Under the Radar Running Backs

<span style="font-weight: 400;">We have heard it before, football is a game of inches. As much of a cliche as that statement is, it still remains a fact. With so many offenses making the transition to the pass-first scheme, a running back who is capable of being a reliable yard-gainer is an extremely valuable player to have on any roster.  Here is a list of four backs who possess sleeper potential:</span> <b>Keiran Singh - Monarch - 2022</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The way Singh runs is exactly what coaches want to see out of their tailbacks. As a sophomore, he understood the importance of putting his foot in the ground and getting upfield. The 5-foot-10, 175lbs back finished last season with 1,303 rushing yards on 213 carries with 14 touchdowns. In addition to averaging 130 yards per game, he also had four pass receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Singh is the fourth-ranked running back in his class per the Prep Redzone Colorado rankings, but his stock is sure to rise to unseeable heights.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="22630" first="David" last="Dody"] - Regis Jesuit - 2021</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This running back is a real defensive nightmare when the ball is in his hands. At 5-foot-10 and 185lbs, Dody possesses the athleticism that makes him too elusive to tackle and the strength that enables him to run through contact. His junior season ended with him totaling 1,202 rushing yards on 155 carries with 13 touchdowns. Dody is also extremely effective in the passing game where he had 11 receptions for 152 yards with four touchdowns. His solid junior performance resulted in him being ranked ninth in his class per Prep Redzone Colorado rankings. Dody is a back who can produce from any role.</span> <b>Trevin Johnson - Holy Family - 2021</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnson is a shifty running back who can make a single cut and accelerate quickly through a hole. He also has the vision to find openings within the defense, helping to make him more elusive. Johnson finished the season with 163 carries, 877 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns. His production in the passing game (21 rec, 293 yds, 2 TDs) aligns him perfectly as a scatback. Johnson handled the majority of the rushing workload last season, something that will be expected to continue during his senior year. </span> <b>Brayden Keys - Mead - 2021</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Labeling Keys as a single position player would be understating his value as a true athlete. He averaged over 10 yards per carry last season, finishing with 775 yards on 73 carries with 9 touchdowns. He caught two touchdowns on four receptions, scored on a punt return, and took his only interception as a cornerback to the house for six. It seems like the only thing Keys was unable to do last season was throw for a touchdown. The speedster was Mead’s second-leading rusher last year, but the 5-foot-9 athlete will be expected to appear as the front runner for the Mavericks’ backfield.</span>