Teams looking for an RB who can grow into an every down role need to check out HJ Grigsby. The 6′ 180 lbs senior has a frame that can continue to fill out at the next level in a college weight room. His game tape shows every down traits. He can run tough, behind his pads, and with good balance between the tackles. Out in space the senior can shake defenders with cuts, jukes, and start/stops. Grigsby also is a natural on the receiving end of passes. He catches the ball with soft hands, and is a mismatch if a team puts an LB on him. Check out the kid’s tape.

Another running back who impressed on Saturday was HJ Grigsby out of Joliet Catholic. The 6’0, 175 lbs senior totaled over 150 yards in a win over rival Providence. 142 of those yards came on the ground. Grigsby runs with a powerful and physical style that allows him to get downhill in a hurry. He is fluid in the open field, showcasing the ability to make multiple defenders miss with a variety of moves. As Grigsby and the Hill’s ground game continues to roll on, they take on a conference foe in Nazareth Academy in the 5A state championship.

Stats: 19 Carries, 207 Yards, 3 TDs, 1 Receiving TDrnHJ is off to a great start this year! He was able to stretch the defense horizontally with his speed, and usually was able to easily get outside the contain man and pick up big chunks of yards with his speed. Grigsby also showed off good vision, finding lanes to cut up and through instead of getting to the outside. The 6′ 180 lbs senior runs hard and behind his shoulder pads too. We also got a quick glimpse into his receiving ability, especially his elusiveness after the catch. HJ continues to be a natural big play creator. Give him a look.

Watching through the 2022 highlights of HJ Grigsby III HJ Grigsby III 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Joliet Catholic | 2024 State IL you quickly get a sense of how smooth of an athlete he is. It seems like he is always playing at his top speed, and that speed has proven to be a mismatch. His highlights has show him easily pulling away in the open field. The 6′ 175 lbs RB also has the physicality you want to see from an every down back. He can play low and behind his shoulder pads, run through contact, and keep his feet to break loose and pick up big yards after contact. HJ has a well rounded game, and he has several D2 offers including most of the NSIC.

One of top RBs in Illinois, HJ Grigsby III HJ Grigsby III 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Joliet Catholic | 2024 State IL III comes out of powerhouse Joliet Catholic Academy and is doing a stellar job of continuing the trend of prolific Hilltoppers RBs from the last decade+ that have torn up opposing gridirons all ove Illinois. He remains uncommitted going into fall camp but holds offers from Bemidji State, Butler, Minnesota-Duluth, Augustana, Sioux Falls, Culver-Stockton, Millikin, UIndy, Central Michigan, and Nothern State. The 6′, 175 lber. holds an accomplished resume so far in his career, having one a 2021 state title, ESCC All-Conference, and Division OPOTY honors playing for the physical and tough Hilltoppers offensive running attack. Grigsby III tallied 162 attempts for 1,351 yards and 16 TDs on a 8.8 YPC average, and showed off big-play speed that can take it to the house after breaking a single tackle, which can come both between the tackles or out on the edge. It also applies to returning kicks, where he accelerates through holes and uses a naturally shifty gait to keep defenders guessing in their pursuit. Also can be utilized out of the slot or backfield as a receiver, showing he’ll attack the ball out of the air and can keep his feet after the catch. He’s fast enough to take the edge of a defense, take advantage of space, and will consistently make the first man miss. If he’s playing out his senior season we got a long way left in this recruitment. Stay tuned with PRzMN!