Next: 2028 RB Tyson Hooks

DePaul Prep running back Tyson Hooks is a rising star to watch in Illinois high school football.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Tyson Hooks, a 2028 running back prospect from DePaul Prep in Chicago, is being highlighted as a top underclassman to watch in Illinois high school football. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound back has already earned Chicago Catholic League First-Team All-Conference honors and was named his team's Offensive Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Hooks is an early standout in the 2028 recruiting class, showcasing impressive skills like explosiveness, elusiveness, vision, and power that have college coaches already taking notice. As an underclassman, his development over the next few years will be closely watched by recruiters across the Midwest.

The details

Hooks has participated in offseason training with Coach Steve Richardson and the Athletic Konnection and Lakefront Legion 7v7 programs. He also runs track in addition to playing football. Hooks models his game after current college running back Kyle Monangai and has Michigan as his dream school.

  • Hooks was named Chicago Catholic League First-Team All-Conference and DePaul Prep's Offensive Player of the Year in a previous season.

The players

Tyson Hooks

A 2028 running back prospect from DePaul Prep in Chicago who has already earned all-conference and team offensive player of the year honors.

Kyle Monangai

The college running back that Hooks models his game after.

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What they’re saying

“What unique qualities do you bring to a potential college football program? explosiveness, elusiveness, high IQ, elite vision, great hands, finding holes, speed, and power”

— Tyson Hooks

The takeaway

Tyson Hooks is an early 2028 running back prospect in Illinois to keep an eye on, as he has already demonstrated a diverse skill set and potential to be a top recruit in the coming years.