Hidden Gems: #TN2022 Running Backs
The next position group on the Hidden Gems list are the Running Back and this was a tough list to manage as this is a deep group of prospects for the in-state 2022 class. You could have as many as…
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Continue ReadingThe next position group on the Hidden Gems list are the Running Back and this was a tough list to manage as this is a deep group of prospects for the in-state 2022 class.
You could have as many as ten backs make it to the Power Five, Division level with several others finding spots in the FCS or lower.
Here we take a look at ten running backs that warrant a deeper look and could sooner than later receive offers.
RB’s – 2022
(No specific order or rankings)
1. Keondre Jarmon Keondre Jarmon 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Knox. Catholic | 2022 State TN (5’10 188) – Knox. Catholic HS
– Jarmon is a talented back that has yet to see the light shine bright on him but his time is coming. Sporting good size with a physical body, Jarmon has a nice combination of power, speed and athleticism that is hard for defenders to handle. He is also a worthy receiver, so Jarmon provides multiple tools that can be utilized in the proper ways. Yet to see his first offer arrive, Jarmon is a name watch as the off-season goes on and someone that could receive that 1st offer sooner than later.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8694102/5fa6cfffa680d709a8fd3a6d
2. Michael Watson Michael Watson 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Chatt. Central | 2022 TN (5’10 203) – Chattanooga Central HS
Photo: centraldigest.com– A strong and powerful guy with open field burst, Watson is a definite under the radar talent that if given a chance in camps this off-season, could shine and earn his way into the college game. Watson is a physical, downhill runner that shows a 2nd gear when getting into the open field. The Chargers rising senior is also a good receiver out of the backfield, so he provides multiple tricks in his tool bag. This is a guy that I feel could burst out with offers in time, especially if he performs well in camps and his senior season.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11227028/5f95fa7f2347410abca92dba
3. Auvic White Auvic White 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Munford | 2022 TN (5’11 200) – Munford HS
– Coming from West Tennessee, White is one of the leading returning rushers in his area and could be in contention for Mr. Football honors come at season’s end. A bruising back with deceptive speed and athleticism, White is a tough runner with a powerful upper and lower body that presents a challenge for the opposition. He is also very consistent meaning he brings it every game and every snap. White does not shy away from contact or competition. Offers have yet to come but in time, they will and White would then become a steal.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12921300/5fa9935923529d0850c964d6
4. De’Andre Kelly De’Andre Kelly 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB South Pittsburg | 2022 State TN (6’0 195) – South Pittsburg HS
– Kelly is a different case when it comes to hidden gems. The Pirates star back already holds an offer from Bethel and has been on the recruiting radar for going on two years now but he has yet to really breakout into the major college scene. Kelly is a big, powerful guy that has the speed to be a home run hitter while also churning out those yards through the line. He missed most of his junior year due to injury but hopefully after some summer camps and a full senior season, the college offers will come Kelly’s way.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5412659/5fe1883ac119e916c02aae56
5. Tetoe Boyd, Jr Tetoe Boyd, Jr 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Cleveland | 2022 State TN (5’10 195) – Cleveland HS
– Strong, stocky and fearless. That’s how you describe Boyd, Jr and this coming senior season is something the Blue Raiders back is looking forward to as he plans to breakout into a college offered prospect. Boyd, Jr is like a bowling ball that bounces off defenders and keeps going. He is hard to corral, especially because of his size and short space quickness. The East Tennessee product also shows burst and the ability to find the end zone quickly. That 1st offer is coming soon, patience is all that’s needed.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9890061/5fa8299f0c54df0af46be156
6. C.J. Allen C.J. Allen 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Campbell County | 2022 State TN (5’11 195) – Campbell Co. HS
– If you are looking for consistency and production, Allen is your guy. Producing 1,000 yard plus season’s the last two years, Allen is a no nonsense, downhill attacker that finds the open hole and does not hesitate to blast through it. He is tough to tackle. Allen is someone you can’t arm tackle as he is a powerful guy with both his upper and lower body. The Cougars star back takes on physicality and bounces off with ease. Allen is someone that may have to wait some time for that first offer but when it comes, it will lead to more.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11217600/5fad45419a913d0b6451e33e
7. Diivonta Phillips Diivonta Phillips 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Davidson Academy | 2022 State TN (6’0 188) – Rossview HS
– One of the more athletic backs on this list, Phillps is a talented prospect that brings size, speed and excellent athleticism to the field with upside yet to be filled. The Hawks leading returning rusher has a frame that can take on added weight, which would make him an even dangerous back because of his speed and explosive traits. Phillips is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. The talents that Phillips has tells you offers will come. It’s just patience and the right teams to see his abilities before the offers arrive.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12427443/5fce7114da50fd0bfc0d49b0
8. Ayden Houston (5’7 165) – Jefferson Co. HS
– The top all-purpose back on this list, Houston is a small but quick and elusive guy that the opposition has a very hard time at stopping. The Patriots star back plays bigger than his size as Houston has no problem lowering his shoulder at times and going after those tough yards. He is tough to find within the traffic and once Houston makes his way through the weeds, he hits the open field fast. His skill set to be elusive with make you miss abilities, garner bigger college interest and eventual offers.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13062252/5fa192f24797e304e8f63f6b
9. Ja’Kylon Taylor (5’9 193) – Haywood HS
– Taylor is a prospect that sits way under the radar right now but is someone that has the talents and potential to play his way into the college scene. A compact and powerful guy for his size, Taylor is a dynamic back that has the speed to beat defenders in the open field while also having the power to break through would be tacklers. The Tomcats senior back also plays with a fearless mindset meaning he will lower the shoulder and fight for extra yards. Watch out for this guy to burst on the scene sooner rather than later.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12810890/5f641ccf02b1570f0c8c4132
10. Mason Gudger Mason Gudger 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Greeneville | 2022 State TN (5’10 178) – Greeneville HS
– An athletic, powerful runner, Gudger is a multi talented back that provides a variety of skills in the backfield that can be utilized in multiple ways. The Green Devils rising senior can do just about everything asked of him whether that be running it, catching it or blocking, Gudger is willing to do it all. Faster more than quick, Gudger is a downhill attacker that when he gets into the open field, he finds the end zone quickly. It may take some time for the offers to come but the offers will come for Gudger.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11077827/5fcc4b405ca90f0990996415
Side Note: Oakland (TN) RB Antonio Patterson Antonio Patterson 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Oakland | 2022 State TN has yet to receive his 1st offer but that will change soon. He is currently ranked 12th overall for the state of Tennessee by PrepRedZoneTN.
Five Others to Know: Christian Biggers (5’9 180) – Columbia Cent., Mar’Reion Claybrooks (6’0 190) – Germantown, Marcus Lloyd (5’11 202) – Riverdale, Joshua Forsee (5’10 200) – Centennial, Derrius Boddie (5’7 170) – Whitehaven