Warren junior running back Jonathan Randolph is discovering the value of success. His preparation for being a key player came from observing record-setting running back Aaron Stewart. Randolph waited for his chance and now reaps the benefits.
“I was just developing before and knew that making the most of that opportunity would pay off,” Randolph said. “I was getting a lot of mental reps, both in games and in practice. So, I learned a lot that way. I was just trying to learn a lot from him any way I could.” Stewart rushed for 2,872 yards and 46 touchdowns last season, giving Randolph a wealth of knowledge.
“There was a lot to take away from him, both mentally and physically,” Randolph said. “We’re two different backs. He’s more of a downhill runner, and I’m maybe more elusive. I learned more of the downhill part from him.”
At 5-foot-8, Randolph has applied these lessons well. He scored a 67-yard touchdown run and added 1-yard and 30-yard scores during Warren’s 49-6 win over Zion-Benton in the North Suburban Conference.
“I’m good at cutting and making defenders miss and can use my speed on the outside,” Randolph said. “I can run jets, almost like a receiver, and also feel pretty comfortable catching passes out of the backfield.” Randolph finished with 153 yards rushing and has become a key player for the Blue Devils (3-3, 3-1).
Warren coach Bryan McNulty praised Randolph, who achieved his 100th career win in the same game. “He’s a tough kid and is everything we want in a back,” McNulty said. “He had some big shoes to fill and has done it with grace. He’s competitive, he breaks tackles and does what we need him to do. What you see out of him is a lot of what he put in in the weight room.”
Randolph’s physical strength is notable; he can squat 495 pounds. “I love to squat,” he said. “That’s always been my thing. As a freshman, I came in at around 130 pounds, and now I’m 170. As I kept getting bigger and stronger, I started thinking about being out there,” referring to leading Warren’s offense.
Randolph scored three touchdowns in a single game for the second time in three weeks, bringing his season total to 10 and gaining nearly 800 yards. He had a standout performance against Mundelein in Week 4, rushing for 234 yards, securing Warren’s first season win following losses to Loyola, Maine South, and Libertyville.
“I learned a lot from the first two games, playing really tough teams,” he said. “Now that we’re into conference, I’m really starting to go, not worry about anything. The more carries I get, the better.”
On September 25, 2026, Randolph played against Zion-Benton in Gurnee. His performance has built his confidence. Following Stewart wasn’t easy. “Being the starting running back and taking on all that pressure, that was something I was definitely worried about,” Randolph said. “I definitely felt pressure. All the people in the crowd, it’s tough. I try now to silence that crowd.”
He added, “It seemed like people expected me to get the ball 40 times a game, like Aaron. My coaches just told me not to think about it and to use my style.”
His playing style powers Warren’s offense. “It’s really fun blocking for him because he sees the holes and never stops running,” senior left tackle Emmanuel Ubaka said. “He fights through blocks and always gets extra yardage. Even when there’s no hole, he’s good at bouncing it outside or into another gap.”
Randolph feels good about his role. “It feels very good to be depended on now to do a lot for our team,” he said. “I feel like this is the real me now and not the guy replacing Aaron.”
Steve Reaven contributed this report as a freelance reporter.
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