2020 Outlook: Top RBs

Each of these four players were some of the top rushers in the state in 2019, along with each rushing for over 1,500 yds. As the 2020 season approaches, we wanted to highlight their accomplishments from 2019, while previewing what is to come this season. <strong>Jacob DuRocher (Rochester HS)-</strong> Good height and weight with durable frame. A versitile player who has the ability to make an impact both as a runner and pass catcher. Solid burst and foot quickness off snap, in order to hit the hole quickly. Good upper and lower body play strength to escape contact at the LOS. Solid acceleration into the second level, after initial contact. Good balance to regain base and maintain his physical running ability into the second and third level. Solid overall speed, shows enough to break chunk runs, but not a consistent home run threat. Good hands, hands catcher with good transition in order to get upfield quickly. Showed the ability to split out in the slot and be an effective downfield target. Overall, a powerful straight line runner in the run game that will wear down defenses and a versatile weapon out of the backfield as either a safety valve or reliable slot option. He showed the vision to pick up blocks, but as patience and vision improves he will be a solid player at the next level. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="20242" first="Nate" last="Thomas"] (St. Laurence HS)- </b>Adequate height and solid weight with a sturdy frame. Good acceleration and burst to get in and out of hole quickly. Shows good vision and processing off the snap to quickly find hole and hit it or use small lateral movements to set up blocks. Good upper and lower play strength, shows very good ability to fight through contact at all levels of the defense. Solid balance to stay up after first contact. Good speed, shows capability of being a home run threat when given space. Good open field running ability, can use speed or power, along with his instincts to see and pick up blocks. He finishes runs falling forward. Overall, a smaller back in terms of height that has good instincts and feel for the game. He possesses the tools necessary to be a solid player at the next level, especially out of a spread scheme limiting his pass pro requirements. <b>Logan Chandler (Highland HS)-</b> Good height and weight with a durable frame. A one cut, downhill runner who likes to run behind his pads. Solid acceleration/burst off snap. Solid vision to locate hole as it’s developing. Good play strength, shows a very strong leg drive to move piles and break through arm tackles. Solid speed, enough speed to consistently move the chains, but isn’t going to get chunk plays. His best ability is his physical style of play that doesn’t require top end speed, as he shows physical toughness to consistently stick the ball in the A and B gaps throughout the game, wearing down opponents. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="20237" first="Kyle" last="Franklin"] (IC Catholic Prep)- </b>Solid height and good weight with a solid frame. Very good burst and acceleration to hit the hole quickly. Solid vision and processing to see holes open and understand when to hit it. Solid play strength to get through contact at LOS, along with solid balance to stay up and fall forward. Very good speed, he’s a home run threat from anywhere on the field. Solid hands, hands catcher with adequate transition. Overall, a good RB who’s best ability is his speed and acceleration. At the next level, at lease early on, he will be a two down player if in a pro-style offense. He would be best suited in a spread scheme to allow for more spacing, maximizing his speed within the scheme.