2027 Rankings: Top Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2027 has been unveiled and now sits at 250 prospects.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position with the premier players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at&nbsp;<strong>2027 Rankings Update: Top Running Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='788737' first='Myson' last='Johnson-Cook'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson-Cook recently transferred into East St. Louis from Desoto (TX) where he played for the Texas power after his freshman season at Decatur MacArthur.&nbsp; The newest Flyer will be in the conversation for the top player in his class for as long as he is in Illinois.&nbsp; The 6'2" 220 pound back is a physical runner with downfield speed.&nbsp; Love how he runs behind his pads and lowers the boom with defenders bouncing off him.&nbsp; Consistently runs for long TDs up the middle while showcasing his vision along with willingness to follow the blocking scheme.&nbsp; Burst through hole every time and has a ferocity with the ball.&nbsp; Like his footwork in tight spaces and can get skinny when he needs to without losing speed. Home run threat on every single play!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791819' first='Jeremiah' last='Stonewall'] (Marian Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stonewall racked up 497 total yards and 7 touchdowns on 51 touches as a sophomore.&nbsp; A ton of intriguing tools you see on tape with Stonewall.&nbsp; Good size, strength, and big time speed. Home run threat from anywhere on the field. Consistently beats the defense to the edge on perimeter runs then gets north and south with big time speed. Turns on the burners blowing past defenders. Breaks tackles with spin moves.&nbsp; Really like how hard he runs. Also has natural pass catching ability out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791842' first='James' last='Bell'] (Simeon)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is a 5'10" 185 pound back from Simeon that racked up 1,050 total yards and 7 scores as a sophomore.&nbsp; Bell looks like one of the better running backs in the class.&nbsp; He is powerful and runs behind his pads. Solid cuts and has vision downfield. Like how he follows his blockers and can get skinny in the hole when he needs.&nbsp; Defenders bounce off him and he uses a monster stiff arm as well. Breaks tackles and can lower the hammer.&nbsp; North south runner that is excellent around the goal line. Like the ball security as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282833' first='Amir' last='Tillman'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tillman is one of the better backs in the class.&nbsp; At 5'9" 170 pounds he runs low to the ground and has explosive speed in the open field.&nbsp; Does an excellent job at beating contain and getting to the edge.&nbsp; Runs behind his blockers up the middle.&nbsp; Like the patience he shows downfield.&nbsp; Makes guys miss and finishes runs with power.&nbsp; Bounces off defenders.&nbsp; Alot of potential in the pass game as a pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598828' first='Steven' last='Brown'] (Belleville Althoff)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is a player we saw quite a bit in person this past year.&nbsp; As a back up he had 639 all purpose yards behind Dierre Hill Jr.&nbsp; Now it is his show.&nbsp; Compact power and speed combination at 5'8". Quick cuts in the hole and jump cuts. He is very tough to bring down.&nbsp; Runs with toughness in between the tackles. Very good pass catcher out of the backfield and in the slot.&nbsp; Also brings value as a kick returner with his speed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->