Xander Salazar
Xander Salazar
About Xander
Expert Analysis
Mark Johnson | Prep Redzone Scout
Xander checked in at 5’5″ 167 lbs. That size won’t be for everyone, but the 2026 RB caught my eyes over and over throughout the day. By the end of the day it was clear he was one of the top performers of the position. The day started with a 4.67 40, 7.28 L-Drill, 4.51 shuttle, and a 9’1″ broad jump. The speed, agility, and burst to top speed were on full display. Especially in the route running 1v1s. Xander was a nightmare for LBs to keep up with. He was so quick in and out of breaks and got back to top speed instantly. The incoming senior was able to open up separation so consistently. Xander fits the role of a third down/change of pace back very well. Give the kid a look.
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Read EvaluationScott Burgess | Prep Redzone Scout
Smaller back a 5’6″ 160 pounds but he definitely brings toughness to table. Physical running inside as he follows his blocks well getting behind them and then making guys miss on second level. Can use power at the end of his runs when required. Solid pass catcher.
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Read EvaluationPatton Fitzpatrick | Prep Redzone Scout
Salazar is another speedy tailback in the Class of 2026. The St. Charles East product had a monster season at the JV level, showcasing his impressive straight line speed and elusiveness in the open field. While Salazar is a smaller back measuring in at 5’6, 160, he runs with low pad level and isn’t afraid to get physical in between the tackles. Salazar does his best work at the second level or on the edge, where his acceleration and speed shines. He can outrun nearly any defender on the field. As Salazar makes the jump to varsity next season, keep an eye on this electrifying running back.
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Read EvaluationOliver West | Prep Redzone Scout
St. Charles is looking like a promising recruiting ground for the 2026 class, and St. Charles East 5’6, 160 lb. tailback Xander Salazar brings a ton of juice and production to the 2026 PRzIL Big Board as our #58 overall and #2 ranked RB in the recently published inaugural rankings. There’s lots to be excited about in this early crop of ’26 RBs, and although all of them are in need of a growth spurt and some added muscle, their production, prowess in the open field, and general speed/elusiveness make for fun Hudl watches and spell out promising skillsets for the varsity levels of Illinois prep football. Salazar falls very much into these categories, and his freshman campaign resulted in him posting 1,284 rushing yards at a 7.46 YPC average and 21 touchdowns. The freshman tape shows off a ball carrier with homerun speed, patience, contact balance and quick cuts in 1-on-1 situations vs. tacklers in the open field, and some solid reps of him laying wood as a blocker in both pass pro and when lead blocking. I also like his reps as a DB, where he gets out of his breaks with pace and intuitively undercuts routes to play the ball. Salazar is also a three-sport standout who holds a 4.85 GPA!
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