Lake County’s Hidden Gems: RBs Primed for a Breakout Season
In our second installment of the Lake County Hidden Gem series, we shift our focus to the RB position and highlight some of the county’s best backs that are primed for a breakout season. Maurice Edwards Maurice Edwards 5'11"…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn our second installment of the Lake County Hidden Gem series, we shift our focus to the RB position and highlight some of the county’s best backs that are primed for a breakout season.
Maurice Edwards Maurice Edwards 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Warren Township | 2022 State IL , 5’11, 187, Grayslake Central ’22
Photo Credit-Candace Johnson
Edwards put the state on notice in 2019. Just a sophomore, he rushed for 1,212 yards and 12 TDs, earning himself a mention on Lake County’s All-Area team. Has tremendous upside and is the total package at the RB position. Possesses the speed to go by you and the power to run through you. Able to rip off significant gains with his quick burst and great lateral movement.
Jamariel Brown, 5’10, 175, Round Lake ’22
Brown is another sophomore who earned all-area honors in 2019. Has great breakaway speed and is very skilled at making defenders miss in space or traffic. Excellent hands out of the backfield and adds value to the passing game as a vertical threat.
Christian Johnson, 5’7, 164, Grayslake North ’21
Photo Credit- Candace Johnson
Give Johnson the ball and good things happen. One of the top rushers in the county was also recognized as an all-area performer in 2019. Runs with a low center of gravity, great contact balance, and quick and shifty speed to wipe out the defender’s angle and take it to the house. Excellent with the ball in space and excels in the catch and run game.
Syone Usma-Harper, 6’1, 190, Mundelein (Carmel) ’21
Photo Credit- Steve Lundy
Usma-Harper is a decisive yet patient runner coming out of the backfield. Knows how to set up his blocks, and once he gets to the hole, it’s one cut and go! Runs with a lot of force and loves dishing out punishment to his opponents. Moves piles with his great lower body strength and fights for extra yardage with good leg churn— a true downhill runner with deceptive quickness.