Versatile RB’s To Get On Your Radar
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As stated before, the best way to draw attention your way is to do a bit of everything. Having an all-purpose or versatile running back in your program can be crucial to any offense. If you can find a back…
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Continue ReadingAs stated before, the best way to draw attention your way is to do a bit of everything. Having an all-purpose or versatile running back in your program can be crucial to any offense. If you can find a back that can run between the tackles, on the edges, catch the ball, and be effective in pass protection, then you have yourself a gem. Here’s a look at 6 RB’s with strong versatility:
Zaccheus Cooper Zaccheus Cooper 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Saguaro | 2023 State AZ , 5’11″ 190lbs, Liberty HS ’23
Cooper is the definition of an all-purpose back and is a potential power 5 talent in the future. As a sophomore, he ran for 461 yards and 6 TD’s, while adding 31 receptions for 410 yards receiving and 2 TD’s. He sizes up with a strong, athletic frame and moves well with no wasted motion. He displays excellent vision between the tackles and accelerates through lanes. He’ll bounce runs outside and pick up good chunks of yards if the hole is plugged. He has good top end speed to finish big runs and is shifty in space to make opponents miss, flashing a nasty spin move on film. He has excellent lateral agility without decelerating, and runs with a good pad level and is physical at the point of contact. Solid route runner from the backfield, slot, or even outsides as we’ve seen him beat CB’s on a vert and shows strong hands. He’s a big time back from the west valley and projects to run wild his junior year.
Zach Hammett Zach Hammett 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB River Valley | 2022 State AZ , 5’8″ 185lbs, River Valley HS ’22
Hammett is one of the biggest names in 3A to know. He ran for 911 yards and 14 TD’s, while adding 12 receptions for 142 yards receiving and 2 TD’s. He’s a very dangerous return specialist as well, as he took 3 PR’s to the house. He is twitchy with an excellent change of direction with top end speed for big play ability. He has excellent vision as a ball carrier with a nice initial burst, and utilizes solid physicality when he needs to. He is a crisp route runner from both the backfield or the slot, and displays reliable hands with body control. He is an excellent all-around athlete and projects to have a breakout senior campaign this upcoming season.
Devon Black, 5’11” 175lbs, Yuma Catholic HS ’22
Black racked up 546 yards rushing with 7 TD’s and added 38 receptions for 584 yards and 6 TD’s on the explosive Yuma Catholic offense. He shows a nice initial burst with good lateral mobility to change direction. He runs hard with a low pad level with good physicality and balance at the point of contact. He is aggressive in pass protection with a good initial strike on opponents. He lined up in the slot often as well, and proved to be a solid route runner with the ability to pick up significant yards after the catch. He displayed good body control to adjust and make athletic catches across the middle, and will be a big time player next year in 3A.
Payton Barlow Payton Barlow 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Queen Creek | 2022 State AZ , 6’0″ 180lbs, Queen Creek HS ’22
Barlow is a very dynamic player on both sides of the ball. He ran for 799 yards and 5 TD’s while adding 13 receptions for 211 yards receiving and a TD. He was also able to rack up 41 tackles and 3 INT’s as a DB. He is a burner when he gets int open space as he proved to be a definite big play threat. He hits top speed quickly and shows a nice stutter-go movement to manipulate opponents. He’s shown the ability to run routes out of the backfield or lined up as a WR and can be productive from both areas. He’s a solid route runner with good hands and big athleticism all across the board.
Xander Georgoulis Xander Georgoulis 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ , 5’10″ 170lbs, Sunnyslope HS ’22
Georgoulis ran for 576 yards and 6 TD’s while adding 8 receptions for 103 yards receiving and a TD, showing potential of grooming into a legit all-purpose back. He is an explosive ball carrier and shows a nice burst through the hole. He has good speed overall, and shows a good eye for narrow developing lanes to quickly slip through them and bust loose. He flashed the ability to run routes and catch the ball from the backfield, as they loved to get him the ball with room to work. Very underrated RB and should definitely be on your radar.
Jordan Lahusky, 5’10″ 170lbs, Thunderbird HS ’22
Despite a rough season for Thunderbird, Lahusky showed up every week and proved that he can ball. He accumulated 821 yards rushing with 9 TD’s, 6 receptions for 89 yards and 2 TD’s, and was a threat as a KR with 425 yards and a TD. He shows solid top end speed to finish long runs with a good speed separation. He’s patient for holes to develop, then displays a nice burst once he sees an opening. He’s slippery in tight spaces and a big play threat. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and gets upfield quickly, and did a good job picking up blitzing LB’s during pass protection. Definite sleeper and would fit well at the D3-NAIA level.