7 Preseason Names To Watch: 23' RB

As we get closer to the start of the Fall 2021 season these young men are practicing with their respective teams getting ready for their Week 1 matchup. With that being said let’s take a look at 7 preseason names to watch as the days are getting closer and closer to gameday. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="157734" first="Joshua" last="Robinson"] Montini Catholic <a href="https://twitter.com/joshrobinson22">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13171180/608629e5bd6ba31f18ada107">Highlights</a> Mr. Robinson is from Montini Catholic, he played on Varsity this past spring season and showcased what he has in store for us over these next two seasons. He's a bigger back standing at 6'2 210 that can burst through the line of scrimmage blowing by the 2nd level of defenders and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder to run the defender over. What I like most about this young man is how he's a pure N/S runner that will utilize his jump cuts to find the open hole and once he does he attacks. The first few plays of his highlights demonstrate just that as he beats the defense with his one jump cut then explodes upfield. Another highlight that is something to keep an eye on about this young man is how he's able to fight for extra yards with multiple defenders trying to bring him down. This is just another area of his game showcasing his dominance, crazy part is he still has untapped potential yet to come to light. He's a top back in the class of 2023 for Illinois and I expect the offers to roll in once the fall season is over. [player_tooltip player_id="157736" first="Karson" last="King"] Kankakee <a href="https://twitter.com/KarsonKing3">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13483027/6084755b90f9ad021cb28160">Highlights</a> Mr. King is from Kankakee, he played on Varsity this past spring season where we got to see glimpses of what he can do. He's going to be stepping into a bigger role on offense this fall season and going to turn heads in the process. This past spring season he showcased that once the ball is in his hands he's going to change gears quickly and burst through the line of scrimmage blowing by the 2nd level of defenders. He's a smaller back standing at 5'9 165 but don't let that deter you away from taking a look at this young man for your program as he plays like he's 6'1 200 with his aggressiveness. He breaks arm tackles by keeping his feet driving and plays through contact by playing through the whistle fighting for each yard. Be on the lookout for this young man this fall season as I expect his stock to rise once it's all said and done. [player_tooltip player_id="157742" first="Mike" last="Barberi"] Andrew <a href="https://twitter.com/BarberiMike">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13135699/608620800dc0001224ee3a0d">Highlights</a> Mr. Barberi is from Andrew, he played on Varsity this past spring season where he showcased what he has in store for us over the next two seasons. Once the ball is in his hands he changes gears quickly blowing by the 2nd level of defenders weaving in and out around defenders as well as breaking arm tackles by keeping his feet driving. What I like most about this young man is how he's an N/S runner that explodes through the line of scrimmage always fighting for every yard. He's a smaller back standing at 5'9 175 but plays like he's 6'2 210 with his physicality. I expect this young man to have a bigger role on this offense heading into the fall season and for his stock to increase as a result of this. With that being said, keep an eye on how this young man produces and I look forward to seeing his fall performance. [player_tooltip player_id="157740" first="Malik" last="Gray"] IC Catholic Prep <a href="https://twitter.com/MalikGray21">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12865784/608b1685bd6a3f0b643ae862">Highlights</a> Mr. Gray is from IC Catholic Prep, he played on Varsity this past spring season and gave us glimpses of what's to come over the next two seasons. He's an N/S runner that bursts through the line of scrimmage once the ball is in his hands and breaks arm tackles by keeping his feet driving. Once he turns the corner he's off to the races as he utilizes his quickness to blow by the 2nd level of defenders. That's not all that this young man can do, he can catch out of the backfield off of screen passes where once he secures the catch he turns upfield quickly and reads his blocks well in the process. There's still untapped potential yet to come to light for this young man and I expect more light to be shined upon this during the fall season as he has been honing his craft consistency since the end of the spring season. [player_tooltip player_id="157741" first="Mac" last="Resetich"] Hall <a href="https://twitter.com/macresetich1">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12895916/60909bf1f3275e0b3c540c12">Highlights</a> Mr. Resetich is from Hall, he played on Varsity this past spring season and showcased what he can do. In the running game, he bursts through the line of scrimmage once the ball is in his hands and reads his blocks well in the process. In the passing game, he's quick off the line of scrimmage and gets upfield quickly once he secures the catch. He causes problems for opposing defenses in both offensive attacks and blocks downfield as well where he pancakes defenders further showcasing his aggressive playstyle. Be on the lookout for this young man this fall season and how he produces as well. [player_tooltip player_id="157739" first="Brady" last="Piper"] St Francis <a href="https://twitter.com/bradypiper20">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13229869/6086664a0dc0001224ee71af">Highlights</a> Mr. Piper is from St Francis, he played on JV this past spring season where he was a sight to see. On JV, he showed glimpses of what's to come as he awaits the fall season on Varsity. That being said, on the JV level, he showcased that he's an N/S runner that can burst through the line of scrimmage and break arm tackles by keeping his feet driving. This young man also has the vision to see cutback lanes where he plants his foot into the ground and hits the backside gap for a huge gain on the play. In the passing game, he's able to catch out of the backfield and gets upfield quickly showcasing his quickness and aggressiveness further. His skillset will transition well from the JV level up to Varsity this fall and I expect his stock to increase as a result of his fall season performance. [player_tooltip player_id="158043" first="Kelly" last="Watson"] York <a href="https://twitter.com/Kellywatson_1">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12827672/60870d434debb114cc2edfe4">Highlights</a> Mr. Watson is from York, he played on JV this past spring season and was a force to be reckoned with. He bursts through the line of scrimmage blowing by the 2nd level of defenders showcasing his 4.65 40 speed. Once the ball is in his hands he utilizes one jump cut and goes with his N/S running style where he can also break arm tackles by keeping his feet driving on the JV level. He's used primarily in the ground game but can also cause problems in the passing game as well. During his camps showings this summer he's showcased that he's quick off the line of scrimmage and can stack the defender quickly to break him off at the top of his route resulting in an easy completion. Standing at 6'0 180, he is going to be a force on Varsity this fall and I look forward to seeing his talents transition from the JV level up to Varsity. <hr /> These are some of the Preseason Names to Watch at the RB position for the class of 2023. Keep an eye on these young men as they get ready to put the pads on. Be sure to follow @jamaskane regarding news & information for Illinois High School Football, @PrepRedzoneIL, and @PrepRedzone.