STOCK RISERS: 2023 Missouri RBs

Playing varsity football is an honor and not for the timid. Playing as a freshman or sophomore is high-level and deserves recognition. But jumping out and doing enough to get ranked by the Prep Redzone Scouts is taking your game to a different level. Here are some 2023 running backs who blasted onto the scene and are now ranked in Missouri. [player_tooltip player_id="37712" first="Antwon" last="Hayden"], Duchesne (Not ranked in 2020 to No. 1 RB and No. 11 overall) The man-child running back is a force all over the field. Though Hayden is most recognizable as a runner, the 6’2", 225 pounder is also a heck of a linebacker. As the top rusher in the 2023 class, the Duchesne product burst on the scene in 2020 using bruising inside running ability with speed to get to the outside as well. Hayden already has college size. If he can continue to hone his skills and pick up the nuisances of the game, the sky is the limit on his college choices. [player_tooltip player_id="101699" first="Cole" last="Ruble"], Seckman (Not ranked in 2020 to No. 2 RB and No. 16 overall) Ruble, who is listed as a QB, is really a runner lined up behind center due to the offensive nature of the Seckman attack. Ruble led the St. Louis area in rushing and was a top touchdown producer. But take stats out of the equation and Ruble still stands out. His compact build and impressive core strength make him hard to get to the ground. Ruble is shifty in space, sets up his blocks well and runs with surprising power for his build.  Colleges that want a winner and competitor will take long looks at the Seckman star. [player_tooltip player_id="101693" first="Jackson" last="Overton"], St. Dominic (Not ranked in 2020 to No. 5 RB and No. 31 overall) The St. Dominic runner isn’t the biggest nor strongest but on the football field, none of that matters if the defense can’t catch you. Overton has elite speed, is excellent with his lateral quickness and is elusive in the open field. Overton has a natural feel for setting up his blocks and always seems to make positive yards. Possessing excellent hands, Overton is an offensive threat and a player to watch in the years to come. On the scene in 2019 but still dogs in 2020: [player_tooltip player_id="37656" first="Steve" last="Hall"], MICDS You can’t hate on a guy who was awesome as a freshman and kept playing at a high level as a sophomore. Hall, who went down in the rankings only because other players finally got a shot to play, is still a high level athlete and one of the best in the state. Hall is a slash-type runner who sees the hole and explodes through the gap. Though slight of build, Hall is strong and does not go to the ground on leg tackles. Hall is one of the top players in the state and his game will only improve. [player_tooltip player_id="99472" first="Chris" last="Caldwell"], Vianney Caldwell is the type of player who gets stronger as the game goes on. Highly productive as a freshman, Caldwell kept producing as a sophomore. Muscular and powerful, Caldwell runs behind his pads well, slides behind his blockers with ease and is powerful to hit the hole. The future 0f Vianney football rides with Caldwell and I would not be surprised if the soon to be junior leads the state in rushing in 2021.