IL’s Top Rising Junior Running Backs Heading Into the Spring

Jake Lemming

February 7, 2023 @ 10:32 AM

Each running back featured in this report were consistent varsity contributors as sophomores. Their skill sets may differ, but in my eyes, they each have loads of potential. With two more years of varsity football left, they should be quite fun to watch as they continue to grow and develop.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" />   [player_tooltip player_id='278888' first='TaRyan' last='Martin'] East St. Louis   Off-the-charts production in 22, totaling 1,557 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns. A slasher with great burst, patience, and plenty of top-end speed to outrun defenders with an angle on him. Once this young man gets going, good luck catching him.   [player_tooltip player_id='166514' first='Donovan' last='Dey'] Carmel   Dey can change direction at the drop of a hat and hastily accelerates out of each cut. He's creative through chaos, has a well-trained stiff arm, and displayed sure hands out of the backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='179193' first='Larevious' last='Woods'] East St. Louis   A north and south type runner with the strength to muscle through incoming arm tacklers. Woods has a smooth jump cut, can spot defenders over pursuing for ample cutback opportunities, and has good shake in the open field.   [player_tooltip player_id='331568' first='Caron' last='Johnson'] Romeoville   Played quarterback this fall, but based on his size, ferocious running style, and slipperiness through tackle attempts, I have no doubt he will transition well to running back at the next level. On tape, Johnson shows superb vision, excellent agility, and some twitch as a second-level runner.   Luke Foster, Loyola   A fantastic zone scheme runner that will stretch and puncture a defense. Foster is a viable receiving threat out of the backfield, with a gritty running style and explosive change of direction. Look for his workload to skyrocket this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='278899' first='Tyler' last='Lofton'] Marian Catholic   Averaged nine yards per carry and gashed defenses for 1,319 yards & 17 touchdowns this fall. Has the size, speed, and wiggle to make something happen in tight quarters. Lofton has impressive body control through contact and his feet never stop churning.   [player_tooltip player_id='330481' first='Robert' last='Boyd-Meents'] Paxton-Buckley-Loda   Forces defenses to stay gap-sound, or he will bounce a run and make them look silly. Is a natural at reading blocks and leverage & is a powerful finisher to cap off second and third-level runs. His running pace will change when looking to generate extra YAC downfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='252511' first='Troy' last='Velez'] Geneva   An aggressive runner that won't wait for contact and will look to deliver a blow himself. A strong upper half allows for him to not lose running pace against arm tackles and keep on his way. He's a brilliant redzone runner with the will to find paydirt when not much is there.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" />   Other Names to Watch For   [player_tooltip player_id='278881' first='Jaiden' last='Padilla'] Taft   Weldon Dunston, Effingham

Each running back featured in this report were consistent varsity contributors as sophomores. Their skill sets may differ, but in my eyes, they each have loads of potential. With two more years of varsity football left, they should be quite fun to watch as they continue to grow and develop.