Class of 2027 Running Backs Emerge in Latest Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What running backs in the state went from unranked to ranked in our latest update?&nbsp; Here are a few of the top ones that fit that distinction!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604137' first='Ahmad' last='Coleman'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman had a breakout year as the Flyers #2 back going for 790 yards on the season along with 15 touchdowns.&nbsp; Speed, quickness, and slashing back that has good vision hitting the hole.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1870253' first='Sean' last='Murphy'] (Mascoutah)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphy popped in the first game of the season when we saw him play against Belleville West.&nbsp; The 5'7” 170 pound back likes to run in between the tackles and power with his lower half over defenders.&nbsp; Flashes as a pass catcher as well!&nbsp; He had 1,123 yards on the ground along with 13 touchdowns in just 7 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105090' first='Broden' last='Mackert'] (Providence Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mackert played a key role in getting his team to the state finals.&nbsp; The 6'1” 200 pound back has good size and runs behind his pads through the hole.&nbsp; Good speed and spin move in the open field.&nbsp; Went for 1,756 yards and 23 scores this past year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105092' first='Dewonde' last='Taylor'] (Belleville West)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5'7” 165 pound junior is a change of pace back that consistently moved the chains each time in the game we saw.&nbsp; Burst in the open field and is a capable blocker in pass pro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880728' first='Sean' last='Hopson'] (Evanston)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopson went for 938 yards on the ground at a 5.8 YPC clip along with 3 touchdowns.&nbsp; Like the vision and instincts he shows in traffic with quick cuts and long speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974778' first='Machai' last='Henderson'] (Cahokia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cahokia back is coming off a season where he went for 1,030 yards and 13 touchdowns.&nbsp; One of the more underrated backs out of the metro east.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1955287' first='Anthony' last='Foster'] (Elgin)<br></strong><br>Foster impressed with his tape as a junior.&nbsp; At 5'10” he is a capable pass catcher who can be effective on gadget plays.&nbsp; Quickness in the hole and smooth acceleration on his runs downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105096' first='Jackson' last='Spizzirri'] (Conant)<br></strong><br>Spizziri is a 5'10” 195 pound back that has an old school feel to him.&nbsp; He is a physical running full back that runs with a ton of power and gets in the endzone!<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105097' first='Julian' last='Rodriguez'] (Plainfield North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The stocky back has a nice combination of speed and power.&nbsp; Gets downhill with a head of steam and is tough to bring down!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->