MLK Edgy Showcase Top Performers South of Chicago Part 1- Linemen

Excellent turnout in Crown Point, Indiana, at the Sparta Dome for Edgy Tim's Underclassmen, Showcase! Especially for Central and Southern Illinois, young student-athletes poured in with well over 70+ recruits from classes of 2025-2022. No surprise since Illinois has not allowed anything for football activities due to restrictions of COVID. They showed up, gave everything they had, and wanted more. Well ran showcase as always from EFT and Edgy Tim. They have done so much for the kids in Illinois with so much exposure and promoting hardworking student-athletes to make their dream come true to play collegiate football. I applaud the determination from everyone involved, and It takes true heart and perseverance to accomplish the things they have in such problematic times. <hr /> The East Saint Louis Flyers showed up with a caravan. Brought 40 plus to compete, and they showed up and stole the show. Great to see such representation from the Southern Illinois area this far north. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20908" first="Jireh" last="Mays"], East St. Louis, 2022, DL @Jiremays75</h5> Dominant is what comes to mind with Jireh. He had to be pulled back with some of the punishing bull rushes he put on display. His mean streak is what you want in the trenches; you can’t teach it. As the #2 DL in the Prep Redzone 2022 Rankings, his motor is something else when coming off the line. <h5>Ronald "RJ" King, Mt. Vernon, 2024, DL @KingRobald</h5> RJ was competing in his first showcase; he stepped up and had a great day! At 6’4 270, he was one of the more prominent freshmen at the showcase. I liked his ability to compete in the one on one’s; he flattened a few offensive linemen throughout the day—one to watch in the future. <h5>Ke’Andre McClendon, East St. Louis, 2024, DL</h5> Another young player who showed up to prove himself and didn’t disappoint, as a freshman, held his own with the upperclassmen using hand techniques to make up for the strength he doesn’t yet possess. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20841" first="Miles" last="McVay"], East St.Louis, 2023, OL @McVayMiles</h5> Miles looked the part and played that way. He is continually grinding, D-1 size, coupled with his athleticism, will make him one of the top OT's in the nation when the fall starts for his junior season. <h5>Melvin Priestly, East St. Louis, 2022, OL @melvinpriestly1</h5> The most recent Boom MVP showed why; he moves exceptionally well for his size, has a mean streak, and swallows defenders inside his big frame. The crucial fall season is approaching for him. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="20842" first="Paris" last="Patterson"], East St. Louis, 2023, OL @p_pattersonjr</h5> Paris also showed out as another astounding sized OL. Powerful, quick, and long-armed who again swallows up defenders. One on one’s, he stayed busy grabbing every rep he could. Showing why he is going to be one of the highly coveted prospects come next fall. <h5>Brandon Henderson, East St. Louis, 2023, OL</h5> He is a remarkably quick-playing center who used leverage to stonewall his opponents all afternoon. I saw him jumping in early and often for reps during one on one’s portion of the showcase. <h5>Peyton Mazur, Christopher HS, 2022, OL @MazurPeyton</h5> His footwork has improved his kick step speed as well. He showed he was ready for any challenge during the showcase jumping into action. He has been putting in the work, and you can see it. Hand placement is stable from the jump keeping the defender from undercutting inside. <h5>Everett Mathus, Mt. Vernon HS, 2022, OL @Everett31350664</h5> This showcase was a first for him, and he did quite well. He lined up at center all day long without a missed snap when I watched him, let alone didn’t lose a one on one drill. He impressed me with his quick feet and hand placement when defenders wanted to shift on him. When he gets stronger, Everett can play at the next level. Also, going to be working on his long snapping, which I feel he can do exceptionally well when he starts practicing it more often. <h5>Jeremiah Hardnett, O'Fallon Township HS, 2023, OL @jeremiahHardne1</h5> Impressed with how well he handled himself throughout the entire showcase. He moved well during the agility portion of the day, and one on one's, he played stout with a high motor and power. <hr /> Hard-pressed not talking about all the outstanding athletes East St. Louis showed up with, and so many from Chicago, it's tough to stand out for most of the south trying to get discovered. I will focus on all the student-athletes in central and southern Illinois throughout the MLK Showcase breakdown to highlight them and their positives at the showcase. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;