Rising Prospects: Class of 2025 Running Backs in Illinois
In this article:
Heading into their junior season campaigns, here are some of the top Class of 2025 running backs who impressed as sophomores and are flying up recruiting boards across the country. TaRyan Martin IL #15 RB #1 HEIGHT 5'8" WEIGHT 180…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHeading into their junior season campaigns, here are some of the top Class of 2025 running backs who impressed as sophomores and are flying up recruiting boards across the country.
The experienced Class of 2025 running back from one of the state’s top programs saw time on varsity as a freshman. In his sophomore season, he dominated. Martin went for over 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. The East St. Louis product has a lethal combination of speed, vision, and balance that makes him one of the top backs in the state. Martin, who is also a track star, shows off his speed on downhill runs. He doesn’t waste time looking for a hole. Once one opens up, Martin gets downhill and accelerates to another gear that most RBs don’t possess. When there is no lane, Martin has the vision to make something open up, and he always finishes his runs falling forward. Heading into his junior season, Martin is currently the top back for the Class of 2025 in the state.
Lofton is a big back from Chicago Heights who lit it up in his sophomore season. Lofton stands at 6’0, weighs 213, and runs a 4.51 40 yard dash. He accounted for 17 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards for Marion Catholic last year. Lofton is a power back who is willing to bulldoze any one who gets in his way. Don’t be mistaken by his size, however, as Lofton can hit the corner and break out a long run as good as any back in the state. This rare combination of size, speed, and shiftiness is what makes Lofton an elite prospect. He can make plays in a variety of ways. Heading into his junior campaign, look for Lofton to make even more plays and build off his success from last season.
The Oak Lawn native impressed in his sophomore season for Richards High School. Mitchell is a 5’10, 190 lbs running back/athlete who showcases next-level vision and balance that makes him an elite prospect. Mitchell is as shifty as it gets. Using an old football term, Mitchell is hard to tackle in a phone both. He can put his foot in the ground and change direction with ease, making it nearly impossible for one defender to tackle him in the open field. Additionally, Mitchell is incredibly impressive in the pass game, as he showcases soft hands on release routes and screens. Long story short, Mitchell is a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball. Heading into his junior season, Mitchell’s stock is rising quickly.
MacPherson is a 6’1, 190 lbs running back for Loyola Academy. His first season on varsity was cut short by injury in Week 6. However, MacPherson showcased the raw talent as a sophomore that will set him up to be a big part of Loyola’s offense this upcoming season. He possesses break away speed, plus vision, and outstanding balance. MacPherson is a slippery back, who runs with low pad level and power that make him tough to stop. MacPherson hits the hole with speed and often makes the first defender miss with a quick juke or spin move. From there, his outstanding vision takes over and allows him to work for extra yards. With MacPherson returning to full health for this season, be on the lookout for his breakout junior year.
One word comes to mind when watching the Machesney Park Harlem 2025 running back: explosive. Muhammad is one of the most electrifying prospects in the state. He impacts the game in a variety of ways. Starting with running back, Muhammad gets to the edge quickly and can out run any defenders to the corner. Between the tackles, Muhammad vision and patience allows for him to find the hole and let his speed take over from there. As a returner, Muhammad is a touchdown threat every time he catches the kick off. Plain and simple, Muhammad is a homerun threat who played a large role as a sophomore in Harlem’s success. Heading into his junior campaign, Muhammad stock is soaring as he could finish the year as the top RB in the state.