Lake County: 2022 RBs You Need to Keep an Eye On
In this article:
There isn’t a long list of running backs from Illinois who experienced much success in the NFL. But there is one who was a 2008 First-Team All-Pro and in his career was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection. He goes by…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere isn’t a long list of running backs from Illinois who experienced much success in the NFL. But there is one who was a 2008 First-Team All-Pro and in his career was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection. He goes by the name of Michael “The Burner” Turner and take a guess where he’s from—Lake County, IL (North Chicago).
The shortened spring season revealed some pretty talented running backs in the Lake County (LC) area; some are being recognized throughout the state while others are virtually unknown outside of Lake County. Nonetheless, the running backs in the LC are supremely talented and are more than deserving of being recognized for their unique style of play.
So without further ado, let’s get to know some of lake County’s finest when it comes to toting the rock..
Maurice Edwards Maurice Edwards 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Warren Township | 2022 State IL | Warren
Edwards topped 100 yards on the ground in nearly every game he played this spring; his biggest game of the season came against Libertyville where he absolutely destroyed their defense, rushing for 298 yards along with 5 touchdowns. Edwards has that rare combination of size, speed, and power that enables him to run through you or run by you—pick your poison. Possesses all the tools to be a top-tier running back at the next level: he’s an explosive athlete with great instincts and vision, has the ability to make defenders miss in space and tight areas, and displays superb acceleration downfield. Simply put, Edwards is a P5 type of talent who is capable of running himself into the IHSA record books and is definitely a prospect you’re going to want to keep an eye on.
Jahari Scott Jahari Scott 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB Lake Forest | 2022 State IL | Lake Forest
Scott has a ton of upside and after a successful, albeit shortened junior season, the running back out of Lake Forest is most certainly primed for a breakout senior season. He’s a persistent runner who has all the tools to be an effective back at the next level with his good size and speed along with his ability to run it, catch it, and his willingness to block. Has early vision which allows him to make decisive decisions when he gets the ball in his hands. Once the ball is in his hands Scott has the speed to take it the distance and he flashes extremely quick movements and his cuts are a thing of beauty.
Gabe Lynch | Carmel
Lynch is a pretty good baseball player, and when he’s not racking up hits on the diamond, you can find him running through defenders on the gridiron. Lynch had an impressive spring debut in which his first varsity start resulted in 28 carries for 168 yards and 2 two touchdowns. Simply put, Lynch is a three-down workhorse back who’s capable of carrying the Corsair’s rushing load. He’s patient in his attack and understands how to utilize his blocks to consistently gain positive yardage—a tough runner who rarely is brought down by the initial defender.
Marc Hunter | Lakes
Hunter runs a lot harder than his frame suggests and has a quick burst through the line. Has excellent vision and excels in making quick reads and can change directions in the blink of an eye. Possesses the speed to bounce and break runs to the outside and the toughness to effectively run up the gut. Hunter is still virtually unknown outside of Lake County, but with a full season of games, I think he can really make an impression that’ll drive his recruiting upwards.
Vince Bennett | Wauconda
The all-purpose back out of Wauconda enjoyed a productive junior season and was one of the bright spots in Wauconda’s high-powered offense with multiple 100-yard rushing games and 8 total touchdowns in the shortened 6-game spring season. Bennett is a one-cut-and-go type of back with excellent straight-line speed which adds value to his team with his ability to be a lethal weapon in the catch-and-run and on special teams—two of Bennett’s eight touchdowns came from kickoff returns. Majority of Wauconda’s top players from this season were seniors so expect Bennett’s workload and productivity to increase next season.
Ben McLaughlin | Warren
It’s no doubt in my mind that McLaughlin would excel as Warren’s feature back if given the opportunity. But he unfortunately has to share the backfield with one of the state’s best running backs in Maurice Edwards Maurice Edwards 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Warren Township | 2022 State IL ; nonetheless, the two make for a pretty dynamic duo. McLaughlin is a bruising runner with great burst who hits the hole with a purpose. A power-runner who stays low and finishes off runs—excels in short-yardage situations but also possesses enough speed and wiggle to make defenders miss in tight areas.
Tommy Latka | Libertyville
Latka brings a ton of athleticism to the running back position. He’s a savvy, decisive runner who’s light on his feet and can change directions with ease. A strong runner who’s capable of carrying a pile and can be very tough to bring down once he gets going. What I like about him most is his ability to be a receiving threat out of the backfield. He has an excellent set of hands and possesses the necessary speed and quickness to create separation on his routes. Libertyville is known for producing some great running backs and Latka could very well be next in line.
LaZarius Geater | Zion-Benton
Geater amassed 1,121 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns to cap off a highly impressive and productive junior season. Out of all the backs listed in this article, I believe Geater is the most slept on and most exciting to watch when it comes to toting the rock. He’s a creative runner who’s at his best when he’s in the open field and on perimeter runs. He’s as slippery as they come and boasts exceptional cutback ability. In addition, flashes good speed and vision and a great burst to the hole. You heard it here first, I think Geater will turn some heads next season and climb up the 2022 running back rankings.