Recruiting notebook: Nazareth adds three transfers, Phillips pair commits, new Rivals rankings

JJ McCarthy may be off the board, but don’t expect recruiters to stop paying attention to Nazareth’s passing game.

McCarthy, the state’s top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021 and the No. 19 player nationally according to 247Sports.com, gave his commitment to Michigan in April. Now the quarterback will have another big-time prospect to work with in junior receiver Landon Morris.

The 6-6, 195-pounder played the past two seasons at Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.), but is relocating after his father took a job in the Chicago area.

On Saturday, Morris landed his first offer, and probably not coincidentally, it’s also from Michigan.

”I wasn’t expecting (it), but I was hoping,” Morris said in a text message. “I was very excited that (Michigan) would give me such an opportunity.”

That also describes his feelings about teaming up with McCarthy, who passed for 3,289 yards and 36 touchdowns as Nazareth won the Class 7A title last season.

”He’s a great quarterback,” said Morris, who trained with McCarthy at Next Level Athletix. “[McCarthy] is going to have a lot of options to throw at this season. It’ll be a good opportunity for the whole team. It’s not just one player [McCarthy] is throwing to.”

That’s for sure: Sophomore Tyler Morris is a returning starter at receiver from the state championship team, and the Roadrunners have added two more junior transfers besides Landon Morris in Tanner Koziol from Lake Park and Billy O’Malley from Hinsdale Central.

”Lots of options,” McCarthy said in a text message. “But at Naz, if you don’t block, you don’t play receiver.

”We want to have another great season. Guys are grinding more than I have ever seen in two years. ... Breven Reifsteck and Tyler (Morris) play such a key role in our receiving core. The new guys need to watch them and duplicate what they do. Coach (Joe) Reynolds will get them right.”

Landon Morris is eager to get to work. His scouting report on himself: “Route running, I’m getting pretty good at that. I’ve got to improve on my speed.”

Phillips pair commit: The top two senior prospects for Public League power Phillips announced their college choices, as cornerback Ronald Pledger committed to Western Michigan and defensive tackle Demerick Morris picked Temple.

Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

”They treated me like family,” Pledger said of coach Tim Lester and the Broncos. “He showed he wants to win.”

”With Ron, you’re getting the new style of corner,” Phillips coach Troy McAllister said. “He’s 6-2, he’s long, he can run. He’s got great ball skills.”

Rivals on the rise: Two Illinois players made big jumps in the latest Rivals 250 rankings for the Class of 2020.

East St. Louis safety Antonio Johnson, a Tennessee commit, rose 18 spots to No. 83. Lincoln-Way East all-purpose back A.J. Henning, who is uncommitted, jumped 26 places to No. 84.

Henning has made official visits to Notre Dame and Georgia in recent weeks.

Also in the top 250 are Lake Forest defensive end Rylie Mills (Notre Dame) at No. 161 and Marist receiver Jadon Thompson (Illinois) at No. 175.