PRZ Next Midwest Middle School Camp: Standout Running Backs

<span id="more-345374"></span>The running back position has become grossly underappreciated in the ariel evolution we’ve seen in today’s football. But if you know anything about football, you know just how valuable a running back can be in controlling the pace of a game. We had some pretty good running back prospects who attended our camp in Barrington, IL. There was a nice mix of old-fashioned one-cut runners, scat-backs with home-run speed, and all-purpose backs who could do it all. So without further ado, let’s get to know some of the top-performing running backs from our 2022 PrepRedzone Next Midwest Middle School Camp... <hr /> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="308291" first="SHAHN" last="ALSTON"] | 2026 | Ohio</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-345401" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Shahn-Alston-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Although Alston is only in 8th grade, I’ll be the first to tell you he looked well beyond his years once he took the field. Has all the makings of a productive every-down back. Noticeable upper body strength with a thick lower half which will aid in his leg churn to fight for extra yardage. During positional drills, I noticed he did a great job keeping his vision focused ahead, which lets me know he trusts his feet. His potential is through the roof, and It’ll be interesting to watch him pan out over the next few years. <h5><em><strong>Jaylin Green | 2026 | Illinois</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-345403" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Jaylin-Green-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> The speed and quickness this kid possesses are why defenders don’t want to see him in space. He’s your prototypical scat-back with home run speed that you can’t coach or teach. Really good footwork which enables him to move well in tight areas, but as I mentioned before, he’s going to be most effective when he’s in space and defenders have to make an open-field tackle—good luck. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="283930" first="Phillip" last="Goodrich"] | 2026 | Illinois</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-345404" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Phillip-Goodrich-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Goodrich is another talented young prospect who will be playing his high school ball at Carmel Catholic (IL). He’s a physical specimen and is not someone you want to tackle coming downhill. His quads are massive, he ran 4.66 in the 40-yard dash, and broad jumped 8’10." He also flashed the ability to catch the ball downfield, which increases his value as a multi-purpose back. Not sure which side of the ball he’ll end up on, but for now, he’s definitely one of the more intriguing young prospects in Illinois. <h5><em><strong>Tomarion "Ike" Steward | 2026 | Michigan</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-345407" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Tommarion-Steward-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Steward is an old-fashioned one-cut runner with the size and strength to make solo tacklers think twice before attempting to bring him down. But don’t let his power running prowess fool you; during positional drills he showcased that he has some agility and the requisite speed to rip off some long runs. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="345784" first="Nikolas" last="Kokosioulis"] | 2026 | Illinois</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-204137" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/PRZNext-300x153.png" alt="" width="300" height="153" /> Nikolas was a blur on the field this past weekend. Definitely has some good speed, but his quickness is off the charts. Has the potential to excel in making defenders miss in short areas and space. I could also see him consistently flipping the field as a dynamic return man.