Future Focus: 2023 Running Backs
Since releasing our 2023 Watchlist a few weeks ago, we’ve been spotlighting a few of the positions in that class. If you missed our quarterback or defensive line features, make sure you check them out. Here, we’ll take a look…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSince releasing our 2023 Watchlist a few weeks ago, we’ve been spotlighting a few of the positions in that class. If you missed our quarterback or defensive line features, make sure you check them out. Here, we’ll take a look at the seven running backs on our list. It’s early, but this could be the strongest position group in the 2023 class.
Daylan Smothers Daylan Smothers 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB West Charlotte | 2023 NC , 6’ 180, Vance- We’ve already introduced you to Smothers, our top back in the 2023 class when we looked at the top 10 rising sophomores. Already holding an offer from Virginia Tech, Smothers has a rare combination of size and speed. If he finds a crease, he’s likely going all the way.
JT Smith Jr. JT Smith Jr. 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Hough | 2023 State NC Jr., 5’10 190, Providence Day- Like Smothers, Smith cracked our overall top 10 list, thanks to an impressive ability to change speeds and directions. He has great strength and often drags tacklers. In new head coach Chad Grier’s offense, he could put up huge numbers.
Ian Bright Ian Bright 5'10" | 220 lbs | RB Apex | 2023 State NC , 5’10 205, Apex- Bright is one of the most powerful backs in the state and looks to run over defenders whenever he gets the chance. He’s not simply a between-the-tackles guy though as he has the speed, elusiveness and hands to help out in the passing game as well.
Zion Myers Zion Myers 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Sanderson | 2023 State NC , 5’9 185, Sanderson- Myers is a shifty runner that always makes the most out of his touches. He always seems to fall forward and break at least one tackle nearly every run. Going forward, he should have a feature role in the offense and have more opportunities to put up big numbers.
Jre Jackson Jre Jackson 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Terry Sanford | 2023 State NC , 5’8 155, Sanford- A running back-receiver hybrid, Jackson brings a lot of energy to the Sanford offense. Just 5-foot-8, Jackson is a speedster that can change direction well. As a sophomore, he should put up some huge numbers.
William (Trey) Thompson William (Trey) Thompson 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Watauga | 2023 State NC , 5’11 170, Watauga- A two-way player, Thompson put up huge numbers on JV last year and should be a varsity starter this year. Thompson has a strong lower body and keeps his legs churning after contact. Expect to see him have a breakout season this year.
Jacob Deller Jacob Deller 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Charlotte Catholic | 2023 State NC , 5’10 160, Charlotte Catholic- No other school in North Carolina produces high-quality running backs quite like Charlotte Catholic. Part of it is Mike Brodowicz’s Wing T system, but Deller looks like a guy that could have a huge year. He’s powerful and has great vision, so expect him to put up great numbers as a sophomore.