2027 Rankings: Running Back Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2027 Rankings being expanded to 250 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in&nbsp;<strong>2027 Rankings: Running Back Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335440' first='Nathan' last='Samuels'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really liked what we saw on tape out of Samuels.&nbsp; The 5'10" back has speed in the open field with home run ability.&nbsp; Burst with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Loves to bounce it outside beating defenders to the corner then running down the sideline. Elusive runner that has some power at the end of runs.&nbsp; Quick cuts in the hole when running in between tackles.&nbsp; Like how he follows blockers when getting downhill. Pass catching is a strength both out of the backfield along with lining up in the slot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='707326' first='TJ' last='Lewis'] (Bolingbrook)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis racked up 800 yards and 10 scores this past season. Strong and compact frame at 6'0". Breaks tackles and runs so hard. Vision through traffic with explosive cuts. Cuts on a dime while not losing one bit of speed. Follows his blocks.&nbsp; Good pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791888' first='Conor' last='Hunt'] (Marist)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a sophomore Hunt rushed for 1050 yards on 180 carries and 9 scores.&nbsp; Really like what he brings to the table as a natural pass catcher out of the backfield.&nbsp; As a runner he is tough to bring down.&nbsp; Bounces off defenders, quick cuts, and accelerates with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Burst with the ball and has downfield speed.&nbsp; One cut and go up field!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541260' first='Ziyir' last='Aker'] (Champaign Central)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akeer is a 5'9" 190 pound back that this past season racked up 1,186 yards and 11 touchdowns.&nbsp; Really liked what we saw on tape as he is physical running in between the tackles and bounces outside at the second level.&nbsp; Runs away from defenders downfield. Runs over guys at the end.&nbsp; Capable pass catcher and blocker. Goal line back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1371805' first='Tivias' last='Caldwell'] (Wheaton St. Francis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caldwell is good running between the tackles.&nbsp; The 5'11" 210 pound big bodied back is a physical runner that makes powerful cuts. Good vision and quick feet.&nbsp; Subtle jump cuts in the hole.&nbsp; Always ends play moving the defender forward for a couple extra yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1324098' first='Keon' last='Allen'] (Metamora)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen is a 5'11" 200 pound strong and stocky back.&nbsp; Physical runner up the middle that has solid burst and quick cuts in the hole. Runs very hard.&nbsp; Also shows flashes catching out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792436' first='Tristan' last='Gatenby'] (Dundee Crown)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gatenby is a 5'8" and 175 pound back out of Dundee Crown.&nbsp; Like the value that he brings as a pass catcher out of the backfield.&nbsp; As a runner he has good vision in the hole following his blocking scheme. Quick and smooth cuts while being shifty with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->