Southern California Sleeper Rushers (6-10)
Recruiting running backs is a challenge for college coaches. Many take into account how a running back will fit into their specific offensive system. Many great running backs play in offenses that do not feature running backs as well as…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingRecruiting running backs is a challenge for college coaches.
Many take into account how a running back will fit into their specific offensive system. Many great running backs play in offenses that do not feature running backs as well as they should. Many of the running backs in the Prep Redzone rankings play at elite programs where they are not the focal point of the offense.
There are very talented running backs who produce big numbers on the field, but do not get recognition because of the size of their school or the offensive system they play in. Below are the top returning rushers in Southern California who have not been receiving the recruiting attention that they perhaps should be.
10. Nova Kebeli, Portola, Irvine, 2022
Kebeli did not put up gaudy numbers like some of the rest of the players on this list, but he had a very impressive sophomore season for the Bulldogs last year. He rushed for 965 yards and 18 touchdowns, which is the second most touchdowns for a returning player in Orange County. Kebeli had a career-night against University when he rushed for 204 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for over 100 yards against a good South Torrance team in the playoffs. Expect a heavier workload for Kebeli as he and Portola defend their first ever league championship.
PCL & Irvine MVP & All CIF Top running back @novakebeli shaking the ground at Top 100 Rising ⭐️ Showcase #Recruiting pic.twitter.com/JlLvSyEmXR
— CALIGATOR (@LVK_Football) June 24, 2020
9. Manny Robert, Hillcrest, Riverside, 2021
Robert is a jack-of-all-trades for the Hillcrest football team. He makes big plays as a running back and also plays defensive back. He hits the hole hard, makes one cut and once he gets in space he puts his speed on display. Robert performed well against all levels of competition for Hillcrest, breaking out with a 235 yard and two touchdown performance against Grand Terrace. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry, and rushed for 12 yards per carry and two touchdowns against a superior Palm Springs team in the playoffs. Robert has one offer thus far from Lake Eerie College.
Manny Robert GONE! 90 yard td. Hillcrest 28-14 over Grand Terrace in the third @JHWreporter @landonnegri pic.twitter.com/V0copVbTfm
— hhstrojansfbpics (@hhstrojansfb) September 7, 2019
8. Gustavo Lopez, Carter, Rialto, 2021
Lopez was a workhorse for Carter last season, carrying the ball 263 times. He rushed for 1643 yards and 17 touchdowns with eight games with over 100 yards rushing. Lopez’ best performance came against Yucaipa where he rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns. What is more impressive to me is how well he played in losses, rushing for 229 yards against San Gorgonio and 182 yards against Citrus Valley.
7. Elijah Kelsey, Moreno Valley, Moreno Valley, 2022
Kelsey had a fantastic sophomore season for the Vikings last year. He rushed for 1,701 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is a tall and thinner running back at 6-feet tall and 180 pounds and relies on his speed in space. Moreno Valley played in a lot of blowout games against weaker competition and that is the only possible knock on Kelsey. But he ran for 237 yards and three touchdowns against a decent Vista del Lago team and had almost 9 yards per carry against a very good Norte Vista team.
The @SpoiledOil Slick Play of the Week belongs to Moreno Valley RB Elijah Kelsey who busted off this big, 43-yard TD run in the 4th Quarter against Vista Del Lago, giving the Vikings a 26-11 win and the Mountain Valley League title. Congrats Elijah! #spoiled #MorenoValley pic.twitter.com/xFaN5zcBVv
— The Inland_Sports Show (@Inland_Sports) November 7, 2019
6. Raymond Rodriguez, Chaffey, Ontario, 2021
Rodriguez made a name for himself as a sophomore in 2018 when he rushed for 470 yards and nine touchdowns against Diamond Bar. It was one of the greatest games in Inland Empire history and convinced coach Chris Brown to make Rodriguez the primary option on offense. He delivered as a junior as well, rushing for 1,955 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a Mt. Baldy League title. He scored a touchdown in every game, rushed for over 100 yards in all but one game and over 300 yards twice. Like Robert above, he also has one offer from Lake Eerie College.