2026 Film Room: Running Backs

The next position we dive into with our look at the junior class are the running backs.  Here is our examination of the prospects we evaluated in 2026 Film Room: Running Backs!   [player_tooltip player_id='801877' first='Lesroy' last='Tittle'] (Nazareth – 6'1” 195)   As a sophomore Tittle ran for 450 yards on 70 carries and 9 touchdowns. On the defensive side he had 69 tackles. As a running back his style reminds me of Adrian Peterson.  One cut downhill run that hits the hole and explodes through it.  Good build at 6'1" that plays with a mean streak.  Burst with the ball and runs with authority.  Runs over second level defenders.  Physical in between tackles.  On the defensive side he flies to the ball and is a physical tackler.   [player_tooltip player_id='801711' first='Dominic' last='Dileonardi'] (Geneva – 5'10” 160)   Dileonardi is a 5'10" running back with home run ability.  He is slippery in the hole and shifty making defenders miss in the box.  Often cuts it to the outside for long runs.  Very good speed, vision, and creativity as a runner.   [player_tooltip player_id='345784' first='Nikolas' last='Kokosioulis'] (Maine South – 5'8” 155)   This past season the Maine South back had 1,314 total yards including 18 touchdowns. Everything he does is a long run for touchdown.  He has really good speed down the field and loves to get to the perimeter.  Quick cuts and is shifty with the ball in his hands shaking defenders when he has to.  Solid pass catcher especially going over the middle.  As your would guess with his speed and burst he is a quality kick returner as well.   Craig Peacock (Joliet Catholic – 5'11” 160)   Peacock is a silky smooth runner.  He is most of the time one of the side backs in the three back JCA offense.  He runs behinds his blockers and then explodes downfield.  Excellent downfield speed and seems to weave through defenders with ease.  He changes directions well cutting back the other way multiple times on tape.   [player_tooltip player_id='401593' first='Anthony' last='Finnegan'] (Joliet Catholic – 5'10” 160)   Finnegan is a 5'10" 160 pound back in Joliet Catholic's three back offense.  Often lines up on the side for sweeping hand offs.  Long strides and good speed.  Follows blocks well and is a smooth runner.   [player_tooltip player_id='801705' first='Kyveon' last='Chestnut'] (Bloomington – 5'8” 150)   Chestnut is a smaller back at 5'8". Relies on his quickness and his speed.  Hits hole and explodes through it.  Does a nice job of setting up blocks and making guys miss at the line when he has too. [player_tooltip player_id='369068' first='Xander' last='Salazar'] (St. Charles East – 5'6” 160)   Salazar is a 5'6" 160 pound back that is a speed back.  He has great speed downfield and takes interior runs bouncing them outside for homerun plays.  Good vision and defenders bounce off him despite his lack of ideal size.   [player_tooltip player_id='801891' first='Owen' last='Yorke'] (Wheaton Warrenville South – 5'10” 185)   Strong and stocky back at 5'10" 185 pounds. Runs with physicality and lays the hammer at the end of his runs.  Hits hole and explodes through it with one cut.  Legs are always moving.  Good runner in between the tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1400852' first='Trey' last='Gottschild'] (Glenbrook North – 6'0” 165)   Nice combination of size and speed here.  He stands at 6'0" with the ability to take it up the middle and cut out to the perimeter where he can get downfield.  Good speed and quickness in the hole.  Also flashes as a pass catcher including taking a screen for a touchdown.   Greyson Kelley (Batavia – 5'11” 190)   Kelley averaged 9 yards per carry this past season.  He is a speed back that at 5'11" and 190 pounds has solid size.  Quickness in the hole and when he gets downfield watch out as he has speed to blow past defensive backs.   [player_tooltip player_id='401611' first='Jaylin' last='Green'] (Brother Rice – 5'8” 185)   Green is a 5'8" back that played on Brother Rice's JV team as a sophomore.  Does a nice job of shaking defenders in the hole. Strong and smooth runner that attacks the hole.  Weaves through traffic downfield and is a powerful finisher. [player_tooltip player_id='401630' first='Yasir' last='Taylor'] (Marist – 5'9” 140)   Strong bodied back that runs with strength. Like how he is always low to the ground on his runs and has a good center of gravity. Excellent ball security switching from hand to hand and covering with both when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='537239' first='Gavin' last='Dickson'] (Libertyville – 5'7” 140)   Dickson is a 5'7" scat back.  He is a solid pass catcher that is quick with his cuts in the hole.  Hides well behind his blockers and is sneaky strong.

The next position we dive into with our look at the junior class are the running backs. Here is our examination of the prospects we evaluated in 2026 Film Room: Running Backs!