Northern California Top Rushers: Week 1
Week 1 started off with players across the region showing off how hard they have been working during this pandemic ridden off-season. From Sophomores to Seniors, some of the top backs in Northern California had career days and showed why they are near the top of Norcal’s best players. Below, we will break down some of the best rushing performances put on by Northern California backs during Week 1 of the Spring season and break down the film.
Devon Rivers-Heritage HS
Rivers had a career day rushing for over 250 yards and adding 4 touchdowns. A low to the ground and compact back, Rivers is the brother of All MWC Running Back Ronnie Rivers and is poised to turn into a FBS caliber prospect. Rivers is a smooth runner that flashes good short area quickness in traffic and is a natural runner both inside and outside the tackles and is tough enough to gain yards inside while fast enough to force defenders to take bad angles and gain the edge on athletic linebackers. Having a strong build with the ability to add more weight to his frame, Rivers has a unique ability to start/stop in a hurry and possesses a good combination of initial burst and third level speed. As he continues through this Spring season, he will be one of the top running backs in the region.
Gavin Cribb-Monte Vista HS
Cribb is a FCS+ caliber player that runs hard between the tackles and can run through arm/ankle tackles at the point of attack due to natural forward lean and low pad level/toughness. An extremely durable back, he rushed for 246 yards and two touchdowns in Monte Vista’s loss to a tough Acalanes squad. During the game, he showed he has a good initial burst and strong vision through the LOS in traffic and good lateral movement abilities while able to turn his shoulders and get up-field. A tough and versatile runner with a balance of elusiveness and tough running, Cribb will continue his dominance across the Bay Area over the next few months.
Omari Taylor-Clayton Valley Charter HS
To no surprise, Taylor had a 200+ yard rushing performance against a tough Inderkum defense in their close win over the Sacramento power. A very well balanced back that is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, he shows great foot speed through the LOS while having natural instincts and taking proper angles in the open field. Fast enough to string out a defense and be a one cut threat, he also runs hard between the tackles while flashing good contact balance and rarely goes down on the first tackle. Taylor is one of the premier 2021 running backs Northern California has to offer.
Za’darion Nardi-San Ramon Valley HS
Only a Junior, Nardi took full advantage of the spotlight in his first Varsity start for one of the best teams in the entire region. A slippery back with deceptive speed and elusiveness, Nardi is quick between the tackles while showing good initial acceleration through the hole while adding good top end speed in the open field. Strong enough to gain tough yards on his own and run through ankle tackles, the 2022 prospect can also catch the ball out of the backfield and plays with a great motor and natural instincts on the defensive backfield.
Keysean Gooding-Sacramento HS
Gooding is a very explosive back that can stretch the field and cut vertically in a hurry while showing good vision in space and setting up his blockers while staying patient through the hole. During his Junior season, he consistently showed he was able to make big plays outside the tackles and gaining consistent yards after contact.