PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour: Darnell’s Top Performing RBs
In this article:
This past weekend, the running back group put on a show at our PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour. The skillset and versatility these backs displayed were off the charts. For instance, there were back with quads reminiscent of Saquon Barkley that…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis past weekend, the running back group put on a show at our PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour.
The skillset and versatility these backs displayed were off the charts. For instance, there were back with quads reminiscent of Saquon Barkley that could run routes better than some receivers. Let’s not forget about the scat-backs who were almost impossible to lay a hand on when they were in space. I can’t forget to mention the running back built like a linebacker but had swift feet that made rhythmic cuts. I can keep going, but I’ll let you read the rest of the article so you can have an idea of just how talented these prospects truly are.
So without further ado, let’s get to know ten standout running backs who participated in our PRZ Illinois Prospect Tour…
Noah Boutsomsy | Penn ’25
Noah first caught my eye during the Pro Agility Drill (5-10-5). His ability to change directions laterally and not lose any speed was terrific, to say the least. Was most impressive during 1-on-1s against the linebackers where he was able to showcase how dangerous he is when in space.
Alex Schuppe | Cary-Grove ’23
Agility, balance, and footwork are attributes all great running backs should have in their toolbox. Schuppe showcased that he indeed checks the box for each of those categories after clocking one of the fastest times in the L-drill.
Matt Lawson | Elgin ’24
Lawson was a name we were all familiar with before the showcase, so it was no surprise once he was named MVP of the running back group. He passes the eye test and is an overall freak of an athlete. His massive quads enable him to have great acceleration, which is an essential attribute for any great running back. I also noticed that Matt seemed to be a natural in terms of route-running, which increases his value as a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield.
Noah Battle Noah Battle 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Downers Grove North | 2024 IL | Downers Grove North ’24
Battle has all the tools to be a dynamic every-down running back. Has the size to carry the load and can create big runs with elusiveness and power. What I noticed during 1-on-1s is that battle has some swift feet and can move well laterally.
Teshon McGee | Kenwood ’24
McGee was a prospect who surprised me by how well he performed during the showcase. Has a compact build, runs with a low center of gravity, and is impressively light on his feet. Showcased excellent balance during the agility drills along with the ability to effectively accelerate and decelerate. A powerful yet explosive runner who I think could be a sleeper in Chicago’s Public League.
Marcus Johnson | Hillcrest ’23
Johnson is a multi-skilled running back who showcased he’s a natural runner of the football during 1-on-1s against the linebackers. But I was most impressed with his route-running and ability to catch the football. He was consistently able to work his way open and caught nearly everything thrown at him.
Silvano Spatafora Silvano Spatafora 5'6" | 175 lbs | RB Neuqua Valley | 2024 IL | Neuqua Valley ’24
Silvano has a solid build and fits the mold of a no-nonsense north-south type of runner. I noticed that he has a very strong base and can generate a ton of power from his plant leg. Runs with good forward lean and I can only imagine how much of a load he is to bring down.
Aidan Preciado | Lockport ’24
Aidan proved that he’s capable of maneuvering his way through tight areas and is without a doubt capable of making defenders miss in space. What I enjoyed most was watching him make rhythmic cuts. His footwork is a thing of beauty and is easily one of his best attributes.
Eric Harris Eric Harris 5'7" | 160 lbs | ATH Pritzker College Prep | 2023 State IL | Pritzker College Prep ’23
Harris initially caught my attention because he was going hard on every rep he took during the showcase. After I locked in on him, I noticed he flashed good quickness and the ability to evade defenders with precise cuts. This might be shocking, but at 5’6″, he tracks the ball extremely well and is a pretty impressive deep threat.
Walker Owens Walker Owens 6'2" | 200 lbs | RB Wheaton North | 2024 IL | Wheaton North ’24
Owens has great size coming out of the backfield and is built to dish out punishment—a true powerhouse with the ball in his hands. But he’s also versatile enough to be a significant threat as a receiver out of the backfield. During 1-on-1s, I noticed his innate ability to use his frame to win his matchups downfield.