Boom 10/6 Practice Standouts
QB: Vincenzo Meschi, Bolingbrook, SR
Looking for a QB with a live arm that’s flying under the radar? Well, look no further, because Mr. Meschi can really air it out. He’s got good footwork in the pocket and will work through his progression to defeat zone coverage. Not much-recruiting love right now, but if he does what I know he can do, it could be coming soon.
QB: Chris Perez, Grant, JR
Chris has taken massive strides heading into year two as the lead signal-caller at Grant. He’s improved his overall arm strength and has become a much more natural touch thrower. His athleticism could be key as he enters his junior season this winter.
QB: Michael Priami, St. Charles North, SR
St. Charles North looks to have their next QB in line with Bartlett transfer Michael Priami. Michael made throws on the run look almost effortless, and his timing was spot on with his wideouts. He dropped the ball right into the breadbasket for his targets and was consistent the entire workout.
WR: Carnell Tate Carnell Tate 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR IMG Academy | 2023 State FL , Marist, SO
Carnell is so impressive in person as a route runner. He’s got great burst off the ball, can unlock his hips at the top of his route, and will work back to the QB. He showed fast hands that he used to pluck the football out of the air. Only just a sophomore and his recruiting is just getting started.
WR: Eian Pugh Eian Pugh 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Fenwick | 2022 State IL , Fenwick, JR
The thing that jumps out to me about Eian is his catch radius. Whether it’s a vertical ball or quick game, no matter how good or bad of a throw it is, Eian always seems to reel it in. Pugh has good size and solid build up speed he uses to run by defensive backs. He dominated during 1 on 1’s and looked almost unguardable.
WR: Jaylon Smith, Hinsdale South, SR
Every Boom coach that I talked to raved about this young man. Jaylon took part during the individual portion, before going down with an injury during 1 on 1’s. During Individual though, you could see the pure footspeed and how effortlessly he got around the cone. Smith is a definite sleeper who needs to be on people’s radar.
WR: Dane Pardridge, Marmion, JR
Dane can lineup on the outside or as a slot, but I think his best work is done in space matched up against linebackers. Dane is a crafty route runner, who understands how to stem defensive backs and it wasn’t uncommon to see him spin a DB. He may not be the biggest guy in the building, but he showed all night he can consistently win 1 on 1 matchups for his quarterback.
TE: Ryan Orput, Hinsdale Central, SR
This kid has to be one of the state’s fastest rising prospects. It’s tough to find someone with this size who can run in the 4.5 range. Beyond that, he runs routes like a wide receiver and catches the ball away from his body. With a big senior season, I think this kid could become an FBS type player.
DB: Darrion Dupree, Mount Carmel, FR
Only just a freshman, but the sky is the limit for this young man. He’s got a smooth backpedal, clean breaks, and good feet in press coverage. His top-end speed is his biggest asset and I think he’ll be one of the premier prospects in the 2024 class.
DB: Noah Taylor, Lemont, SO
Taylor is getting ready for his first varsity season and should be a key member of Lemont’s defense. Last night, he showed loose hips and great route recognition. He played a ton of corner, but I think he projects as a safety at the next level. A big sophomore season could be coming.
DB: Ben Wilson, Warren, JR
When I saw this kid, I immediately went up to Boom founder J.R. Niklos and asked, “Who is that?” Ben is long and put together at 6’1, 190. He can run with the best of them and has a good offhand jam. In press coverage, he does a good job taking six-inch steps and doesn’t get outside the framework of his body when coming out of his breaks.
ATH: Cam Pickett, Brooks, JR
Cam has the ability to play on either side of the ball. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and an absolute terror in the open-field. However, I was very impressed by his footwork as a corner in individual drills. He can get up and press at the line of scrimmage and will guard the best of them.
DB: Kevin Jackson, Leo, SO
Jackson is a smaller corner, but this kid plays with the heart of a lion. He can run too, clocking a 4.67 at our camp a few weeks back. He can play out of a pedal or in press and will disrupt a wide receiver’s release. He’s aggressive and not afraid to step in front of a pass. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him.
Others Who Stood Out
QB: Dontrell Jackson, Marist, JR
DB: Amon Walker, Willowbrook, JR
TE: Charlie Sessa, Hinsdale Central, SR
QB: Cole Teschner, Schaumburg, SO
ATH: Brandon Bell, Wheaton Warrenville South, JR