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2025 Running Backs to Know

2025 Running Backs to Know
Photo: Prep redzone
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman December 11, 2023 @ 09:26 PM
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In this article:

Kaden Rakers
Kaden Rakers 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB | 2025
IL
John McAuliffe
John McAuliffe 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB | 2025
IL
Aiden Clark
Aiden Clark 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB | 2025
IL
Tyler Lofton
Tyler Lofton 6'0" | 210 lbs | RB | 2025
IL
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His exceptional speed and versatility make him a force on the field. Not confined to a single role, McAuliffe demonstrated his playmaking abilities both as a wide receiver and a dynamic punt returner.What sets McAuliffe apart is his ability to impact the game from various positions on the field. Whether he's catching passes as a wide receiver or returning punts, he consistently made significant contributions. Finishing the season with an impressive tally of over 1,600 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns, McAuliffe proved to be a prolific performer. One of McAuliffe's strengths lies in his adaptability within the offensive formation. His capability to seamlessly transition between roles makes him a challenging player to gameplan against.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["278899"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='278899' first='Tyler' last='Lofton']u003c/strongu003e is poised to stand out as one of the premier returning running back prospects in the state of Illinois next season. What sets him apart is the rare combination of power and speed that he brings to the field. As a balanced runner, Lofton demonstrates the ability to powerfully drive through defenders downhill, while also possessing the speed to exploit the edges of the defense. In his junior campaign, Lofton delivered an impressive performance, amassing 1,163 rushing yards and finding the end zone 17 times. His notable achievements on the field not only highlight his individual skills but also contribute significantly to the success of his team. Given his remarkable junior season, it is anticipated that [player_tooltip player_id='278899' first='Tyler' last='Lofton']'s recruiting will gain momentum in the upcoming months. College programs are likely to take notice of his versatile skill set, making him a sought-after prospect in the recruiting landscape. Keep an eye on Lofton as he continues to make waves and attract attention for his exceptional talents on the football field.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1135479' first='Kaden' last='Rakers']","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Breese Central High School ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1135479' first='Kaden' last='Rakers']u003c/strongu003e truly had a breakout junior season for the Cougars, showcasing his exceptional skills as a running back. In the 2023 season, he made a significant impact by rushing for an impressive 904 yards and reaching the end zone 12 times. This performance solidified his status as one of the top running backs in the highly competitive metro east region.Upon reviewing his game film, it becomes evident just how talented Rakers is when he has the ball in his hands. His running style makes it a formidable challenge for defenders to bring him down. One of his standout attributes is his mastery in using his off hand effectively, employing a powerful stiff arm to ward off would-be tacklers. This skill not only demonstrates his physical prowess but also adds an extra layer of difficulty for defenders attempting to stop him.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1095114"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1095114' first='Aiden' last='Clark'] closed out the 2023 season on a high note, displaying a notable surge in performance during the latter part of the campaign. Accumulating an impressive 874 yards and finding the end zone 13 times, he proved to be a dynamic and impactful player for his team. Clarke possesses commendable speed and quick footwork, allowing him to navigate the field with agility and finesse. With the momentum from his strong finish, [player_tooltip player_id='1095114' first='Aiden' last='Clark'] is poised for a promising senior season. If he can carry forward the positive trajectory he established in the latter part of the previous season, Clark is likely to be a key player to watch in the upcoming season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6577d2f2ae86c"} /-->
John McAuliffe

John McAuliffe

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS RB
CLASS 2025

John McAuliffe

School: Marist High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Illinois State
Tyler Lofton

Tyler Lofton

IL
RB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 210
POS RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Tyler
Lofton RB
Class
2025
Height
6'0"
Weight
210
HS
Marian Catholic
|
IL
2025 Running Backs to Know
Tyler Lofton is poised to stand out as one of the premier returning running back prospects in the...
Written by Eric Bergman
Illinois State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tyler Lofton

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Marian Catholic
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Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2025 Running Backs to Know</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/2025-running-backs-to-know/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-09-at-15-58-49-STOCK-RISERS-2026-RBs-To-Know-Prep-Redzone-crop-668x439-1700097358.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2025 Running Backs to Know"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">2025</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Running Backs to Know</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

                    </span>
    </span>

Kaden Rakers Kaden Rakers Kaden Rakers 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Breese Central Community | 2025 State IL

HEIGHT 5'11"
POS RB
CLASS 2025

Kaden Rakers Kaden Rakers Kaden Rakers 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Breese Central Community | 2025 State IL

School: Breese Central High School
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Aiden Clark

Aiden Clark

IL
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Aiden
Clark RB
Class
2025
Height
5'9"
Weight
185
HS
Naperville Central
|
IL
2025 Running Backs to Know
Aiden Clark closed out the 2023 season on a high note, displaying a notable surge in performance during...
Written by Eric Bergman
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aiden Clark

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Naperville Central
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

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