Twelve expected risers in next PRZ rankings update
Our class of 2022 rankings have just been released, and while it’s a comprehensive list, there will always be conversations as to where a player should be ranked. Here are a few guys that I believe should get a bump…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur class of 2022 rankings have just been released, and while it’s a comprehensive list, there will always be conversations as to where a player should be ranked. Here are a few guys that I believe should get a bump in their ranking when we release our next update.
Brother Rice DB Khary Shaw Khary Shaw 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Brother Rice | 2022 State IL (6’2” and 205lbs) @KharyShaw
Rank: Watch List
After just receiving an offer from Eastern Michigan and Toledo, Shaw should be among the top 40 in the state. His size and speed should set him apart, even though he probably isn’t a corner long term. Shaw could play in the slot but he’s most likely best suited as a free safety. He reads plays well, is physical enough the changes the course of routes while running with receivers. There’s no way he should not be ranked and just be on the watch list.
Brooks WR Cameron Pickett (6′ and 180lbs) @CamPickett4
Rank: N/A
After picking up offers from Illinois State, Eastern Illinois Yale, Austin Peay and Ball State this month, Pickett should be viewed as a top-15 receiver in the state. He doesn’t have ideal size, but he recently ran a 4.48 at the Iowa State camp, showing he’s got the wheels to make things happen. Pickett does play for an undermanned Brooks team, but after seeing him perform this spring against St. Viator, he certainly should be ranked among the top players at his position in the state.
Palatine WR Jacob Bostick Jacob Bostick 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Palatine | 2022 State IL (6’3” and 170lbs) @JacobBostick5
Rank: 17
After seeing him live during the spring season, there’s not one player that I’d rather have on my team. Kaleb Brown. Kaleb Brown. 5'11" | 230 lbs | OL Auburn | 2022 State IL has everything you’re looking for but he’s a tweener, who should end up as a wide receiver but could be a very good running back. With the way the game is trending, having a receiver who is technical in their route even if he doesn’t run a 4.4 fourty, and can high point the ball will always be in style. To me, he’s the best player in the state.
Evanston LB Mark Cannon Mark Cannon 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Evanston Township | 2022 State IL (6’3” and 195lbs) @MarkCannonJr1
Rank: 26
This isn’t about where Cannon is ranked, to it’s more about the position. He’s going to outgrow the cornerback position and most likely will do the same as a safety. As an outside linebacker, Cannon could be an absolute game-changer. He has the skills to excel at the position even though he would be extremely raw. Cannon hit’s hard, can lock onto receivers and has the frame to be a three-down outside linebacker. He’s still one of the best in the state, just not on the perimeter.
Fenwick Jimmy Liston Jimmy Liston 6'4" | 310 lbs | OL Fenwick | 2022 State IL (6’3” and 290lbs) @jimmyliston64
Rank: 41
With multiple P5 offers including Ole Miss, Penn State and Texas Tech, Liston should be among the top 25 in the state. Although I have yet to see him live, up close Liston has a wide frame and moves extremely well. He’s a very good snapper, with an on/off mean switch that gives him an edge. At 41st in the state, he’s a bit low in my estimation.
Glenbard South RB Trevor Burnett Trevor Burnett 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Glenbard South | 2022 State IL (5’10” and 185lbs) @TrevorBurnett8
Rank: 54
Although he gave away some carries to Eastern Illinois signee Jeremy Gelino Jeremy Gelino 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Glenbard South | 2021 IL , Burnett was the focal point of the running attack. Shifty and quick, he’s got good vision to get to the second level and create big plays. Burnett is well put together and could continue to add good weight to an already solid frame. He should be viewed as a top five back in the state.
Maine South OLB Thaddeus Gianaris Thaddeus Gianaris 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Maine South | 2022 State IL (6’2” and 230lbs) @TeddyGianaris
Rank: 107
Although Gianaris mostly lines up as a defensive end, he’s destined to be an outside linebacker at the next level. He’s not quite big enough to be a defensive end, but he’s got the speed, coverage skills and rushing ability to make a full transition to an outside linebacker. When I saw him live during their game against Evanston, Gianaris outplayed Sebastian Cheeks Sebastian Cheeks 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Evanston | 2022 State IL . He’s a top-50 player in the state, with the upside of being viewed as even higher than that.
Niles Notre Dame RT Tommy Shipman Tommy Shipman 6'5" | 275 lbs | OL Niles Notre Dame | 2022 State IL (6’5” and 275lbs) @TommyShipman1
Rank: 264
A top ten player at his position in my mind, Shipman stands out like a sore thumb and was one of the best players on the field when I saw him live this spring. He’s got the size and ability that fits well as a strong-side tackle, and if that doesn’t work out, Shipman has the skills to slide inside. Strong, great bend and athletic, Shipman should be ranked much higher.
Metea Valley WR Jalen Johnson Jalen Johnson 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Metea Valley | 2022 State IL
(6’3” and 185lbs) @jalenkjohnson
Rank: 225
Already committed to Northern Illinois, this is another situation where position comes into factor. He best fits as a wide receiver, his size makes him an idea for redzone targets taking advantage of his frame and athletic ability. Although Johnson doesn’t have top end speed, he runs solid routes and creates separation well. At minimum he should be inside the top-50 players in the state.
DePaul College Prep QB Chris Perez Chris Perez 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB DePaul College Prep | 2022 State IL (6’2” and 200lbs) @ChrisPerez_07 (rank: 166) and Aidan Pieper Aidan Pieper QB Nazareth Academy | 2022 IL (6’2” and 205lbs) @PieperAidan (rank: 182)
Very similar prospects, big arms, athletic but still needs to show consistency. They have to tools be be very solid signal callers, the size is almost the ideal frame. They both should be ranked inside the top-10 quarterback in the state.
Lake Zurich TE Aleks Popovic Aleks Popovic 6'3" | 235 lbs | TE Lake Zurich | 2022 State IL (6’3” and 235lbs) @AleksPopovic3
Rank: 105
Already having an offer from FCS power Grand Valley State, Popovic should be a top-5 tight end in the state. Athletic with a very good frame and his hands are very solid. Popovic is underrated and if he has a big senior year, FBS offers could be on the way.