Illinois Prep Redzone: Sophomore Running Backs Surging Ahead

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>llinois' 2028 class is already showing signs of being one of the deepest running back groups in recent years. Several sophomores are not just contributing — they are driving their team's entire offensive identity. Here are six underclassmen who have separated themselves with elite production, efficiency, and playmaking upside this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joel White – Carlinville</strong><br>Few sophomores in the state have been more dominant than Joel White. He has emerged as Carlinville's workhorse, piling up 1,699 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. White's blend of vision and balance has made him nearly impossible to slow down, routinely slipping through traffic and finishing runs with authority. His 264 carries show he can handle a true bell-cow load, and he's been the engine behind Carlinville's offensive success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mekhi Shorter – Roxana</strong><br>Shorter has been one of the most efficient backs in Illinois, averaging an unbelievable 12.3 yards per carry on his way to 1,377 yards and a long run of 95 yards. Every touch is a threat to go the distance. His burst through the second level stands out, and he's become the big-play spark that fuels Roxana's offense. When Shorter gets a crease, defenses are in trouble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687796' first='Lamar' last='Osterhues'] – Barrington</strong><br>Osterhues has elite top-end speed and it shows. The Barrington sophomore rolled up 1,153 yards and 20 touchdowns, consistently creating explosive plays in space. He's dangerous when he gets outside the tackles and doesn't need much room to flip the field. Osterhues also runs with toughness, finishing through contact and showing the traits of a high-ceiling every-down back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Hojnacki – Huntley</strong><br>Hojnacki is one of the most complete young backs in the state. With 1,067 yards and 21 touchdowns, he combines physical downhill running with the patience to set up blocks. Huntley leans on him heavily, and he delivers — particularly in short-yardage and red-zone moments. His consistency and workload point toward a back with long-term staying power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marco Casillas – Mahomet-Seymour</strong><br>Casillas has been a tone-setter for Mahomet-Seymour's offense. He's topped 1,000 yards this season, flashing balance, awareness, and the ability to squeeze extra yards out of every run. Casillas accelerates well through contact and has shown strong field vision, diagnosing defensive flow and finding cutback lanes. He's quickly grown into a reliable, high-production option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617798' first='Jaquel' last='Edmonds'] – Carmel (Mundelein)</strong><br>Edmonds is a tough, productive back who brings value in every phase of the run game. He's totaled 845 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging over six yards per carry. His strength is noticeable, especially in traffic, and his ability to stay upright through hits keeps drives alive. Edmonds has taken a major leap this fall and is trending toward a breakout junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->