2022 Regular Season Breakout RB’s
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One of the best things that can happen at the high school level is having an underclassmen step up and make a huge impact. There is a type of dog mentality it takes for an underclassmen to step up and…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best things that can happen at the high school level is having an underclassmen step up and make a huge impact. There is a type of dog mentality it takes for an underclassmen to step up and take control of the game at a young age, and that’s exactly what these guys were able to do this season. Take a look at 5 C/O 2022 RB’s who were able to make a big impact this season:
Jeryll Mcintosh Jeryll Mcintosh 6'0" | 220 lbs | RB Desert Edge | 2022 State AZ , 6’0″ 215lbs, Desert Edge HS
Mcintosh had a big year and ran for 1,176 yards and 11 TD’s on 193 carries, tallying him #6 overall in the state in rushing yards. Mcintosh is a very physical ball carrier with good vision that allows him to break loose into the second level often. He has shown a good jump step at and behind the LOS to make opponents miss, then shows a solid low pad level allowing him to break and run through tacklers through the hole. Mcintosh has shown excellent balance and ball security throughout the season as well. He is a north-south style back, but he does a great job of distinguishing when to bounce toward the numbers or keep his run vertical. He has shown flashes of being a pass catching back as well, which i would assume they will utilize him more frequently in the passing game next season. He is part of a lethal 2022 class at Desert Edge, and has a lot of potential to earn a power 5 offer.
Anyale Velazquez Anyale Velazquez 6'1" | 225 lbs | RB Chandler | 2022 State AZ , 6’1″ 225lbs, Corona Del Sol HS
Velazquez totaled 974 yards and 12 TD’s to help Corona Del Sol keep a perfect 8-0 record in the regular season. He shows an explosive first step and hits the hold downhill and hard. He is a physical ball carrier and absolutely punishes opponents. He consistently runs through his opponents and finishes runs, oftentimes taking 4-5 guys to drag him down. He shows good speed for his size as well, as he is a very scary kid to bring down in open space with his physicality and downhill speed. Velazquez shows more of a north-south type of style, but has been very effective on runs outside the tackles as well. Corona Del Sol likes to utilize him in the pass game as well, as he has made some solid plays split out wide and catching balls underneath. He is a D1 talent, and should see his recruiting sky rocket very soon.
Zach Hammett Zach Hammett 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB River Valley | 2022 State AZ , 5’8″ 175lbs, River Valley HS
The 3A prospect is one of the most underrated kids in the state, as he has rushed for 911 yards and 14 TD’s on 81 carries. He has been a threat through the air as well with 12 receptions for 142 yards and 2 TD’s. Hammett also can pose as a threat on special teams with 3 punt return TD’s this season. Hammett totals 1,457 all purpose yards with 19 total TD’s. He is a fast, jittery, slippery kid with massive big play ability in 3A. He has shown the ability to juke his way through a wall of defenders to make big plays all throughout the season. Don’t pass on this kid because of his size, as his athleticism and position versatility can make him a solid threat at numerous positions at the D2 level. Hammett should have a huge year next season and deserves immediate attention from schools.
Payton Barlow Payton Barlow 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Queen Creek | 2022 State AZ , 6’0″ 175lbs, Queen Creek HS
Barlow has ran for 750 yards and 5 TD’s on 117 attempts. He has also added 11 receptions for 205 yards and a TD in the pass game. He is a speedy back that can turn the game around in one play. Barlow shows an excellent stutter-go movement which frequently makes defenders miss. He is able to hit top speed quick and out run DB’s with solid speed separation. He is a shifty ball carrier and a major threat in open space. As a pass catcher, he can run routes out of the backfield or split out wide, and has shown solid hands and is able to get upfield quickly after the catch. He is a two-way starter and a standout on both sides of the ball for Queen Creek, which should give him a major upside in his recruiting. Expect a big senior year from Barlow next season.
Kaden Majercak, 5’8″ 195lbs, Valley Christian HS
Majercak ran for 734 yards and 7 TD’s, while adding another 26 receptions for 236 yards and 1 TD in the pass game. He is the swiss army knife for Valley Christian, and led the team in carries, rushing yards, and receptions, solidifying himself as a true all-purpose back. He has good speed once he hits the second level, and is a hard nosed ball carrier as he always fights for extra yards. They like to split him out and target him with shallow crossing routes where he often breaks loose for big gains. Majercak is a solid running back for 3A, but I think his skillset would point to a slot receiver or SS fit at the college level. He will definitely be a player to keep an eye on upon his senior season.