IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Running Backs (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 tailbacks who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye on these rising stars at the running back position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831094"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"MacPherson is a strong and talented running back who was vital in Loyola's state title run. The 6'2, 195 lbs junior possesses a variety of traits that make him an elite prospect. MacPherson may be most dangerous in the pass game, as he displays the ability to run routes both out of the backfield and in the slot. He has tremendous body control and soft hands, allowing him to make incredible catches over the middle of the field. On hand offs, or as a lead blocker, MacPherson runs with low pad level and physicality to gain hard yardage. As he heads towards his senior campaign, MacPherson's recruiting is beginning to heat up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["830855"],"_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":"Muhammad is a dynamic athlete out of Harlem who had a monster junior season. He posted nearly 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns this past fall. What makes Muhammad so electrifying is his lethal combination of shiftiness and speed. He can cut on a dime, showing off next-level patience and vision, allowing rushing lanes to open up. And once Muhammad hits the hole, good luck catching him. Whether he's running punts, kick offs, or taking hand offs, Muhammad is a home run threat with the ball in his hands. Keep an eye on this rising star in Illinois as Muhammad is poised an incredible senior year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["179193"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Woods is an explosive play maker out of East St. Louis. The Class of 2025 tailback burst onto the scene this season, tallying 1,123 all purpose yards and crossing the goal line 23 times. Woods has a unique combination of speed and strength, as he runs with a low center of gravity and rarely, if ever, goes down on first contact. The 5'9, 195 lbs running back glides with a powerful base and will drive through any arm tackle at the line of scrimmage. And once he hits the edge or the third level, good luck catching Woods. As a rising star in the Land of Lincoln, Woods will be back for more next season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["252511"],"_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":"Velez is a 5'11, 180 tailback out of Geneva. He is a shifty running back, who possesses tremendous vision and balance. Combine that with his speed, Velez needs to be keyed on every time he lines up in the backfield. He has the unique ability to press run plays to the front side, while always looking for the cutback. Once Velez sees a lane, his quick burst and speed in the open field takes over. A difficult athlete to tackle in the open field, Velez only needs one cut to make a defender miss. While his junior campaign was cut short due to injury, Velez will be back for more next season as one of the most underrated running backs in the state.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["833296"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Dellumo was a workhorse at tailback for Maine South this past season. The 5'10, 185 lbs junior rushed for over 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns on 128 carries in the fall. Dellumo possesses impressive straight line speed and a strong lower half that allows him to break tackles in a variety of ways. He is also extremely dangerous in the screen game, as Dellumo is incredibly difficult to tackle in the open field. As he heads into his senior campaign, keep an eye on this rising star in Dellumo.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55f178b1c7"} /-->