TAFT FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB

You asked, we deliver! We ran out of the first shipment, you can now order on our website until 8/31! @Taft_HS @TaftFootballChi

The Taft Football Junior Eagles Under the Lights Camp is just a few days away. We would love to see the next group of future Eagles starting on Tuesday! You can still register below! students.arbitersports.com/programs/summe…

I had a great time @Firebirds_FB today. Thank you @CoachFlaherty_ for inviting me out to learn more about the football program and their institution. I look forward to learning more about both and make the connection stronger! @mattzilz @CoachElder54 @TaftFootballChi

Taft Football coaches have the best sideline gear of all CPS! Join them this season with this Hawaiian Themed shirt! Orders will be taken until 7/15! Go on our website to order yours today taftfootballfamily.org @TaftFootballChi @Taft_HS @TaftHSAthletics

Congrats Diesel!!

Illinois State @RedbirdFB adds a nice in state pickup in 2026 Taft LB Diesel McFadden - Rivals.com

Congratulations to the Taft Football Seniors on your graduation today! You did it! @TaftFootballChi @Taft_HS @TaftHSAthletics

A few more spots left. Sign up today!

See you next week in downtown Naperville!

Thank you to Oriole Park Falcons for sponsoring a hole at our annual Golf outing! @TaftFootballChi @TaftHSAthletics @Taft_HS

Thank you to the Northwest Blue Eagles for sponsoring a hole and registering your foursome for our annual golf outing! @TaftFootballChi @TaftHSAthletics @Taft_HS

Join our football coaches and families as we kick off the summer with our annual Golf Outing! Register as an individual or a Foursome on our Website: taftfootballfamily.org. Share with all of your golfers! @TaftFootballChi @TaftHSAthletics @Taft_HS

I HAD A GREAT TIME 📷 EVALUATED 05/25/2025 📷Aaron Jennings Midwest Regional Scouting Director ✅ SIX STAR FOOTBALL SCOUTING REPORT: Malik Mahamid is a rugged, high-motor defensive lineman who brings relentless effort and physical toughness to the heart of Taft’s defensive front. At 6’0, 220 pounds, Mahamid may not fit the traditional long-limbed mold, but his compact frame, explosive first step, and low pad level make him one of the more disruptive interior defenders in Illinois’ 2026 class. His power and leverage give him a consistent edge in one-on-one matchups, especially against taller, less mobile offensive linemen. Mahamid plays with urgency and violence—his get-off is sudden, and he delivers a jolt with his hands that helps him disengage quickly and redirect plays. He’s a tone-setter in the trenches, using lower-body strength and anchored posture to hold his ground and close interior gaps. Whether attacking on early downs or collapsing the pocket on passing downs, he’s dependable, disciplined, and constantly active. He rarely gives up ground and often wins with technique and effort rather than just raw flash. Mahamid is a true grinder who’s quietly building one of the stronger DL profiles in the state. ✅ ANALYSIS: One of Mahamid’s key strengths is his versatility—he can rotate across the defensive line, functioning as an interior run-stuffer or flexing as a heavy edge depending on the front. He’s technically sound and positionally aware, staying square to the ball and keeping inside leverage while anchoring down in short-yardage situations. His body control allows him to absorb contact without getting turned or washed out, making him tough to move even when double-teamed. Mahamid plays with grit and urgency, traits that make him a valuable culture-setter and locker room presence. His ceiling will rise even higher as he develops a deeper pass-rush arsenal—adding tools like swim, rip, and counters will make him more dangerous on third downs. Despite not having prototypical length, his motor, strength, and work ethic separate him from others at the position. Coaches can count on him to bring intensity to every snap, and his presence in the film room and weight room reflects serious commitment to the game. With a big offseason and camp circuit, Mahamid is a classic "sleeper-to-standout" candidate. ✅ GREATEST STRENGTHS: Strong, compact interior DL with dominant leverage and pad level Violent hands and fast get-off allow him to win early in reps Position versatility—can play inside or as a heavy edge rusher High-effort motor with consistent backside pursuit and hustle Technically sound with strong balance and hand placement Gritty, physical tone-setter who thrives in short-yardage situations Coachable mindset with visible commitment in film and weight room Plays with urgency and intensity on every snap Quietly one of Illinois’ toughest trench prospects in 2026 Potential breakout candidate with camp exposure and pass-rush refinement

BY Oscar Galindo May 24, 2025 @ 04:25 PM I enjoyed checking out the talent at the PRZ Illinois HS/MS Combine Series. Overall, there was great talent, including top-tier high school prospects and some up-and-coming middle school prospects who showed they could fit right in. After reviewing notes and some of the clips from last week’s showcase, I am excited to present the “All-Camp Team.” In this feature, I will highlight the top prospects in attendance by position, continuing with the All-Camp Defense. DL: Carmelow Reed📷 (2026), Rich Township – 6’7″ 250 lbs (DL MVP) 📷 Emmett Easton📷 (2027), Coal City – 6’2″ 270 lbs 📷 Malik Mahamid (2026), Taft – 6’0″ 220 lbs 📷 Elijah Reynolds📷 (2027), Marian Catholic – 6’2″ 210 lbs 📷 Jalen Vannoy📷 (2027), Neuqua Valley – 6’1″ 215 lbs 📷 Corey Randolph📷 (2027), Simeon – 6’2″ 255 lbs 📷 LB: Stephen Winkler📷 (2026), Mount Carmel – 6’0″ 210 lbs (LB MVP) 📷 Cooper Beaty📷 (2028), Plano – 6’2″ 190 lbs – 📷 Tyler Phillips📷 (2027), Coal City – 5’10” 195 lbs 📷 Jacob Onik📷 (2027), Lincoln-Way East – 6’1″ 200 lbs 📷 Spencer Pearl📷 (2026), Niles North – 6’0″ 205 lbs Jeremiah Allen📷 (2026), Dundee Crown – 5’10” 195 lbs 📷 DB: Christopher McBride (2026), Warren Township – 6’1″ 195 lbs 📷 Joshua Matheny📷 (2026), Evergreen Park – 6’2″ 175 lbs 📷 Jonathan Harris📷 (2027), Brother Rice – 6’0″ 160 lbs 📷 Cayden Stewart📷 (2027), Brother Rice – 5’10” 175 lbs 📷

Had a really awesome time at @PrepRedzone showcasing thank you for inviting me to show off what i can do and even making one of the top players their !! Heres to show size doesn’t matter !! @CoachElder54 #trenchdog @mattzilz #taftfootball @PrepRedzone

It’s that time of year again! Register individually or as a foursome on our website. Taftfootballfamily.org. All proceeds will benefit the tap football program !

You can now register for the Golf Outing Online taftfootballfamily.org

If you need more info, please email taftFBboosterclub@gmail.com. We are also looking for hole sponsorship. Your business can sponsor a hole OR you can sponsor a hole dedicated to your favorite player for only $100! @TaftFootballChi @Taft_HS @TaftHSAthletics

@sixstarfootball thank you for the write up!!! @CoachElder54 @TaftFootballChi @mattzilz