2025 Film Room: Chicago Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue to move along with our breakdown of prospects in the 2025 class.&nbsp; Next up we dive into the running back film from prospects across the state!&nbsp; Here is <strong>Film Room: 2025 Chicago Running Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278899' first='Tyler' last='Lofton'] (Brother Rice – 6'0” 210)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a junior Lofton ran for 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns on 164 carries while playing at Marian Catholic.&nbsp; Smooth runner with good size that has long distance speed to take it to the house.&nbsp; Tough to get down when in the open field and on the perimeter.&nbsp; Likes to bounce runs out to the perimeter where he can use his speed and shake. Easy acceleration going through the hole. Vision reading blocks ahead of him.&nbsp; Capable pass catcher on screens and check downs.&nbsp; Finishes with power at end of play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831094' first='Drew' last='MacPherson'] (Loyola – 6'1” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'1" offensive weapon is a force in the pass game.&nbsp; Catches the ball over the middle on seam routes high pointing them over safety and linebackers.&nbsp; Could even be a slot at the next level. Runs with power and force out of the backfield.&nbsp; Patient runner that lays the hammer down at the end of plays. His pass catching and size are his biggest strengths.&nbsp; Love the versatility here to play all over the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='352897' first='Nick' last='Herman'] (St. Rita – 5'11” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stood out most about Herman's take was his ability to break tackles.&nbsp; Loves to cut to the outside where he can use his speed on the perimeter.&nbsp; Excellent home run speed downfield.&nbsp; Slithers through holes in between the tackles and makes guys miss with explosive cuts while not losing speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292298' first='Javon' last='Logan'] (Leo - 5'10” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Compact back that plays low to the ground.&nbsp; This kid is super tough to bring down. Doesn't give up on runs as he keeps looking for that extra yard or two.&nbsp; Makes guys miss with his suddenness and quickness.&nbsp; Quick cuts. Can play some out of slot as a pass catcher where he shows natural hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278881' first='Jaiden' last='Padilla'] (Taft – 5'8” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padilla is a strong and stocky back that runs with physicality. Keeps the pile moving with his strong lower half.&nbsp; Solid blocker and pass catcher.&nbsp; Could even play some full back or H Back at the next level giving him some versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299594' first='Jordan' last='Butler'] (Roberto Clemente – 5'11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler is a 5'11" well built back that is patient runner that sets up blocks. Like how he finds holes and gets the most out of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='678209' first='Stephen' last='Carrera'] (Taft – 5'7” 175)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carrera led Taft in touchdowns this past year with 9 total.&nbsp; That came on 453 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving.&nbsp; Long TD on screen pass showing he has soft hands.&nbsp; Can also run short routes out of the slot as a pass catcher. Gets behind blocks when running the ball and the small back finds the holes following his big offensive lineman. Can change direction when needed and has solid speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330475' first='Harley' last='Rizzs'] (St. Laurence – 5'9” 185)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rizzs is a smaller back at 5'9" with breakaway speed.&nbsp; That is his calling card.&nbsp; The St. Laurence standout makes quick cuts and accelerates quickly through the hole.&nbsp; Has some kick return skills as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->