National Preps Showcase Top Performers: RB
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Here’s an in-depth look at some of the National Preps Showcase Top Performers in the running back group that had impressive showings and caught the attention of collegiate scouts in Olympia last month. Overall, there were some impressive athletes at the position and a few that were unknown and had very solid showings.
2023 Isaiah Carlson Isaiah Carlson 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH Ferndale | 2023 State WA 6’0″ 213 Ibs., Ferndale High School
The Sophomore back is one of the most physically imposing players in the state, regardless of class and could end up on the other side of the ball at the next level. During his Freshman campaign, he displayed his versatility by being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and run between the tackles. Already well physically developed, Carlson is a one cut runner that gets vertical in a hurry and displays good vision in traffic and balance/body control when running through arm tackles. Still developing an initial burst, he has good long speed and is a patient runner that waits for blocks to develop at the first and second level. As he continues through his high school career, he will see Major Division I come his way at both running back and linebacker.
2023 Jayden Limar Jayden Limar 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Lake Stevens | 2023 State WA 5’11″ 177 Ibs., Lake Stevens High School
A strong and compact back, Limar has good initial acceleration and solid breakaway speed. Displaying good lateral agility and short area quickness and can make defenders miss in traffic, he also flashes good vision and cutback ability at the first and second levels and can break arm/ankle tackles due to strong balance and body control. Currently holding Pac-12 offers from Oregon State and Utah, Limar will continue to reel in power five offers as he continues his prep career and will end up being one of the top backs in the entire state by his prep career is over.
2023 Khalil Yarbo 5’10″ 188 Ibs., Graham-Kapowsin High School
Another very impressive 2023 back from Washington, Yarbo is a very well put together prospect thats more of an upright runner that holds elite speed and overall athleticism. During his Freshman season on Varsity, Yarbo displayed his ability to run in-between the tackles, be effective in space and while catching the football out of the backfield. He can make defenders miss in open space, flashes great third level speed and forces defenders to take bad angles while running behind his pads with good leg drive upon contact and playing with good toughness.
2024 Beau Phillips 5’7″ 150 Ibs., Mount Si High School
Beau was one of the most impressive 2024 prospects in attendance, had a 10-foot broad jump and displayed his ability to change direction without losing speed and showing a good initial burst through out drills. Although a bit undersized, he is a well put together and dynamic athlete that should see FCS and D-II interest as he continues through his high school career.
2024 Tayshaun Micks 5’9″ 154 Ibs., Emerald Ridge High School
A very smooth and fluid athlete, Micks displayed his versatility through showing his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield from multiple body positions while flashing strong lateral movement skills through out multiple drills. Also displaying solid open field speed while maintaining good body control and balance while changing direction, Micks will be one of the top 2024 athletes to keep an eye on as he moves through his highs school career.