IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Running Backs (Part 2)
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The Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 tailbacks who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 tailbacks who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye on these rising stars at the running back position.
Rashid is a big and physical back who hails from Kewanee. The 5’10, 190 lbs running back is a bell cow for Wethersfield HS, as Rashid possesses the ability to get the hard yards. He runs with a strong base, allowing him to glide through arm tackles. He’s a tailback who always falls forward for extra yards and is a nice asset in the pass game. He is a smooth route runner who has the speed to outrun linebackers vertically. Keep an eye on this rising star in Rashid as he heads into his senior season.
Highlights
Boyd is a 5’11, 200 lbs tailback out of Paxton. He lit up the stat sheet this season, as Boyd accounted for 1,700 all-purpose yards and 27 total touchdowns. 22 of those came on the ground. He boasts good size, elite vision, and plus speed that makes him a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He does a great job of being patient and allowing his offensive line to create rushing lanes. Once the lane opens up, Boyd shoots the gap quickly and can smoothly weave in and out of traffic. This do-it-all playmaker in Boyd is one of the more underrated players in the Class of 2025.
Klawikowski was an All-State Honorable Mention running back in his junior campaign. The 5’9, 195 lbs tailback out of Hampshire is a powerful runner who isn’t afraid to initiate contact. Klawikowski runs with low pad level and a strong base, always fighting to gain extra yards. He is a smooth runner in the open field and will lower his shoulder to run through oncoming defenders. Long story short, defenses better be ready to bring it when lining up against Klawikowski as he will punish anyone in his path. Keep an eye on this underrated Class of 2025 running back next fall.
Highlights
Herman is a 5’11, 185 lbs tailback from St. Rita. He possesses nearly every trait that is required of elite running backs. He has vision, balance, speed, and elusiveness. All of these skills make Herman difficult to stop, as he can power through piles of defenders while seeing cutback lanes and sprinting out the gate. Herman doesn’t need much space to make a move, as he can cut in a hurry to find open lanes. And once he has some room, his acceleration takes over. As one of the more underrated backs in the Land of Lincoln, keep an eye on Herman throughout the fall next season.
Highlights
Padilla is a 5’8, 190 lbs running back out of Taft. He runs low to the ground and has the elusiveness to avoid tacklers in tight windows. He displays a variety of moves in the open field, including a smooth jump cut, a quick stutter step, and an elite spin move that leaves opposing defenders on their knees. Very quick in space, Padilla is a tough back to bring down with just one guy and when there are multiple tacklers on him, he isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver the boom. Keep an eye on this rising star in Padilla as he heads towards his senior campaign.