Top 3A Running Backs

Small school athletes will always have to do more to catch a recruiters eye than others. Some shy away from it, others embrace it. These guys are ready to compete with anyone to get the shot they deserve. Here's a look at the most prominent RB's in 3A: <img class="size-medium wp-image-24527 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42716" first="Richie" last="Williams"], 5’9" 195 lbs. Arizona College Prep (Chandler, AZ) (C/O 2021) Williams is your workhorse, durable, power back type of player. He is a downhill physical runner that absolutely punishes defenders. He is explosive between the tackles and through the hole and runs completely through people. He shows very good strength and aggression as it takes gang tackling to bring him down. He possesses great balance and relentlessly keeps his legs moving. He seems to be unfazed by big hits as they are unable to drop him. He shows decent speed for his size and is an all around tough player. He has shown to be a smart and effective blocker in pass protection and outside run plays. As a 4.0 student, he is already a major D2 and D3 prospect, and will continue to acquire many more offers throughout this season. [player_tooltip player_id="42871" first="Zach" last="Hammett"], 5’8" 170lbs. River Valley High School (C/O 2022) Hammett is a speedy scat back that is one of the most electric players in 3A. He is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Hammett possesses great speed and vision and is able to break away often. He shows a good cut-and-go ability with good change of direction, which oftentimes makes defenders hesitate. Although he can be a one cut guy between the tackles, he is best utilized on the edges. He maintains a good pitch relationship as River Valley loves to stretch the field with the option. He has room to put on size given his age, and should see an increase in touches this season as well. Hammett is talented and athletic enough to play multiple positions at the collegiate level and should be on recruiters radar ASAP. With two years left, expect Hammett to have the highest ceiling in 3A football. [player_tooltip player_id="42791" first="Aziya" last="Jamison"], 6’0" 190lbs. American Leadership Academy (C/O 2022) Jamison was among the state’s best ball carriers last year as a sophomore. With having good size and averaging over 9 yards per carry, he has certainly made himself a legit prospect early in his high school career. He displays good balance and is a physical runner. He runs aggressive and is hard to bring down. He shows a good stop-and-go ability and seems to have good field awareness. He has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, so expect ALA to get him more involved in the passing game this season. Jamison is smart with the ball and didn’t have a recorded fumble all of last season. Jamison has a huge upside in his size and athleticism, so look for him to have a big year with his recruiting. [player_tooltip player_id="42677" first="Evan" last="Lovett"], 6’0" 185lbs.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-46064" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/B80AD962-2F86-4C72-B417-99AD3C874B43-300x184.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="184" /> Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (C/O 2021) Lovett is the feature back for Pusch Ridge will have the opportunity to break open his recruitment this year. Lovett is more of a north-south type of ball carrier but can also stretch the edge if needed. He is explosive through the hole and has the potential to develop into a legit all-purpose back. He has excellent lateral speed and agility and seems to have a good football IQ. His instincts are impressive and he does not shy away from contact as he is a physical player all around. He displays long strides when in open space, which could definitely help him in his ability to break away. Lovett should have a big role this season and should be a big name to remember. Greg Rodriguez, 5'10" 170lbs. Coolidge High School (C/O 2021) Rodriguez is a tough, gritty player with that underdog mentality. He shows good speed and runs off blocks very well. He shows very good vision through the hole and always maintains good pad level during contact. On film he has shown to bounce off tackles and extend plays. Rodriguez shows a very good change of direction with decent lateral speed. He proved to become more elusive as the season went on last year as well. He is a very competitive player that brings a spark to the Coolidge offense. Rodriguez should definitely be able to rise his recruiting stock this fall.