Top Returning Rushers: San Joaquin Section
In this article:
The San Joaquin section has tons of talent across the board and the running back position is no different. With 10 plus 1,000 yard rushers, prospects who are committed to Power Five programs and who have Power Five offers, there are also tons of top tier rushers within the section that are looking to reel in their first offers or add to the first few they have already received. Below, we will break down the tape from the 2019 season of some of the top running backs across the section.
Kimoni Stanley-Sierra-Manteca HS
On of the most well balanced and explosive backs in the entire region, Stanley has high tier FCS and even FBS ability at the next level. On tape, he shows a great initial burst and third level speed while running with a low pad level and finishing runs with physicality and toughness while flashing good short area quickness and terrific contact balance through tackles. Able to break arm and ankle tackles due to leg drive, natural forward lean and physicality, Stanley has a rare combination of athleticism and running with violence that next level schools will love.
Ethan Menezes-Vista Del Lago HS
Menezes is a home run threat every time he touches the ball and one of the most electric backs in the region. Displaying terrific initial acceleration through the first level and good vision in traffic while staying patient behind his blocks, he does a good job at letting counters/power plays develop and gets vertical in a hurry. Able to make defenders miss in traffic while finishing runs with good physicality, Menezes has next level abilities and will make an impact quickly at the collegiate level.
Jabari Phillips Jabari Phillips 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Golden Valley | 2022 State CA -Golden Valley HS
Phillips is one of the best in all of Central California and is coming off a huge Sophomore season for Golden Valley. A very fluid back that flashes good start/stop ability, while showing strong lateral agility and short area quickness in traffic, Phillips adds top end speed while also having cut back ability and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. He should start seeing some FBS and FCS interest come his way as he enters into his Spring season in the next few weeks.
Enam Davis-Eva-Stone Ridge Christian HS
An extremely big and physical back, Davis-Ena is a throwback runner that looks for contact but has deceptive open field speed. A strong build and powerful lower body, he can run through arm/shoulder tackles while running behind his pads and is always falling forward. Also displaying good contact balance, he has next level abilities either right out of high school or from a Junior College.
Christian Ridgway-Cosumnes Oaks HS
Ridgeway is one of the most explosive backs in all of Northern California and is coming off a 1,200+ yard season in a very competitive Delta league. Playing for a loaded Cosumnes Oaks squad, he gets vertical in a hurry while showing good twitch and lateral agility through the LOS. Ridgeway does not take any false steps through the hole while finishing runs with strong physicality and is able to force defenders to take bad angles in space and gain yards after contact. The 2021 prospect is poised for a huge Senior season and is one of the top backs to keep an eye on through out the region.
Joseph Filippini-Tokay HS
Although a bit undersized, he is a very compact and physical runner that has terrific overall speed and is a balanced ball carrier near the LOS. An explosive overall athlete that runs tough between the tackles and gets vertical quickly, he also has return ability and is able to absorb hits while still gaining yardage and can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Luke Anderson-Escalon HS
A well built, strong and compact runner, Anderson is the anchor on one of the best small school teams in the entire state. During his Junior season, Anderson went for over 1,000 yards and over 15 touchdowns and had a breakout season. On tape, he shows the ability to run hard between the tackles with good foot quickness while fast enough to bounce it outside when needed and flashing good vision near the LOS. A tough and physical runner, he can make the first tackler miss in traffic and gain yards after contact.
Players To Watch
Zeke Burnett-Elk Grove HS (Multi Power Five offer prospect that will play Major D1 college football)
Jonah Coleman Jonah Coleman 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Lincoln - Stockton | 2022 State CA -Lincoln Stockton HS (Committed to Arizona)
Malakhi Demoss-Vanden HS
Aca Saca-Jesuit HS
Isaiah Hidalgo-Central Valley Ceres HS