National Preps San Diego Showcase Top Performers: Running Backs
Here’s an in-depth look at the top RB’s that caught scouts attention at the National Preps Showcase in San Diego.
Elijah Davis, Serra, 2021
Big and physical back with a strong compact frame at 5’8” 230 lbs. He shows good instincts as a ball carrier with a natural ability to see and hit the cutback lane. He shows good contact balance and strength at the POA. Would like to see him keep developing his top end speed. Holds an offer from Nevada.
Nicholas Gardinera, Scripps Ranch, 2021
Gardinera showed good natural athleticism throughout the position specific drills. He’s savvy with his movement and footwork to create open running lanes and shows a smooth lateral jump cut that can make tacklers miss. He also shows good vision, instincts, and acceleration to attack a hole. More quick that fast but has functional speed to turn out big chunks of yards and long gains. Offered by Valparaiso.
Major Givens, Steele Canyon, 2023
The young developing RB out of Steele Canyon had a strong performance during the testing portion of the day showing a quick burst and plus change of direction during the star drill, in addition to his explosiveness in the broad jump almost jumping 10 feet. He flashed quick feet in drills with a good ability to accelerate out of his cuts. Runs with good leverage and demonstrated good top end speed. One to watch as he continues to mature and gain more experience.
Elijah Jackson, Fremont, 2022
Impressive raw athleticism with great length for the college level at 6’3”. Possesses good quick feet that and fluid hips allowing him to easily change directions and get in/out of his cuts. Showed good short area quickness and burst. Love his film on the defense where he can use his aggressiveness and instincts to make plays on the ball all over the field. Shows great upside and potential with his the ability to play multiple positions at the next level depending on how he continues to develop.
Roderick Robinson, Central Union, 2023
Robinson easily passes the eye test with his well-built and powerful frame at 6’ 225 lbs. He’s developed as an athlete over the past year with improved speed, quickness, and lateral agility. Ran a 4.76 in the 40. He’s a downhill runner with good patience and vision to read blocks and burst through the hole. Shows good/confident hands out of the backfield. All around strong football player that is capable of playing either side of the ball at the college level.
Lucky Sutton, Cathedral Catholic, 2022
Walked away with the RB MVP award. Good strong frame at 6’ 200 lbs. He’s a downhill slasher that can make quick lateral cuts and get north/south. He’s shifty in the open field and possesses good top end/breakaway speed. Also showed good hands and route running ability. Holds four offers to his name including Colorado State, Nevada, San Diego State, and San Jose State.
Chauncey Sylvester, St. John Bosco, 2024
One of the top 2024’s at the camp. He flashes quick feet and good change of direction. Showed he can make quick lateral cuts and accelerate out. Love to see his instincts and awareness as a ball carrier, has a good natural feel for the game. Runs with good vision and balance to see open running lanes and drive through first contact. Will be one to watch for years to come.
Christian Washington Christian Washington 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Helix | 2022 State CA , Helix, 2022
One of the top RB’s in the San Diego area. Still heavily underrecruited given his talent and ability. Has a great combination of size, power, and speed. He’s able to pick up tough yards between the tackles with power or beat defenders to the outside with speed. Has yet to have really show his ability after playing backup to D1 recruit Elelyon Noa in 2019 but when given the opportunity Washington will show why he is a D1 prospect himself.