Top Returning Running Backs: North Coast Section
Even in a shortened season this Spring, many of the regions top running backs were still able to pick up where they left off last Fall season and help their teams to winning records. Although Northern California has tons of…
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Continue ReadingEven in a shortened season this Spring, many of the regions top running backs were still able to pick up where they left off last Fall season and help their teams to winning records. Although Northern California has tons of next level caliber backs, below are some that stood out this Spring season and compete in the North Coast Section.
Dylan Smith Dylan Smith 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL Carlsbad | 2021 State CA , Vintage HS
Smith is the top ball carrier on one of the Bay Areas most physical and tough teams. Running behind a massive and well put together offensive line, Smith is a college caliber back that is also a big time physical downhill linebacker at the second level. On tape, Smith shows a strong initial burst through the LOS while able to run through contact and shows good leg drive through arm/shoulder tackles. More of a downhill runner, he flashes good vision in traffic with third level speed while able to catch the ball out of the backfield when needed.
Za’Darion Nardi, San Ramon Valley HS
Za’Darian is one of the most versatile backs in the Bay Area and is also a very good corner on the other side of the ball. In his first year on Varsity, Nardi showed he is a durable back with good lateral movement abilities and can make defenders miss both in the box and in space while able to successfully run inside and outside the tackles. Still developing third level speed, he has nice initial acceleration through the hole and good contact balance while showing good overall strength and power behind his pads. He will continue to develop into one of the top backs in the Bay Area next fall.
Devon Rivers, Heritage HS
Rivers is one of the best and most explosive backs in the entire state within the 2023 class and currently picked up his first offer from New Mexico last month. He exploded this Spring season leading the entire section and region in rushing while showing his versatility out of the backfield. He has a very strong build and does a good job running behind his pads with strong balance upon contact and can easily break arm/ankle tackles while showing quick feet through the hole and the open field. Also displaying cutback ability and good vision near the LOS, he is strong and physical enough to go the distance between the tackles and shows enough lateral movement skills and short area quickness to bounce outside the tackles. A very balanced and well put together FBS caliber ball carrier, he will continue to haul in FBS offers through his final two years.
Joshua Butler, Palo Alto HS
Butler is a powerful runner that has impressive start and stop abilities while showing good lateral movement skills in traffic and quick reaction time/vision near the LOS. Another tough runner, he also can catch the ball out of the backfield and shows soft hands and can get over the top of outside linebackers and safeties. More of a North and South one cut player, he shows deceptive third level speed and can make a positive impact at the college level.
Jerry Mixon, Sacred heart Cathedral HS
Mixon is a very impressive athlete and projects as an inside linebacker at the next level but is also a very versatile and physical back. Running with a natural forward lean, he is a downhill tough runner that runs through initial contact and gains tough yards when needed while having good speed at the second level. A smooth and efficient runner with two years left in high school, he should start to see college interest come his way in the coming months.
Ben Pfaff, Bellarmine HS
Pfaff is a well put together back for only a Sophomore and had an impressive second season for Bellarmine. A versatile ball carrier that also plays in the slot, he shows strong hands and good acceleration with the ability to make open field tacklers miss and shows strong vision and cutback ability at the second and third level. As he continues to develop, he will be one of the top backs in the region and is poised for a breakout Junior season and potentially can be one of the top backs in the WCAL.
Other Top Returning Backs To Know…
Shamond Brooks, Freedom HS
Kai Hall Kai Hall 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Saint Vincent de Paul | 2023 State CA , St. Vincent de Paul HS
Frank Payne Frank Payne 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Las Lomas | 2022 State CA , Las Lomas HS
Ivan Robledo, Saint Helena HS
Joey Skinner, Windsor HS
Jorge Hernandez, Antioch HS
CJ Powers, Petaluma HS
James Mozon III, Tennyson HS
Deovion Hill, Liberty Brentwood HS
Matt White, Bishop O’Dowd HS
Mosaati Schaumkel, Vintage HS