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Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025

Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025
Photo: Prep Redzone
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman November 19, 2024 @ 09:52 PM
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In this article:

James Bell
James Bell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB | 2027
IL
Amir Tillman
Amir Tillman 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB | 2027
IL
Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy 5'11" | 160 lbs | LB | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='537265' first='Sean' last='Murphy']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mascoutah High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673d59f56edf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537265' first='Sean' last='Murphy']</strong> from Mascoutah High School had an outstanding breakout season in 2024, showcasing his immense talent and potential. He is an explosive player who rushed for an impressive 1,317 yards and 17 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top young backs in the area. Murphy's ability to break open games stems from his exceptional vision to read defenses and his elite speed to capitalize on opportunities. With his remarkable skill set, he is poised to be a cornerstone of the Indians' offense and a key contributor to their success for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1791842' first='James' last='Bell'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Simeon High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673d59f56eea1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791842' first='James' last='Bell']</strong>, a 2027 running back, proved himself as a vital contributor to Simeon's explosive offense during the 2024 season. Despite his youth, Bell handled the spotlight with poise and maturity beyond his years, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and perform in crucial moments. He amassed an impressive 980 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, consistently finding ways to exploit defenses with his vision and quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1282833"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673d59f56eef2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282833' first='Amir' last='Tillman']</strong> is making a name for himself at East St. Louis, solidifying his place in the program's storied tradition of producing elite Division 1 talent. With an impressive 483 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns so far this season, Tillman has not only become a key contributor to his team's success but has also garnered significant attention from college programs, earning multiple Division 1 offers. As the Flyers advance deeper into their playoff run, his dynamic impact on the field continues to be a driving force behind their championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jayden Faulkner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"193","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fremd High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673d59f56ef2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fremd High School showcased a well-balanced offensive attack during the 2024 season, with sophomore running back <strong>Jayden Faulkner </strong>playing a pivotal role in the ground game. Faulkner rushed for 462 yards and 9 touchdowns, adding another score through the air. His emergence as a key contributor provides a bright outlook for the Vikings' offense, with his potential to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025</span>
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            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/standout-sophomore-running-backs-in-2025/" class="link-wrap">
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Sean Murphy Sean Murphy Sean Murphy 5'11" | 160 lbs | LB Marist | 2026 IL

HEIGHT 5'6"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB
CLASS 2027

Sean Murphy Sean Murphy Sean Murphy 5'11" | 160 lbs | LB Marist | 2026 IL

School: Mascoutah High School
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/standout-sophomore-running-backs-in-2025/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/01/Screenshot-2023-01-22-at-16-37-03-Week-3-Spotlight-Running-Backs-Prep-Redzone.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025"></span>
                
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James Bell James Bell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Simeon | 2027 IL

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 195
POS RB
CLASS 2027

James Bell James Bell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Simeon | 2027 IL

School: Simeon High School
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Amir Tillman

Amir Tillman

IL
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Amir
Tillman RB
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
Weight
170
HS
East St. Louis
|
IL
Standout Sophomore Running Backs in 2025
Amir Tillman is making a name for himself at East St. Louis, solidifying his place in the program’s...
Written by Eric Bergman
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Amir Tillman

State: Illinois
School: East St. Louis
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Highlights

Jayden Faulkner

Jayden Faulkner

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 193
POS RB
CLASS 2027

Jayden Faulkner

School: Fremd High School
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