PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour: Darnell’s Top Performing RBs

This past weekend, the running back group put on a show at our PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour. The skillset and versatility these backs displayed were off the charts. For instance, there were back with quads reminiscent of Saquon Barkley that could run routes better than some receivers. Let’s not forget about the scat-backs who were almost impossible to lay a hand on when they were in space. I can’t forget to mention the running back built like a linebacker but had swift feet that made rhythmic cuts. I can keep going, but I’ll let you read the rest of the article so you can have an idea of just how talented these prospects truly are. So without further ado, let’s get to know ten standout running backs who participated in our PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour... <hr /> <h5><em><strong>Noah Boutsomsy | Penn ’25</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335706" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/unnamed-nb-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Noah first caught my eye during the Pro Agility Drill (5-10-5). His ability to change directions laterally and not lose any speed was terrific, to say the least. Was most impressive during 1-on-1s against the linebackers where he was able to showcase how dangerous he is when in space. <h5><em><strong>Alex Schuppe | Cary-Grove ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335737" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Alex-Schuppe-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Agility, balance, and footwork are attributes all great running backs should have in their toolbox. Schuppe showcased that he indeed checks the box for each of those categories after clocking one of the fastest times in the L-drill. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="299628" first="Matt" last="Lawson"] | Elgin ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335756" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Matt-Lawson-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Lawson was a name we were all familiar with before the showcase, so it was no surprise once he was named MVP of the running back group. He passes the eye test and is an overall freak of an athlete. His massive quads enable him to have great acceleration, which is an essential attribute for any great running back. I also noticed that Matt seemed to be a natural in terms of route-running, which increases his value as a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="252513" first="Noah" last="Battle"] | Downers Grove North ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335773" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Noah-Battle-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Battle has all the tools to be a dynamic every-down running back. Has the size to carry the load and can create big runs with elusiveness and power. What I noticed during 1-on-1s is that battle has some swift feet and can move well laterally. <h5><em><strong>Teshon McGee | Kenwood ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335805" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Teshon-Mcgee-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> McGee was a prospect who surprised me by how well he performed during the showcase. Has a compact build, runs with a low center of gravity, and is impressively light on his feet. Showcased excellent balance during the agility drills along with the ability to effectively accelerate and decelerate. A powerful yet explosive runner who I think could be a sleeper in Chicago’s Public League. <h5><em><strong>Marcus Johnson | Hillcrest ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-335960" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Marcus-Johnson-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Johnson is a multi-skilled running back who showcased he’s a natural runner of the football during 1-on-1s against the linebackers. But I was most impressed with his route-running and ability to catch the football. He was consistently able to work his way open and caught nearly everything thrown at him. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145658" first="Silvano" last="Spatafora"] | Neuqua Valley ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-336017" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Silvano-Spatafora-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Silvano has a solid build and fits the mold of a no-nonsense north-south type of runner. I noticed that he has a very strong base and can generate a ton of power from his plant leg. Runs with good forward lean and I can only imagine how much of a load he is to bring down. <h5><em><strong>Aidan Preciado | Lockport ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-336054" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Aiden-Preciado-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Aidan proved that he’s capable of maneuvering his way through tight areas and is without a doubt capable of making defenders miss in space. What I enjoyed most was watching him make rhythmic cuts. His footwork is a thing of beauty and is easily one of his best attributes. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="206417" first="Eric" last="Harris"] | Pritzker College Prep ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-336092" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Eric-Harris-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Harris initially caught my attention because he was going hard on every rep he took during the showcase. After I locked in on him, I noticed he flashed good quickness and the ability to evade defenders with precise cuts. This might be shocking, but at 5’6", he tracks the ball extremely well and is a pretty impressive deep threat. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172084" first="Walker" last="Owens"] | Wheaton North ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-336099" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Walker-Owens-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Owens has great size coming out of the backfield and is built to dish out punishment—a true powerhouse with the ball in his hands. But he’s also versatile enough to be a significant threat as a receiver out of the backfield. During 1-on-1s, I noticed his innate ability to use his frame to win his matchups downfield.