PRZ Young Bucks: 25′ Rankings Stock Risers Pt. 6
Our young bucks have kickstarted their high school careers across various levels. As they look to take their sophomore season snaps underway in the coming months, we’ve seen a number of stock risers across all positions. Without further ado, let’s…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur young bucks have kickstarted their high school careers across various levels. As they look to take their sophomore season snaps underway in the coming months, we’ve seen a number of stock risers across all positions. Without further ado, let’s dive into Part 6 of our Stock Risers.
James Penley James Penley 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Nazareth Academy | 2025 State IL Twitter
Mr. Penley is a young man that’s been on my radar before he even entered the high school ranks and he didn’t disappoint during his freshman season playing up on Varsity. This young man is deadly working out of the slot when he runs bubble screens and can get vertical quickly using his foot quicks. Here, he can get through tight alleys and then gain a step on the second level defenders to break a long run. When he runs underneath routes he can get in and out of his breaks quickly with a speed cut at the top of the route creating separation from the defender on the play. Look for this young man to continue to impress and take a bigger role as his high school career progresses.
Marcus McQueen Marcus McQueen 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Rock Island | 2025 IL Twitter
Mr. McQueen showcases glimpses of his foot quicks off the line of scrimmage which he uses to gain the step advantage on the cornerback to win over the top. When he’s running deep shots downfield, specifically on fly routes, he provides glimpses of tracking the ball well as he looks the ball in even in tight coverage. One trait that I’m interested to see develop further and see more of is his strong hands to secure the catch through contact. A young man that has a lot of untapped potential yet to come to light.
Gavin Simmons Gavin Simmons 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Glenwood | 2025 State IL Twitter
Mr. Simmons flashes a skill set that would transition well into the receiver position such as high pointing the ball, finding the alley in open space, and getting vertical to break a long run. He does also take snaps as a half back where these skills are showcased as he can find the alley and use his foot quicks to gain a step on the second-level defender before breaking long runs. Also poses a threat in the return game. Be sure to keep an eye on this young man as he continues to mold into his offensive position.
Weston Waughop Weston Waughop 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB Downers Grove North | 2025 IL Twitter
Mr. Waughop works out of the slot where he can stalk block the outside linebacker to not only create the alley but also but the outside backer on his back during the play. He mainly runs jet sweeps where he uses his lateral quickness to turn the corner as he waits for an alley to open up. He flashes glimpses of the type of player that he can become, working within the talented Downers Grove North receiving core look for more of his untapped potential to come to light.
Finn Goodman Finn Goodman 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB Lake Forest | 2025 IL Twitter
Mr. Goodman works as a 3-4 inside linebacker that can not only slip blocks to disrupt plays in the backfield but also takes good pursuit angles to secure tackles on the perimeter. When doing so, he takes a straight line to the ball carrier closing quickly right as the ball carrier is able to turn the corner as this young man comes from behind the play. His closing ability also comes to light when he comes on a blitz to bring pressure on the quarterback. Overall, keep an eye on his ability to close heading into this fall season as I believe you’ll see him make his mark.
Be sure to follow @PRZJordan regarding news & information for Illinois High School Football as well as @PrepRedzoneIL.
Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE Prospect Player Index, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey.