comfortably at the catch point. Also has no problem coming up and laying a hit in run support and shows a little bit of aptness when tackling in space. Also capable of playing press or off-man. u003cstrongu003eConwayu003c/strongu003e is a big CB who I could potentially see moving down to a hybrid LB role at the next level depending on how he continues to grow and put on weight, but the fact that he's athletic enough to play CB at the prep level is a good sign for his resume as a recruit. Going to be a big fall for #24.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["898674"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cemu003eCarmel Catholicu003c/emu003e is another program with loads of talent going into 2023, and they have an attractive rising senior DB prospect in 6'1, 190 lb. CB/S u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='898674' first='Harlon' last='May']u003c/strongu003e. The All-Conference selection in 2022 posted 35 tackles, 12 PBUs, 5 INTs, and 2 TFLs for some solid production, and for his efforts he's earned offers from UIndy, UW-Whitewater, Southwest Baptist University, Bemidji State, Butler, and MSU-Mankato to make for a healthy list of heavyweight DII and DIII suitors, and he posted a 4.43 short shuttle and 9' broad jump at the Northwestern mega camp in late June. It's also worth noting his 3.57 GPA, which combines to make him a heckuva student-athlete. u003cstrongu003eMayu003c/strongu003e is always around the football, which is aided by his strength when playing the ball in the air, comfortability and playmaking capacity in zone coverage, and ability to get out of his breaks quickly and trigger on the football as well as recognize routes and route combinations. I really like his prowess in zone coverage, where he does a great job of staying patient, looking for work, and reading/reacting to what the QB and WRs are giving to him. Field side corner, strong using shuffle technique and is a natural at melting back into the wideout and getting in their hip pocket, and has the speed to stay on top of WRs going vertical. Really like the ball skills and production as well. More offers are coming!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["511577"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"A transfer from u003cemu003eMacombu003c/emu003e, DB [player_tooltip player_id='511577' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] added yet another D1 athlete to the u003cemu003eMount Carmel Caravanu003c/emu003e DB room, and is in the midst of a strong summer on the camp circuit, as he pulled in an FCS offer from North Dakota this past weekend, which joined an offer sheet that included Western Illinois. u003cstrongu003eJones u003c/strongu003eis a three-phase contributor who does his best work from the CB spot, where he is physical when getting off blocks and as a tackler, possesses a smooth backpedal and can start/stop and accelerate out of his breaks well, shows good speed that he uses to stay on top of WRs going vertical as well as run-down loose ball carriers impressively, and is solid offensively with the ball-in-hand who is sudden and elusive. u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e also plays the ball well in the air and shows off solid hips in off-man coverage on the perimeter. With the transfer and two offers coming recently, a lot is riding on this fall for u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e, who will be competing with other D1-caliber defensive backs as well as WRs on the u003cemu003eCaravanu003c/emu003e roster, so u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e will be watching him closely to see how he can and will elevate his stock and play as a senior.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["354253"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cemu003eGrayslake Northu003c/emu003e 6'1, 185 lb. safety u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='354253' first='Carter' last='Barenbaum']u003c/strongu003e was recently named to our u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e list of the 2024 classes hardest hitters, a prestigious selection that was hard to earn, as there were a ton of potential of nominations from hard hitting 2024s all around the state of Illinois. We broke his down his expertise into contact in that previous feature u003ca href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/2023/07/prepredzoneil-2024-rankings-update-hardest-hitters/u0022u003ehere,u003c/au003e but we'll get more in-depth in regards to his overall skillset and strengths for this Ballhawking feature here. Barenbaum posted 71 total tackles (57 defensive, 14 on special teams), 9 PBUs, 5 INTs (tied school record, took one back to the house), and a forced fumble, and was a strong representation of a ballhawk, as he did a great job of naturally being around the football at the right times and capitalizing on offensive mistakes and miscommunications. As a MOF defender, his range was impressive, as he was able to defend the sidelines and hashes with ease, as well as get downhill and cover ground in run support as well. I also really like how he fires out of his breaks with burst, and he's athletic enough to high point and play the ball well in the air. As mentioned in the hardest hitters article, u003cstrongu003eBarenbaumu003c/strongu003e also will smack the crap out of WRs and RBs, and laid a couple of the bigger hits I saw while grinding tape for the update, and especially amongst his DB peers. Right now, he's got offers from UW-Eau Claire, UW-Platteville, Carthage College, Judson, UW-Oshkosh, and MSU-Mankato. Rangy, physical, and instinctive is a good mix for a DB. I like how he projects to the next level and am excited to check him out as a senior.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["299439"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"We got a CCL ballhawk next up for this u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e special as we head to u003cemu003eSt. Rita of Cascia High Schoolu003c/emu003e and their 6'2, 170 lb. CB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='299439' first='Zackary' last='Clark'].u003c/strongu003e Off the jump, the size and production impress, as u003cstrongu003eClarku003c/strongu003e posted 45 tackles, 6 INTs, 4 PBUs, and a pick six, plus zero defensive penalties while lining up against high-quality Chicago and Land of Lincoln talent. He especially excels in pass coverage from his field corner spot, where he does a good job of getting his head around to play the ball, can high point and win contested catch situations and uses his length well in press and when breaking up passes at the catch point. I also like that u003cstrongu003eClarku003c/strongu003e is proficient in zone coverage and does a good job of playing front to back to sneak into passing lanes and pick of passes, as well as help on the #2 WR, plus his comfortability in man, where he can stay with WRs deep as well as stay competitive against WR screens, where he does a good job of retracing WR steps and beating blocks with quickness and speed. A big thing for u003cstrongu003eClarku003c/strongu003e to continue leveling up his game is making sure to drop his hips and stay lower in his backpedal as well as out of his breaks, but despite that he does a great job of competing on routes to all three levels of the field, as his length, patience, and physicality at the catch point are all a big plus, and he rarely wastes steps and recognizes when WRs are breaking off their routes rapdily. Right now, he's got offers from Lawrence Tech, Southwest Baptist, Valpo, and MSU-Mankato. That list will continue to increase as he gets further into what will be a productive and accomplished senior season.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["898676"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"A three-sport standout for u003cemu003eBarringtonu003c/emu003e who excels on the gridiron, hardwood, and track, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='898676' first='Matt' last='Marusich']u003c/strongu003e has earned All-Conference, team Defensive MVP, and All-Area HM honors as a defensive back and has seen his recruitment take off very recently as NSIC competitors Minnesota-Duluth and Minot State offered DII scholarships at the end of June. u003cstrongu003eMarusichu003c/strongu003e measures in at 6'2, 175 lbs., and displays speed and athleticism on the perimeter as both a boundary or field CB. I like his top-end speed, which helps him carry WRs deep and stay on top of vertical routes, and u003cstrongu003eMarusichu003c/strongu003e does a great job of high-pointing and winning 50/50 balls, which he does gracefully I may add. His timing when playing the deep ball stands out, and he triggers on the football well on routes all over the field. He's a great rep early in his junior highlights where he recognizes a hitch/corner route (smash concept), quickly drops the hitch, and then covers a ton of ground to pick off the corner route near his endzone for a beautiful INT. He's also strong when positioning himself to play the ball, is sticky at staying hip-to-hip with WRs all over the field, and is a physical tackler who doesn't mind laying the boom when given the chance and understands how to beat blocks and make tackles with proper pursuit leverage. Of all the things he does well and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e likes, his athleticism and prowess at playing the ball in the air and snagging INTs high in the sky is most impressive, IMO. u003cstrongu003eMarusichu003c/strongu003e has a strong junior highlight tape and we are stoked to see how he's improved on his game this offseason. More college programs need to get involved ASAP.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["898681"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cemu003eOak Park-River Forestu003c/emu003e 5'11, 165 lb. safety u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='898681' first='Khalil' last='Nichols']u003c/strongu003e is currently unoffered, which gives the chance for a collegiate program to get in early and leave a great impression in showing u003cstrongu003eNicholsu003c/strongu003e they believe in his skillset, which is balanced, athletic, and impressive. u003cstrongu003eNicholsu003c/strongu003e is versatile and can line up at multiple spots around the defensive secondary, which includes his ability to cover man-to-man out of the slot. He posted 40 tackles, 4 INTs, 4 PBUs, 2 blocked FGs, a blocked PAT, and a fumble recovery in 2022, and this summer clocked a a 4.46 40 at the Lake Forest Mega Camp. In addition to his man-t0-man ability, u003cstrongu003eNichols u003c/strongu003eis comfortable and capable of making plays in zone coverage, is very quick out of his breaks and rangy once he triggers on the football, can come down and support the run inside the box and takes good angles to the football when pursuing out to the edge. He's also explosive off the edge when going after FGs and PATs on special teams, and demonstrates good technique as a tackler, which allows him to take on and take down larger ball carriers with no issues. Someone offer this kid!","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["354102"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Coming out of the Rockford area and u003cemu003eBoylan Catholic High Schoolu003c/emu003e, 6'2, 190 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='354102' first='Santana' last='English']u003c/strongu003e excels on both sides of the football and brings length and impressive composure when the ball is in the air in pass coverage. Offensively, he's a long strider that covers a ton of ground when going north-south and when he opens up, and is quick and can step and slip through tackle attempts with the ball in hand as a WR or after an INT. Defensively, there's a lot going for him, especially at his size. u003cstrongu003eEnglishu003c/strongu003e is proficient in shuffle technique and does a good job of staying low and dropping his hips for a bigger CB, can cover man-t0-man out of the slot or on the perimeter, and is comfortable pressing, where he uses his length and physicality to jam receivers off their marks and impact the timing and cohesion of the WR to QB relationship, which is where that speed and his long strides help him capitalize on misthrows that no one else can get to. He can also flip his well well, shows good technique in off man and is patient when getting hip to hip with a WR, where he gets his head around quickly and reacts well to the ball, and has recovery speed to boot. Additionally, when making a play on the ball, he times the break well and is solid at asserting and positioning himself strongly to finish the catch and is dangerous with the rock in his hand. Right now, NSIC competitor Winona State is his lone offer, but that will change once senior tape keeps coming out. There's a ton of talent in Rockford for 2023, so college coaches coming into the area will be sure to hear about u003cstrongu003eEnglishu003c/strongu003e and his talent.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["819670"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"One of the most popular uncommitted defensive backs on this list, Roscoe, Illinois and u003cemu003eHononegah High School u003c/emu003eproduct u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='819670' first='Isaiah' last='Houi']u003c/strongu003e holds offers from Western Illinois, the University of Sioux Falls, Northern Iowa, Indiana State, Grand Valley State, Southeast Missouri State, McKendree, Eastern Illinois, Upper Iowa, Northern State, and MSU-Mankato, all since his All-Conference junior season wrapped up and the winter concluded. u003cstrongu003eHouiu003c/strongu003e holds five D1 FCS offers for a reason, as he's positionally versatile, having lined up at both CB and S in 2022, as well as WR, RB, and as both a kick and punt returner. Offensively and on special teams, he's twitchy and explosive and is great at creating separation as a route runner, particularly at the LOS in his releases. He's fast no matter where he lines up as well, and it shows up in defense, as he has a good rep of him running down a loose ball carrier and saving a TD in pursuit. In coverage, he's patient in his read steps and then explodes out of his stance once he lets loose, triggering fast once he locks in and recognizes that the receiver is committed to his route. Also changes direction well in coverage as the high safety, tracks the ball well, is physical at the catch point, and does a good job of getting his hands in and breaking up passes for a 5'10 safety. Speaking of physicality, u003cstrongu003eHouiu003c/strongu003e is a great cut tackler and laid some solid hits against opposing ball carriers last fall. He goes all-in into contact and made impressive goal-line tackles to keep opponents out of the endzone. There's a lot of speed in his game and he can do a ton asked of him on the gridiron. He's going to have some massive production and a large workload as a senior. u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e can't wait to see it.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["271724"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Our final uncommitted Ballhawking DB of the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2024 rankings update also comes out of u003cemu003eHononegah High Schoolu003c/emu003e in their 6'1, 150 lb. standout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='271724' first='Will' last='Roberts']u003c/strongu003e. The two-way contributor posted 37 total tackles, 5 PBUs, and 3 INTs as a DB last fall, and is currently without an offer going into the fall of his senior season. I like how he stays around the football and patrols the hashes well and showed solid anticipation as a MOF defender, and was a benefactor of the tip drill as a junior. u003cstrongu003eRobertsu003c/strongu003e closes very quickly, puts his hat on the football in run support, and showed some juice with the ball in his hand, both after an INT and on offense as a wideout. Carroll University has gotten his lone visit so far, so there's a lot of recruiting runway left for the rising senior and he's going to be busy in 2023-24. Be careful throwing into the u003cemu003eIndianu003c/emu003e secondary this fall, they'll make ya pay!","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b4442a2379f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->