Kokosioulis the leader of the backs
Maine South’s smart and slippery Fotis Kokosioulis leads the way as the area’s top running back. Two juniors, Justin Jett of St. Charles East and Jack Jessen of Willowbrook, cracked the list.
1. Fotis Kokosioulis, Maine South, Sr. ( 5- 9, 170): Last season, Kokosioulis produced 25 plays of 25 yards or more, and he’s primed to put up big numbers for the defending Class 8A state champions. The Northern Illinois recruit averaged nearly nine yards while totalling 1,464 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s a back you can count on.
2. Reggie Phillips, Batavia, Sr. ( 5- 10, 155): Phillips ran for 1,093 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He averaged more than six yards. A smooth strider who is quick on his feet, it’s his footwork that sets him apart. Has potential for a breakout year.
3. A. J. Deinhart, Naperville Central, Sr. ( 5- 9, 185): An all- conference selection as a junior, his separation speed is the standout part of his game. Deinhart knows how to make people miss. He has a chance to be a difference- maker on a team poised to rebound.
4. Justin Jett, St. Charles East, Jr. ( 6- 0, 210): Jett gained 1,020 yards on 160 carries, averaging 6.3 yards as a sophomore for the Saints. A first- team all- conference selection, Jett is a reliable option who has a second gear from the fullback position.
5. Jack Jessen, Willowbrook, Jr. ( 5- 11, 195): An athlete who does it all, Jessen helped Willowbrook reach the Class 7A quarterfinals with 1,671 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. He is a good- sized back and a standout wrestling recruit who has committed to Northwestern.
6. Justin Hall, Homewood-Flossmoor, Sr. ( 5- 10, 185): Hall has game- changing quickness. Last season he was a jack- of- all- trades, playing running back, receiver and defensive back. With a first- year quarterback at the helm for the Vikings, expect Hall to play a major role in the offense.
7. Anthony Martin, Lemont, Sr. ( 5- 11, 200): Martin is a bruiser who uses his strength and size well on the field. Last season he rushed for 830 yards on 150 carries and scored eight touchdowns. The standout back has a knack for finding space and was integral in the Indians’ run to the Class 6A quarterfinals.
8. Hamid Bullie, Loyola, Sr. ( 5- 11, 190): A three- year varsity player, Bullie has good straight- line speed and footwork. He finds holes well, even against good competition. Bullie was injured in October, but when he is back, he is expected to be just as impactful.
9. Chris Childers, St. Rita, Sr. ( 5- 11, 190): Childers makes good cuts and has big- play capability. He carried the ball 69 times for 649 yards last season. He has a noholds- barred attitude with the ball and is also a threat as a receiver.
10. Dakari Smith, Hillcrest, Sr. ( 5- 10, 185): An all- conference selection as a junior, Smith has nice size and speed. One of the assets that sets him apart is his ability to lower his shoulder and not shy away from contact. Hillcrest was 8- 3 last year and should be a major threat this season.
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