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<p>We have broken down over 600+ prospect tapes from their junior seasons over the last several months. With that a new Prep Redzone Illinois Rankings has been released! Here is a look at a few of the prospects that made significant moves up the rankings in <strong>2025 Rankings: Running Back Stock Risers</strong>!<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819695' first='Zion' last='Gist'] (Lincoln Way East – 6'1” 185)</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Ranking: WL<br>Current Ranking: #129</p>
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<p>Liked what we saw on tape quite a bit from this 6'1" back from Lincoln Way East. Good size and fluidity. Quick cut and go guy that finds the crease and then gets up field. Glider that gets past defenders with ease in the open field. Likes to bounce runs to the outside. Soft hands and has potential to be a nice pass catcher at the next level.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292203' first='Jeraius' last='Rice Jr'] (Quincy – 5'11” 190)</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #185</p>
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<p>Really liked the tape of this 5'11" back from the Quad Cities. Solid size and strength with athleticism and fluidity. Patient finding the hole and explodes through it. Quick cuts to avoid defenders in the box. Homerun hitter with juice taking it to the house. Quality pass catcher out of the backfield with soft hands and gets YAC. Quick cuts. One handed catch on sideline for TD. Also contributes as a blocker downfield when he doesn't have the ball.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252511' first='Troy' last='Velez'] (Geneva – 5'10” 180)</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #187</p>
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<p>Velez is a 5'10" back that is a tough runner inside the tackles. Powerful getting downhill racking up first downs in bunches. Finishes runs with power and quick cuts to get up the field for positive yards.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292296' first='DeMarzion' last='Graham'] (Carbondale – 6'0” 170)</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #258</p>
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<p>Graham looks like one of the better backs from southern Illinois. Fluid runner that has solid speed. Bounces off defenders on the interior and likes to get to the perimeter. Good pass catcher and has explosive speed in the open field.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292298' first='Javon' last='Logan'] (Leo - 5'10” 185)</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #259</p>
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<p>Compact back that plays low to the ground. This kid is super tough to bring down. Doesn't give up on runs as he keeps looking for that extra yard or two. Makes guys miss with his suddenness and quickness. Quick cuts. Can play some out of slot as a pass catcher where he shows natural hands.</p>
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We have broken down over 600+ prospect tapes from their junior seasons over the last several months. With that a new Prep Redzone Illinois Rankings has been released! Here is a look at a few of the prospects that made significant moves up the rankings in 2025 Rankings: Running Back Stock Risers!
Zion
Gist
6'0" | 205 lbs | RB/WR
Lincoln-Way East | 2025
State
IL
(Lincoln Way East – 6'1” 185)
