Built for Contact: 2027 Illinois Power Backs and Fullbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335245' first='Amari' last='Harris'] – Glenbard West – Running Back</strong><br>Harris brings rare size to the backfield and immediately stands out from a physical standpoint. He runs with natural forward lean and understands how to use his frame to finish carries. His presence gives Glenbard West a tone-setter in the run game, especially in short-yardage situations. As his footwork continues to tighten, his ability to control games between the tackles should grow even more noticeable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Timmie Lewis – Bolingbrook – Running Back</strong><br>Lewis is a downhill runner who thrives on contact. He presses the line with patience and shows a willingness to attack defenders rather than avoid them. His sturdy build allows him to maintain momentum through arm tackles, and he has become a dependable option when tough yards are needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nate Schlenhardt – Maine South – Running Back</strong><br>Schlenhardt offers a balanced blend of size and composure. He protects the football well, keeps his pads low, and consistently falls forward at the end of runs. Coaches appreciate his reliability and ability to handle a steady workload when the offense needs stability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peter Gehrig – Sycamore – Fullback</strong><br>Gehrig has the frame and mindset tailor-made for the fullback position. He embraces blocking duties and plays with strong leverage at contact. His physical approach gives Sycamore a dependable lead blocker in heavy formations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brandon Potaczek – Lemont – Fullback</strong><br>Potaczek is a sturdy hybrid who fits both traditional fullback and H-back roles. He moves well for his size and has shown comfort lining up in multiple spots. That versatility allows his offense to stay unpredictable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rhiyon Starks – Rockford East – Fullback</strong><br>Starks brings natural power and a low center of gravity to the position. He excels in tight spaces and consistently wins leverage battles. His toughness makes him a valuable tone-setter for the ground game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Power backs and fullbacks rarely get the spotlight, but they remain essential to controlling tempo and dictating physicality. This group represents the kind of players offenses lean on when toughness matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->