Dominant Backfield Groups Across IL

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backfield talent is elite coming out of Illinois. We have seen multiple commit to play Power 4 football already, and more will be joining them. However, today I want to focus less on the individual talent and instead go around the state and identify some of the more impressive RB groups. Teams that have multiple athletes who can change a game with a single carry. These teams are going to be giving their opponents heavy doses of fresh legs and talent. Let's dive in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East St. Louis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First up is East St. Louis HS. This RB room features three RB prospects who are currently ranked in our Prep Redzone IL rankings. They are incoming seniors [player_tooltip player_id='278888' first='TaRyan' last='Martin'] and LaRevious Woods along with 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1282833' first='Amir' last='Tillman'].<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='278888' first='TaRyan' last='Martin']</strong> is a Kent State commit who dominates with his downhill, north-south running style. The '25 has excellent vision and lateral quickness with the long speed to pile up big play after big play. <strong>LaRevious Woods</strong> is a Lindenwood commit who piled up over 1,100 all purpose yards in 2023. Woods is an athlete who stands out with his ability to attack the edges. He has speed to get the edge on the defense and beat angles downfield. He also is a very shifty, elusive runner downfield. Woods is a viable third down option too because of his receiving abilities. Incoming sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282833' first='Amir' last='Tillman']</strong> doesn't have film to go off of currently, but it is clear that he is a talented athlete and a need to know prospect because the 2027 enters the season already holding an offer from Miami (OH). The talent to change a game with a single touch is definitely there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Maine South</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A HS program with a dangerous backfield tandem to know is Maine South. That is where [player_tooltip player_id='833296' first='Michael' last='Dellumo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='345784' first='Nikolas' last='Kokosioulis'] attend and run up and down the field on defenses. In 2023 Michael piled up a great stat line of 1765 all purpose yards with 22 TDs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833296' first='Michael' last='Dellumo']</strong> brings a complete game to the field. He is a running and receiving threat. His speed out in space is noticeably superior compared to the defenders trying to pursue him. The '25 has agility and burst plus a natural knack to make the wild play. Dellumo is a fun weapon to have at your exposure. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='345784' first='Nikolas' last='Kokosioulis']</strong> is an electric athlete on the field. He spent 2023 playing primarily on JV, but he did get some varsity run. Nikolas is a speedy prospect that can stretch a defense out horizontally and vertically. It will be interesting to see if he plays more varsity this season because his athleticism on the field at the same time as Dellumo will give defenses big time problems. Don't miss out on this big play duo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Geneva</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Geneva has a talented duo of their own that will be taking the field this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252511' first='Troy' last='Velez']</strong> is coming off a 520 yards and 6 TDs season in 2023. He has a well rounded game. Troy shows vision and patience not only behind the line but downfield as well. He can shake defenders 1 on 1 in space and has the balance to run through arm tackles. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330457' first='Michael' last='Rumoro']</strong> had very similar production to Troy. In 9 games he put up 602 yards and 12 TDs. While Troy is more of a physical presence, Michael is more of an explosive threat. He has a strong burst through gaps, can jump cut on a dime, and has the long speed to beat closing angles and score the long TD. Troy and Michael will make a dangerous thunder-lightning duo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Joliet Catholic</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joliet Catholic will also be fielding a dynamic duo in the backfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292307' first='Keegan' last='Farnaus']</strong> is an electric runner with the ball in his hands. He is quicker than fast. He excels with acceleration, lateral cuts, and receiving talents. Keegan is a runner that is very hard to contain if the defender isn't within their immediate reach. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1232590' first='Larry' last='Stringham'] </strong>is the hammer of the backfield. He plays FB and runs with the physical style you hope to see from the position. He is able to lower his pads and run through contact. The big man has sufficient speed in the open field as well, ripping off long TDs and not being chased down. Keegan and Larry have that lightning-thunder combo that can wear down a defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->