Top rushing leaders returning in Class 2A
There will be many new rushers who will move to the top of the rushing category in Class 2A next spring. A classification that featured many three-down backs last year, the classification saw nine of its top 10 rushers graduate…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere will be many new rushers who will move to the top of the rushing category in Class 2A next spring.
A classification that featured many three-down backs last year, the classification saw nine of its top 10 rushers graduate last spring, opening the door for new leaders to emerge.
Some of those new leaders we could see in the spring of 2021 are back, and many other could emerge across a deep and talented lower-level classification in the state. As we continue to count down the days until football returns, here is a peak at some of the best running backs returning in Class 2A in terms of production from last season.
Cade Palmer Cade Palmer 6'2" | 200 lbs | RB Classical Academy | 2022 State CO , 2022, 6’1, 165, RB/DB, The Classical Academy
Palmer was third in Class 2A last season with 1,355 rushing yards. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored 13 rushing touchdowns. He showed an elusiveness and great patience in the run game, allowing his blockers to set up lanes for him to run through. When those lanes became available, he shows a great burst in the open field. Palmer was also not afraid to carry the load for his team as he had double-digit rushing attempts in every game last season and rushed a season-high 33 times versus Resurrection Christian. His production will be a key to get The Classical Academy back into the playoffs.
Mac Copeland, 2021, 5’10, 180, RB/LB, Bennett
One of the more productive players on both sides of the ball last season in Class 2A. You can see he is an instinctive linebackers in the classification, he was also productive running the ball for Bennett. He finished the season just short of the century mark with 992 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Another runner that shows great patience in allowing his block to be set up, and once they are he plants his foot and turns north to south in a heartbeat. He also shows a good stiff arm and other moves to break tackles and get extra yardage after contact.
Cael Schaefer, 2022, 5’8, 155, RB/DB, Bayfield
A shifty, versatile running back who has enough quickness to make a guy miss. His size allows him to sneak through running lanes and get up to the next level. In addition to his running skills, Bayfield was smart to utilize Schaefer in the passing game, and he caught a touchdown pass to go with his nine rushing scores in 2019. With Bayfield utilizing multiple backs, they did a good job keeping their guys fresh during the season, but the production of Schaefer should lead him to lead the team in carries again this spring.
Cole Dombrowski, 2022, 5’10, 160, RB/DB, Basalt
Dombrowski had a few games where he was the workhorse for the Basalt offense and was productive when called on. He had 14 or more carries in eight of the team’s 11 games and finished with 693 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the process. At his size, he is not afraid to lower the shoulder and initiate contact with defenders, especially in short-yardage situations. And with a year of experience now as a starter, look for Dombrowski to build on his numbers and improve his yards per carry total while finding the end zone more for Basalt, who aims to bounce back from a 4-5 season.
Others to watch
• Jesus Reyes, Lamar
• Braylon Fenderson, Riverdale Ridge
• Levi Gerkin, Weld Central
• Zayne Stam, Weld Central
• Kade McDaniel, Platte Valley
• Tanner Applebee, Resurrection Christian