Under the Radar ’21 – Running backs

Welcome to part four of our series highlighting top talent in the Class of 2021 – who do not have many – if any offers – yet. These are all guys we feel will – especially with big senior seasons – have offers down the road. Right now, they are just under the radar. Today we continue rolling through the offense with a look at the running backs. Many offenses have gone the way of the passing game, but during playoff time – especially in Minnesota – most teams are going to need a running game to deal with the weather we all know is coming every year. Here are five guys who are set up for big senior seasons. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18102" first="Wyatt" last="Block"] Mankato West RB</strong> At first glance, at 5’8’ and 182 pounds, Block does not seem like he would pack much of a punch. One look at him on the field, and it becomes apparent he plays bigger than his frame suggests. While he can make about five moves in the span of five yards, he can keep his center of gravity low and then even lower at the point of contact – making him hard to bring down. He can take a hit and deliver them too. He is a two-way player, lining up in the box at linebacker. <strong>LaShad Smith Luverne RB</strong> Smith’s running style reminds me of another Smith – former Minnesota Vikings’ running back Robert Smith. Luverne’s Smith – although 5’9" 170-pounds - has the same upright running, long-striding style as the former Pro Bowler. When he gets space, he is hard to catch. He is best when he can make one cut and explode, but he has a few surprises for defenders in the open field. Smith is not just a threat running the ball. He can hurt you through the air too. Currently, he does not have any offers but has interest from some DII schools in the area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18149" first="Tucker" last="Anderly"] Mound Westonka RB</strong> Anderly is a great one-cut runner. When he gets his pads square to the line of scrimmage, he is not going to come down with an arm tackle. He has a solid stiff arm that has put more than one defender flat on their back. The 5’11" 175-pound runner can also contribute to the passing game with a great set of hands. He has an excellent first step. During a run, Anderly can reach a complete stop and then get back to full speed in a matter of steps. A two-way player, Anderly, also starts at linebacker and might be on colleges’ radar on that side of the ball too. <strong>Trevor Lindburg Proctor RB</strong> Lindburg is a great, yards after contact runner. He has a powerful 6’1" 195-pound frame that allows him to bounce off the initial tackle. Although he is powerful enough to take defenders on mono-e-mono, he is also hard to bring down because he has a knack for not allowing the defender to hit him head-on. Lindburg will also help his team on special teams. He took a kickoff to the house in his junior season. As of now, he has DII and DIII interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18134" first="Henry" last="Dennis"] Spring Lake Park RB</strong> At 5’10" 200-pounds, Dennis is the most powerful runner on this list. He excels in between the tackles. He has a strong lower body and can bounce off tacklers even if hit low. One of the reasons he can bounce off tacklers is his balance – it is tough to knock him off his line when he gets his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Although his power stands out, Dennis is asked to run outside often and has the speed to get to the corner.