IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Moving on to Running Backs, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801705"],"_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":"Chestnut is an exciting playmaker who hails from Bloomington. The 5'8, 150 lbs speedster has tremendous vision, burst, and straight line speed. Chestnut's elite speed jumps out immediately on tape, as he can accelerate in the blink of an eye. His vision allows him to quickly navigate rushing creases. He has the keen ability to stick is foot in the ground, get vertical, and burst past oncoming tacklers at the second and third level. As he continues to grow, keep an eye out for Chestnut's blazing speed and homerun ability over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["369068"],"_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":"Salazar is another speedy tailback in the Class of 2026. The St. Charles East product had a monster season at the JV level, showcasing his impressive straight line speed and elusiveness in the open field. While Salazar is a smaller back measuring in at 5'6, 160, he runs with low pad level and isn't afraid to get physical in between the tackles. Salazar does his best work at the second level or on the edge, where his acceleration and speed shines. He can outrun nearly any defender on the field. As Salazar makes the jump to varsity next season, keep an eye on this electrifying running back.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["345784"],"_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":"Kokosioulis is a 5'8, 155 lbs tailback out of Maine South. He was incredibly impressive at the JV level last season, tallying over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Kokosioulis is an extremely twitchy athlete, showcasing the ability to change direction in a hurry. He can get lateral or vertical in the blink of an eye, allowing him to create space against unblocked tacklers. From there, his impressive speed takes over, making Kokosioulis a homerun threat every time he touches the ball. Keep an eye on this rising star in Kokosioulis over the next two years.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["401593"],"_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":"Finnegan is a 5'10, 160 tailback who dominated at the JV level last season for Joliet Catholic. Throughout last fall, he showcased his ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver. On hand offs, Finnegan runs with a low center of gravity and strength that allows him to push towards the second level. In the open field, he has tremendous speed that allows him to outrun defenders to the edge. As a receiver, Finnegan possesses soft hands and tremendous body control, leading to some acrobatic catches. This do-it-all back in Finnegan is on the rise as he is sure to make an immediate impact for the Hill Toppers throughout his junior campaign.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["401611"],"_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":"Green is a 5'7, 175 lbs running back out of Brother Rice. He dominated at the JV level last season, showing off his elite combination of strength and elusiveness. All it takes is a little bit of space for Green to get going, as he is strong enough to run through arm tackles while shifty enough to create space out of thin air. What stands out most about his game is his vision, as Green can see cut back lanes without looking to open up big play potential. He also displays tremendous speed. This impressive tailback in Green is poised for a monster junior campaign next fall.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65df92cc6bc56"} /-->