Next Level Athletix and iTrainAthletix: QB’s, TE’s, WR’s & DB’s
The FIST workout wasn’t just lineman that were present, but a collaboration with Next Level Athletix and iTrainAthletics where a number of quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and defensive backs (a very small group) got a chance to compete against…
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Continue ReadingThe FIST workout wasn’t just lineman that were present, but a collaboration with Next Level Athletix and iTrainAthletics where a number of quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and defensive backs (a very small group) got a chance to compete against each other after their individual work. Here are the players who stood out during Sunday’s workout.
Quarterbacks
2022 Dontrell Jackson, Marist @trelljackson17
It seems like I see Jackson at every event I attend, but that’s a good thing. Jackson is hard at work getting better and that’s exactly what happens every time I see him spin the ball. Throws a tight spiral and catchable ball, the only real knock on him is his size. He isn’t the prototype size, but he’s not tiny at 6’ and 183-pounds. Regardless of the size, he possess great vision and anticipation on his throws. Already holding P5 offers, more are to come down the line.
2023 Ashton Gondeck, Mount Carmel @AshtonGondeck
Look of for this young man this year, after playing his first season in Lake Zurich, Gondeck has made the move to Carmel. He is also a bit undersized, at 5’11” and 165-pounds, but he’s got plenty of time to fill out. What he does well is throw a very nice ball with good touch. Gondeck is one to watch over the next few years.
2023 Aidan Gray, Naperville North @AidanGray05
Another rising sophomore that is going to blow up sooner than later, Gray has the size that many school covet at 6’3” and 180-pounds. He will add on good weight over the next few years, and could get taller as well. Threw good balls all afternoon with solid touch. Already getting some P5 interest, that will continue as he gets better the coming years.
Wide receivers
2022 Max Reese Max Reese 6'3" | 215 lbs | WR Fenwick | 2022 State IL , Fenwick @MaxReese10
The most physically ready player out there this past Sunday, Reese has elite size at 6’3” and 205-pounds, but has room to fill out his frame. Ran crisp routes, has good hands and great body control which he showed multiple times. Reese already has a few P5 offers in hand, and with a big junior campaign they should keep coming for the future playmaker.
2022 Malik Armstrong, Minooka @_Marmstrong14
Long and athletic, Armstrong is a guy I have seen multiple times, each of them he reminds me that his ceiling is very high. He has a very big catch radius due to his long arms, good speed and solid hands. Armstrong will need to continue to add on weight, but his 6’1” frame will allow him to add it. That is probably the biggest knock on him right now, at 160-pounds, bigger corners will try and bully him, but with more strength, that won’t be an issue. He doesn’t have much recruiting interest but that will change after he has a big junior year.
2024 Noah Pfaffin, Lyons Township @Largenosh
The best route runner of the group, Pfafflin has such a high ceiling. If you told me he was a ’22 prospect, I’d expect to hear that he’s getting some big time interest. Most recruiting haven’t even looked that far ahead but this young man is worth an early look. He already possess a very solid frame at 6’1” and 175-pounds. Great hands and a knack for getting open, Pfafflin will explode when people catch on. I’m already firmly on his train.
2022 Brian Hunt, Fenwick @bhunt111
Hunt glides across the field and is a great looking slot prospect. He’s got solid size at 6’ and 170-pounds, but can still add on weight to his frame. Hunt showed good hands and ran good routes. I like the upside here, needs to work on body control, but that nitpicking. Should start to get some recruiting interest if he has a good junior year.
2021 Tight End Jake Cicero Jake Cicero 6'5" | 245 lbs | TE Glenbard North | 2021 IL , Glenbard North @CiceroJake
If there was a fall season, Cicero would have been a big benefactor. He’s got great size at 6’5” and 235-pounds, used his body well to shield off defenders and make catches. Very solid hands and runs well how big he is. Cicero could still add on some weight, but he’s almost maxed out his frame. Still like the upside of this pass-catching tight end.
Defensive backs
2021 Nick Bucaro Nick Bucaro 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Bartlett | 2021 IL , Bartlett @NickBucaro246
The best defensive back in attendance, Bucaro has great size at 6’ and 175-pounds. He picked off two passes during the 1v1, the first one was extremely impressive as he flipped his hips and broke on a under-thrown ball. The second pick, he was in good position and again another under-thrown ball. His back pedal is very good, didn’t have to hand fight at all due to his very good positioning and closing speed. Is getting some interest from St. Norbert, Monmouth and others, but should be getting much more.
2023 Quinn Colbert, IC Catholic @QuinnColbert2p
Another young man that continues to be working hard during the “off-season” and continues to impress. Great size for a defensive back at 6’ and 180-pounds, Colbert is a prospect that keep getting better. He was playing off the ball, I asked him to show me his press coverage and he didn’t disappoint, a good punch and very good back pedal. Colbert is a name to watch for over the next few years.
2021 Khristian Ballou, IC Catholic
Ballou is a bit of an unknown, many people didn’t know who he was but he stood out during the 1v1 portion. He showed good hip rotation, and a solid backpedal as well. As a transfer to IC, he seems to be lost in the shuffle. Someone is going to find out about his talents and offer the very talented 5’10” and 180-pound corner. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have any Hudl tape or social media, which is why he’s flying under the radar. Ballou is definitely worth a look however.