PrepRedzoneIL 2027 Rankings Drop: ATH & RB Breakdown

We're rolling on with our PrepRedzoneIL 2027 rankings coverage, and we're sticking with the flashy, eye-catching skill positions and are moving on from QB to the ATH and RB positions. The PRzIL 2027 rankings consist of a talented, rich-in-varsity-experience, and high-upside Top 75, as well as over 50 prospects on the watchlist and a ton more runway left in these young bucks development and recruitment. This is one of the features I'm most excited to write about in this week's coverage, as the ATHs are filled with some of the most electrifying prospects and game tapes in the entire state, with dynamic ability, homerun speed, and positional versatility, hence the ATH designation, and the RBs have some fun things going as well. With as much discourse as the position creates, these ranked RBs are modern examples of the position, with multi-faceted game as rushers, blockers, and pass catchers, natural elusiveness, and a nose for the big play. Take a look at the ATH and RB breakdown of the PrepRedzoneIL 2027 rankings drop below. The Land of Lincoln's gridiron playmakers are in good hands!   --   Athletes    There's another Riordan on the scene, and like his 2026 older brother Gene, [player_tooltip player_id='1304474' first='Tommy' last='Riordan'] is a dude. Already 6'4 and 210 pounds, I got some impressive athletic testing numbers and data points on Riordan during the summer camp circuit, and given the film, which shows impressive reps both offensively and defensively, I wasn't ready to make a commitment to one position yet. Riordan was primarily a JV TE in 2023, but stepped up in a big-time situation (possibly varsity) at DE, recording a sack and showing off some intriguing length and pass rushing skills on the edge of the LOS.   Riordan primarily aligns as an inline TE but does flex out, and as mentioned, there's a rep of him at DE in his freshman tape, which shows a good get-off, long arms, and the ability to breakdown and change direction in pass rushing situations. It's hard not to love his frame, which shows tons of room to fill in and add mass, and his future permanent position will depend a lot on how he continues to grow. Brother is 6'5, 280 and only a year older than him. Long kid, fluid stride and catches the ball well, but I'd like to see him step it up a notch in the physicality department, which the added strength from this offseason will hopefully provide. Riordan also displays strong hands that catch the ball away from his body, long arms that create a big catch radius, and he does a good job of breaking down and finding space in zone coverage and can create separation at the top of the route. Riordan is also a good blocker with solid technique, willing motivation, and physicality.     Another stud younger brother, Fenwick's [player_tooltip player_id='811647' first='Jake' last='Thies'] is a year younger than 2026 DB and older bro [player_tooltip player_id='279386' first='Tommy' last='Thies'], who already holds offers from Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Kent State, Toledo, Miami of Ohio, and Akron, all before his upperclassman campaign has started. Jake is on a similar path, as his on-field versatility, CCL experience, physicality, and overall athleticism create an exciting package for a still-developing prospect with so much runway left in his high school football career.   RB/LB who helped the Friars' win a non-varsity CCL Orange championship in 2023, Thies was an explosive TD-machine of a RB in 2023, and if I had to place him in a singular positional group right this second, I'd have to pick running back. He displays great vision, and is a light-footed, quick, and active & jittery running style. The 180 lber. sees the cutback very well and can anticipate space and manipulate defenders to create creases and seams in a defense. Once he gets the sideline he's going to be very hard to corral, and is overall very elusive in the open field and can beat you with speed, quickness, or power, and is naturally confident and effective in space. Thies demonstrates homerun speed and has the burst to easily outpace non-varsity defenders, and once he hits that final gear in the open field and finds the third level of a defense in 2023 it was game over and Thies was in the endzone. He also displays good contact balance and uses his powerful lower body to easily work through weaker tackle attempts at his lower body, can catch the ball out of the backfield, and threw out a couple of booming truck sticks and can enforce his will as a ball carrier over the course of a ball game. He also added an eye-catching one-handed reception early into his 2023 highlights for even more pop and playmaking ability. Defensively, his play speed, which includes burst and closing speed, was very disruptive and productive as a freshman. I can't wait to see if he's earned varsity reps come late August/early September, Thies looks like a kid you want on the field sooner rather than later.     Off the bat, there's obvious and exciting upside in a 6'3, 185 lb. rising sophomore, and although Chicago Mount Carmel's [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell'] is trending towards WR as his singular positional designation, he's too dynamic and athletic for me to put him in a box at this point in time. He's an absolute playmaker at WR and a big-play threat as a pass catcher, but I still want to see how he grows, continues to fill out, and retains and hopefully adds to the speed department before I make the final choice of a position.   In non-varsity action in 2023, Burrell posted 526 receiving yards on 22 catches (23.9 YPC average) and 8 TDs. Also added 4 rushes for 37 rushing yards and a TD and was moved up to varsity for the Caravan's 2023 7A state championship run and saw the Caravan's varsity win a state title from the sidelines. The 6'3, 185 lber. lined up at a multiple receiver spots throughout the year, including at TE, and is a big-bodied wideout with noticeable length, long strides, and good overall balance. Burrell opens his tape with a rep of him outrunning multiple DBs and LBs, including a hot-on-his-heels CB, on a simple slant route that he takes to the house for an almost 75-yard TD reception, and his balance and quickness help him make an impact after the catch. Burrell tracks and plays the ball well in the air, uses his length to box out and negate the chance for DBs to make a play on the ball at the catch point, and can make catches in traffic, big catch radius and strong in the air when high-pointing the rock and winning 50/50 balls. Big-framed pass-catcher who knows how to use it, I'm excited to see how he looks in 2024.     One of my personal favorite tapes from my 2027 Illinois film grind goes to Oak Park-River Forest's 5'11, 185 lb. athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1335236' first='Liam' last='Smith']. Easily one of the hardest hitters in the 2027 class, Smith opens his tape with a vicious and devastating collision on a dancing WR that sends the poor kid 5 yards backward and onto his facemask. The tape continues with big hits, physical dominance, and a player too good for the non-varsity ranks.   A RB/LB/SS who I could see playing RB or DB in college, if I had to make an early and hopefully educated guess, Smith reads, identifies, and triggers on the ball quickly and with disruptive effect, picking off passes on three-step drops and sniffing out screens, dumps, and runs to negate any kind of positive gain and shut down whole defensive series himself. Smith displays homerun speed at the top end and can finish big runs once he gets into space and the third level of a defense, owns good balance, and once he gets to the sideline non-varsity defenses had no chance. The 185 lb. two-way contributor ragdolls ball carriers as a RB/SS, effective blitzer who has productive play speed and range in run and pass defense, and overpowers would-be tacklers and has a rep of him stiff-arming two defenders at once in his freshman tape, as well as running through an attempted dogpile of defenders when he decides to drop his pads. I can't wait to see our #4 ranked ATH at the varsity level and after an offseason in a high-quality Chicagoland high school program.     Some tall drinks of water coming out of small town, Southern Illinois Pinckneyville, who are fresh off producing a B1G and SEC offeree in 2024 Karsen Konkel, a 6'6, 225 lber. who ended up signing with Southern Illinois. The Panthers already have another potentially big-time prospect on their hands in our #5 ranked ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1271823' first='Tyler' last='McConnell']. Already 6'4, 195 lbs., McConnell primarily competed as a WR/TE, as well as an OLB, but given the size, growth potential, and on-field dynamic ability as a three-phase contributor, I just want to give him some time to settle into his body and skillset before I select one position only. McConnell earned varsity reps on special teams in 2023, and displays solid speed, physicality, and versatility that primarily contributed to the non-varsity ranks in 2023 as a freshman. The 6'4, standout took a kick back for six while showing off impressive balance and tackle-breaking ability, and shows closing speed that can help him run down loose ball carriers out to the edge and a physical tackling ability. He does a good job of shedding blocks, can use his length, quickness, strength, or pure effort to disengage from blocking attempts around the LOS, and demonstrates effective contested catch and 50/50 ball ability, as he's strong in the air, times his jumps out well, and owns good hands. McConnell has a great chance of moving up the rankings at the time of the next update if he continues to improve, sharpen, and develop his skillset.     Another CCL representative on the recently launched 2027 PRzIL rankings big board, 6', 165 lb. Saint Ignatius ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1163345' first='Connor' last='Wanzung'] played QB, DB, and returned punts and kicks for the Wolfpacks non-varsity ranks in 2023. The dynamic ability and athleticism certainly were rankings-worthy, and I see a bright future for Wanzung once he hits the varsity scene. He threw for multiple TDs, ran for multiple TDs, took a kick back for six (nearly took a second back as well), and posted an INT in 2023, and he is a natural football player who is effective and impressive in the open field. Line him up anywhere and let him ball. Wanzung displays big-play speed and is an explosive ball carrier, and in his kickoff return went to the house in impressive fashion last fall, going untouched for a nearly 90-yard KOR touchdown. He processes quickly on defense, strong tackler, and triggers on the ball with pace and can close on ball carriers behind the LOS for negative gains, and is a tough kid who took on some massive hits as a QB while delivering accurate strikes around the field. More names will certainly emerge from Saint Ignatius from their 2027 class, but Wanzung looks like an early leader for their #1 2027.    Running Backs    The title of "RB1" is not one we take lightly here at PrepRedzoneIL, and we think East St. Louis' [player_tooltip player_id='1282833' first='Amir' last='Tillman'] is a good bet as not only our current RB1, but to hold the title throughout the 2027 classes development. The size, low center of gravity, speed, power, balance, not to mention the fact that he was a varsity contributor on one of the Midwest's most talented rosters as a freshman all spell out good things for Tillman on his quest to be a P4 tailback in the future. Tillman doesn't have consolidated game tape, but there was enough reps for me - between his JV and varsity experience - to give a quick breakdown on the 2027 RB earlier this spring.   Already a FBS offeree, Tillman heard from Miami (OH) and Kent State this spring, setting a high-quality foundation of recruitment that is sure to take off once he hits full-time varsity status. He earned significant varsity reps as well, finishing 2023 with four varsity appearances, 19 carries for 137 yards, and a TD, and displayed a high-rate, well-formed, and powerful running style. Tillman's burst is the first thing you notice on tape, along with his vision, balance, overall speed, and willingness to run behind his pads. He can cut at top speed and is powerful and sudden laterally and in the open field. I'm also impressed by his vision, as he runs with patience yet decisiveness, and he sees and finds the cutback well. With a crowded Flyers RB room in 2023, Tillman still finished as the team's 5th leading rusher, and I'm excited to see what role he carves out in the Flyers RB-by-committee offense as a now-sophomore. P4 schools should be on notice with this kid.     Our 2027 Illinois RB2, Normal University's [player_tooltip player_id='1335424' first='Lyfe' last='Campbell'] is the most experienced and productive varsity RBs, and one of the most experienced and productive 2027s overall, on the current PRzIL big board. Campbell was the third-leading rusher on the Pioneers as a freshman, rushing 33 times for 302 yards (9.2 YPC and 33.6 YPG average) and 6 TDs, and also added 6 receptions for 102 yards and 2 TDs and 6 kickoff returns for 149 yards (24.8 YPR), with a long of 80 yards. Campbell displays strong hands and is a high-quality pass-catching option out of the backfield. He can run a variety of routes and has the hands and catch radius more indicative of a WR than a RB, and is a particularly big asset in the screen game. He demonstrates significant burst, can cut at top speed, and quick, active feet and sudden COD ability. Campbell also displays good vision, and I like how he sets up and manipulates defenders to create space in the open field, and he always seems to make that first free defender miss. He also owns good balance, which helped him step through and spun out of some solid tackle attempts in 2023, and his sudden, shifty, twitchy running style with a good blend of balance mixed in as well, offers a good skillset to break tackles and make defenders miss. Campbell is an awesome example of a modern back, and if I had to put money on it, I'd guess he'll be a P4 RB when it's all said and done.     The biggest and most physical RB currently on the PRzIL rankings + watchlist, Rochelle Township's [player_tooltip player_id='1189981' first='Dylan' last='Manning'] is easily one of the hardest hitters in the state and creates and wins collisions more indicative of a LB or strong safety than a RB. An All-Conference and PrepRedzoneIL Underclassmen All-State selection as a freshman, Manning and also pitches and plays in the outfield for Rochelle Township's baseball team, and in four games of action, Manning posted 55 carries for 388 yards (7.1 YPC, 97 YPG average) and 5 TDs, according to MaxPreps. The 175 lber. wields a massive, devastating truck stick that takes no prisoners and can take out DL, LBs, and DBs alike, especially vital in redzone situations. He can get you impressive go-forward and wear down a defense over the course of four quarters. Will have defenders, especially DBs, guessing and making business decisions by the time the 4th quarter rolls around. Manning can work through multiple tackle attempts in a single carry and displays good speed, has a nose for the endzone, and welcomes and initiates contact effectively. He displays silky vision, can catch the ball out of the backfield, balance, and great leg drive post-contact. He's also a violent and effective lead blocker who laid some big hits as a FB/HB as well as at tailback. Also able to make an impact in pass pro as a running back. Easily one of my favorite tapes in the 2027 class, and although the varsity experience and production is a great sign, Manning's game makes him harder to project to the next level and I'm going to be excitedly watching as he continues to develop his game going forward.     Another full-time varsity contributor as a freshman, Richards High School RB [player_tooltip player_id='1334119' first='Ladarrius' last='Foster'] earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors after posting 607 rushing yards and 7 TDs against 6A IHSA competition. The size, varsity success, and lineage of recent RB standouts to come out of the Oak Lawn-based high school make me excited for Foster's future at the collegiate level, and he brings an early skillset of speed, suddenness, and physicality as our early RB4 and #30 overall ranked 2027 in the Land of Lincoln.   Foster shows off good speed and get-up, and his burst can go from 0-60 in a blink, and I like his contact balance, especially for his age and size, and he asserted himself well physically for a freshman RB. Foster also displays quick COD ability that can surprise defenders, an dhe identifies and exploits space well and is elusive and comfortable in space and at the third level of a defense. The 5'9, 170 lber. is also an aggressive and effective lead blocker who opened a ton of holes in the run game for his fellow ball carriers and didn't mind putting in the dirty work for his offense. Going to be a huge year for Foster in 2024 as a sophomore, get on the bandwagon now.     At most high school football programs, I think 5'9, 185 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1303748' first='Jameson' last='Davis'] gets varsity carries as a freshman, but Brother Rice isn't your normal high school football program. Davis, who also competes in track and field as a high jumper and sprinter in the 100M and 200M, has the freshman tape that screams D1 RB prospect, despite it coming against non-varsity competition.   Davis took an unofficial to Illinois for a spring practice in April, showing early glimpses of where his recruitment is heading, and he displays a fluid, shifty, and quick-footed running style that can cut on a dime at any given moment while keeping defenders on their heels as they try to anticipate where he's going to cut to. Davis is a patient runner who creates and uses space effectively, works to the sideline, and sets up defenders to slow their feet and burn their pursuit angle along the way. He demonstrates splash-play, homerun speed that can take the ball to the house from any spot on the gridiron, and he can get up to top speed quickly and hits the hole at full tilt. Davis can easily outrun pursuers and create TD carries without being touched and shows great balance while he fights to stay upright and easily work through weaker tackle attempts. I also like his vicious truck stick that he throws out when he drops his pads, and the young Crusader RB has no issues with running you over and going North-South through defenders. I think he's got a great chance to be the next great skill player out of Brother Rice and is bound for P4 attention and potentially offers. The only reason he isn't ranked higher is the lack of varsity reps as a freshman. Big-time name to know out of the class.     Another varsity contributor from the PrepRedzoneIL 2027 rankings drop, and especially from the RB position group, Warrensburg-Latham's [player_tooltip player_id='1146206' first='Brennon' last='Bonds'] is representing the small town, Central Illinois ranks, and representing well, coming in as our RB6 and the #70 overall ranked prospect in the 2027 class. The 5'11, 160 lber. can play RB, WR, and DB, and as a RB, has good hands out of the backfield. Bonds shows some shake in the open field, can spin out of weaker tackle attempts and displays solid balance, noticeable burst, and good vision. He also displays effective cuts - stretches the defense East-West and then slices them up when the seam presents itself, and created some splash gains off seemingly lost reps behind the LOS.     Low center of gravity, strong, solid build, and a plethora of varsity experience, Marion High School's 5'5, 180 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1335746' first='Marcus' last='Hazell'] has been working hard this offseason to build on what was already a notable freshman campaign. Hazell is dangerous when he gets into the open field and displays good burst past the first and second levels of a defense. He can run through weaker arm tackles, owns a shifty running style, and threw out some nifty moves on free defenders and used his twitch to beat would-be tacklers past the LOS. Going to be a big year to see if the Marion product can continue to assert himself in the upper echelons of the state's top football prospects.     Representing the decorated West Aurora Blackhawk program, freshman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1335752' first='Bryce' last='Riley'] rounds out both our RB position class and overall big board, adding some flair to the backend of the rankings that we are excited to see continue to develop. Riley was dominant against freshman competition, displaying speed, contact balance, and big play ability. His top gear of burst is impressive when he's in the open field and shows up well on tape, and he can change direction in a blink and create separation from defenders when he sticks his cleat in the ground and works laterally. We'll see how the offseason has treated him soon!

We're rolling on with our PrepRedzoneIL 2027 rankings coverage, and we're sticking with the flashy, eye-catching skill positions and are moving on from QB to the ATH and RB positions. The PRzIL 2027 rankings consist of a talented, rich-in-varsity-experience, and high-upside Top 75, as well as over 50 prospects on the watchlist and a ton more runway left in these young bucks development and recruitment. This is one of the features I'm most excited to write about in this week's coverage, as the ATHs are filled with some of the most electrifying prospects and game tapes in the entire state, with dynamic ability, homerun speed, and positional versatility, hence the ATH designation, and the RBs have some fun things going as well. With as much discourse as the position creates, these ranked RBs are modern examples of the position, with multi-faceted game as rushers, blockers, and pass catchers, natural elusiveness, and a nose for the big play. Take a look at the ATH and RB breakdown of the PrepRedzoneIL 2027 rankings drop below. The Land of Lincoln's gridiron playmakers are in good hands!