South-Seven Conference Sleepers
Get to know some of the up and comers from the South Seven! Rick Smith Height: 6ft Weight:200 Position: QB/OLB Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, Illinois Not often do you see a QB who is willing to also take snaps…
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Continue ReadingGet to know some of the up and comers from the South Seven!
Rick Smith
Height: 6ft
Weight:200
Position: QB/OLB
Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, Illinois
Not often do you see a QB who is willing to also take snaps at LB! You get that with Rick Smith. Smith has a lot of raw talent that can be turned into something truly specially. At quarterback he has great ball placement, knows how to sell the pass and run tremendously well, and is not afraid of a bit of contact at both of his positions of course. Smith does something that most quarterbacks have trouble doing, which is staying patient in the pocket. He allows the play to develop even when his first read is not there. Smith will take hits, avoid hits, and is still able to complete the play without scrambling!
Le’Tarrius Conway
Height: 5’9
Weight: 165lbs
Position: Slot WR & Running Back
C/o 2021
Cahokia High School, Cahokia, Illinois
Le’Tarrius Conway is a speed demon! One thing that stands out about Conway is his mindset of pure domination when it comes to competing against others. He states that “it is only one of me, you won’t find another me and what I can bring to the offensive side of the ball.” His route running and hands are terrific as you can see by the photo! He will go up and over anyone to get what is his! College programs will get a dependable person & team player when it comes to Conway. He is one who enjoys the pressure of having to put his team on his back and making that explosive play. Last season Conway posted 426 receiving yards, 26 receptions, and 2 Touchdowns.
Darius Ragland
Height: 6’2
Weight: 175
Position: DB/QB
C/o 2021
Carbondale Community High School, Carbondale, Illinois
Darius Ragland is versatile young man on and off the field! He has quick feet, is agile, offensively he plays quarterback for his High School team but is getting recruited by colleges as a defensive back. At the quarterback position Ragland knows how to read defenses extremely well. When he scrambles in the pocket he makes it look good & no doubt is a dual threat QB by the way he places the football! Defensively Ragland is gifted and has an advantage on most defensive players from being a QB as well as such a knowledgeable football player. Ragland’s dedication to the mental aspect of football sets himself far a part from others. He studies his film & watches legends aspiring to better than them one day. No doubt Ragland is a leader on and off the field. In his community he is a vocal leader as he created a reading program for the youth in his community. Ragland puts others over self with no hesitation. Darius Ragland was named All-State honorable mention last year as a junior, 1st Team All-Conference, and his Sophomore year he was named first team all South. After making it to the playoffs last year with an 8-2 record Carbondale lost in the first round. They made history by taking share of the conference for the first time in 28 years. In his last year Darius Ragland is planning to bring home a championship for Carbondale High School!
Daveonte Cunningham
Height: 5’9
Weight: 195lbs
Position: DL/RB
C/o 2021
Centralia High School, Centralia, Illinois
Daveonte Cunningham shows who is boss with the ball & on defense he is not scared to hit, he loves to hit! His communication on the field is great and helpful to his teammates having such a high football IQ. For a defensive lineman most would say Cunningham is under seized but he believes his size benefits him at DL. He has a high motor that wont stop if the ball carrier is 10 yards down the field. Cunningham is not afraid of coaching, he is reliable and aspires to have a positive mindset only. Next season he aspires to hit holes more aggressively, preciser cutbacks, & his vision running the ball will be a lot better! Defensively he has been working on overcoming fighting off double teams he knows he will see this upcoming season. Daveonte Cunningham was nominated 1st team All-Conference his sophomore & junior year. He will also be the Team captain his upcoming senior season 2021, holding offers from Grandview University (LB), Graceland University(OLB/RB), Carthage College(LB), & Laurel College (LB)
“Don’t leave your seat you never know whats going to happen with Centrailia High #2 on the field!”
Venson Newsom
Height: 6’3
Weight: 185lbs
Position: WR/Safety
C/o 2022
Marion High School, Marion, Illinois
Whenever you see Venson Newsom you will always see the kid having fun, encouraging others, and showing an energetic spirit! His teammates can come to him about anything football related or non related. The 6’3 185lb Junior skill player has always played up with older athletes. That is what has motivated him to become a better athlete each and everyday. To college programs Newsom will bring a ton of energy and be a true game changer when called upon. On the offensive side of the ball for the upcoming season he demands to perfect his game & become an all around receiver that can do it all. He wants to highlight playing for his teammates when the ball is not in his hands, giving them 110% & holding them accountable more than he has in previous season. Newsom gathers his teammates together for work out sessions so that they can boost their chemistry up, so that when it comes to game time their play together is flawless. Newsom, was named All South Seven Team does. He does not focus on his stats or accolades but is definitely ready to produce a breakout year and surprise everyone with a year to remember his name!
Evan Leake
Height: 5’11
Weight: 200lbs
Position: Athlete
C/o 2021
Evan Leake is ELECTRIC! Leake is the type of football player that can turn a broken play into a touchdown. Leake is always looking to get into the end-zone when he has possession of the football. Leake’s speed burst once he hits the second level and gets in the open field is dangerous. He is labeled as an athlete because he can truly do it all from any position on both sides of the ball. His ability to read pass and run on defense is scary for offensive coordinators if he remains unblocked. He runs crispy routes, sure hands when catching the ball, and knows how to make defenders miss. One thing I love about Evan Leake is that he never takes his foot off the gas! Scouts should be all over Evan Leake as he is looking to have a stunning Senior Season.
2x First Team All-Conference, Human Highlight Reel