Underclassmen Varsity Performers: ‘23 & ‘24 Running Backs

The season has come and gone in Illinois and with such a short season, and subsequent turnaround, it was imperative that teams got their youngster feet wet. Recently, I went to Twitter to find more players from the 2023 and 2024 classes that got varsity action this spring. When they hit the field this early in their high school careers, schools at the next level have no choice but to play attention. I’ve already looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/05/underclassmen-varsity-performers-23-24-quarterbacks/">quarterbacks</a>, now their backfield-mates, the running backs that got valuable experience as they head into the fall season. 2023 Nazareth RB [player_tooltip player_id="20839" first="Kaleb" last="Miller"] (5’9” and 177lbs) @KalebMiller_ An all-conference performer, Miller does a bit of everything for his team, playing a hybrid linebacker and being productive although not with idea height. His future is in the backfield, but there’s potential for him to be a super-utility offensive player. Miller has the hands to be a threat out of the backfield, but also lines up in the slot to take advantage of his speed against a linebacker. He’s got a strong frame, good base and strength, a decent blocker for his size. Miller has the potential to explode in his junior year. 2023 Johnsburg ATH Jake Metze (5’9” and 170lbs) @Jake_Metze13 Another smaller back, Metze is a tough tackle, he’s extremely slippery. He’s not super-shifty but he is a very good north/south runner. Metze can line up in the slot as well, as he has good hands and route running ability. He’s a playmaker despite his size but plays much bigger than what you’d expect. I liked what I saw on film and if Metze grows a bit, he could be a very good offensive skill player. 2023 Andrew RB Mike Barberi (5’9” and 175lbs) @BarberiMike Speed is what first jumps out about Barberi’s game, he’s got plenty of it. He typically likes to get to the perimeter to use said speed. His coaches get him the ball in a variety of ways, jet sweeps, options, inside runs, and swing passes. Barberi’s has good enough hands to make those plays work and to be productive. A solid player with a bright future. 2023 St. Francis WR/RB Dash Dorsey (5’11” and 170lbs) @DashDorsey A great frame for his age, Dorsey is versatile as he isn’t just a player who takes handoffs all game, he’s a very good route runner also. Right now his 10-15 yard in is a huge factor for his offense, Dorsey’s breakaway speed has to be respected by defenders, which is why the route is so dangerous. Although he takes most of his reps at receiver, I see him as a hybrid, do it all player, just get the ball in Dorsey’s hands. He’s a big play machine that has a ton of potential. Dorsey should have a huge junior year and explode on the recruiting scene. 2023 Thornton Township RB Davion Adams (5’9” and 190lbs) @DeboNext_ A lower center of gravity, Adams uses that to his advantage as a runner. His highlights don’t show too much of his running ability but he’s got a strong lower-half what bodes well for his future. His athleticism is shown by his work on defense, lining up all over the field and making plays. Adams is a bit undersized but I don’t think that will make a difference due to his balance and leg drive. I’m excited to see how he performs as a junior. 2023 Plainfield South RB Brian Stanton (5’10” and 185lbs) @brian9stanton Speed kills and Stanton has tons of it, making plays as a running back and also as a kick returner. Getting him the ball in the open field isn’t something defenses want to see, he can take it the distance if given a bit of space. Right now his go-to move is the spin, so Stanton will have to develop a few others, but the spin is a very good one to start off with. He’s got great vision, is patient and good balance, all big time traits in a running back. Stanton wasn’t on my radar this spring, but he sure is now. 2024 Palatine RB Dominik Ball (5’10” and 180lbs) @DominikBall After seeing Ball live this spring, I was sold on his ability. Home run speed to go along with a frame that looks like he’s been in the weight room for years. His track speed translates over to the gridiron, and mixed with his very good vision and solid hands, make Ball a menace for opposing defenses. He got plenty of reps as a freshman and will explode onto the scene during his sophomore year. 2024 Bishop McNamara [player_tooltip player_id="136388" first="Jaydon" last="Wright"] (6’ and 220lbs) @JaydonWright_ A massive freshman who already is garnering D1 interest with offers from Syracuse and Florida Atlantic, Wright uses his frame to his advantage. Arm tackles don’t work, defenders just bounce right off him. He’s got a good jump cut, solid vision and a strong lower half. Wright isn’t the fastest back you’ll see, but his bruising style will play well at the next level. Almost unstoppable in short yardage situations, Wright will continue to receive P5 interest over the 3 years. 2024 Bishop McNamara RB [player_tooltip player_id="133182" first="Tony" last="Phillips"] Jr (5’6” and 166lbs) @Tonyfrmk3 Two freshman stud running backs for Bishop McNamara is right, as Phillips is the lightening to Wright’s thunder. The track star could end up playing both at the next level, he’s that fast. https://twitter.com/tonyfrmk3/status/1390292803914186756?s=21 Phillips has great vision and when he sees a hole, he takes off and uses his sprinter speed. His cutting ability is top-notch, what’s so impressive about it is that he doesn’t loose speed when he’s making moves. Also holding Syracuse and Florida Atlantic offers, Phillips has a very bright future ahead of him. 2024 Running back Jedidiah Adjayi (5’7” and 160lbs) @jed2_3adjayi This freshman has an impressive skill set as well, with his vision and balance standing out right away. Adjayi hits holes extremely hard and is a monster when it comes to yards after contact. A lot of it is due to his leg drive, he never seems to get caught up with his feet in the ground. Adjayi plays bigger than his size due to this, if defenders try and tackle him high, they’ll just bounce right off. I’m very excited to see what Adjayi brings to the table the next three years. 2024 Lyons Township RB [player_tooltip player_id="140304" first="Jack" last="Cheney"] (5’11” and 175lbs) @jackcheney21 One of the bigger frames in his class, Cheney sees the field very well. He does a good job using his vision to create running lanes for himself, and if they’re not there, his ability to cut can free up some running room. Cheney has decent speed, although he isn’t a burner, there’s plenty of speed to make a difference. He might end up outgrowing the position but either way, Cheney is one to watch develop the next few years.