Underrated Ohio Big Running Backs

Division one colleges look for running backs that are the complete package in terms of speed, quickness, acceleration, vision, durability, and toughness. Most big high school backs possess some, but not all, of these qualities. I have identified seven of the best running backs in Ohio that are both big and talented with a chance to play at the next level. <hr /> <strong>Tim Caffey     5”11” 195     Hubbard     2022</strong> Tim, who goes by TC, tips the scales just under 200 lbs. and is a hard runner to bring down. He has powerful legs and thighs and is effective both running up the middle and sliding to the outside. Caffey, a junior, is already approaching 1500 career yards. Quicker than fast, Caffey also plays linebacker on defense. TC should catch the eye of D2 colleges and up going into his senior season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34437" first="Rayshon" last="Kennedy"]     6’3” 240     Cleveland Lutheran East     2022</strong> This guy might be the junior sleeper of the year in the state. He is a towering and intimidating athlete who is extremely talented but raw as a football player. He uses his size to his advantage when carrying the football and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulders and plow forward for extra yardage. Kennedy runs with his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage then shows a burst through the line where his instincts take over. Rayshon can also catch the football, and with his size, could develop into a D1 tight end. <strong>Kale Long      5’11” 203     De Graff Riverside    2021</strong> Even though he plays in the smallest high school division in the state, Long is one of the most versatile players in all of Ohio. A quarterback turned running back for his senior year, Kale is a shifty ball carrier in the open-field. Kale is a three-sport athlete at Riverside and his athleticism is apparent on the football field where he rarely comes to the sideline. One of the state’s top ten rushers at this point in the 2020 season, he would be a great recruit for a small college where he could play a number of positions including wildcat quarterback. <strong>Donovan Washington     6”1” 210     Streetsboro     2021</strong> Donovan Washington is the real deal not only as a running back but an athlete. Impressive physically, this guy looks the part and plays the same way. Donovan has great balance for a big back and makes jump-cuts then accelerates into the defensive second level. This season he is averaging nearly ten yards per carry. He has good speed and displays soft hands catching the ball on routes out of the backfield and screen plays. As good as he is on offense, he also excels on defense as a rusher and open-field tackler. There is no doubt Donovan Washington is a player that can have success at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34482" first="Gideon" last="Lampron"]     5’11” 220     La Grange Riverside     2022</strong> Tough is the word I use to describe Gideon. As a runner, he is a between the tackles bulldog that is primarily a straight ahead back with just enough shake in his hips and just enough speed at his level of competition to take it to the house. Lampron would just as soon run through or over than around you. He fits the bill as a zone read running back but would be a better I formation or Wing-T fullback. He doubles as an inside linebacker and there’s a good chance he will play that position at the next level due to his tenacity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34278" first="Thomas" last="Boyd"]     6’1” 235     Cincinnati Princeton     2021</strong> A big school back at a big-time program, [player_tooltip player_id="34278" first="Thomas" last="Boyd"] seems to have all the tools to be a D1 running back at least the MAC level. He has good vision and reads his blocks well while looking for daylight in the open field. Boyd is a good north-south runner through the line of scrimmage and keeps drives alive by picking up much-needed yardage on crucial downs. Thomas is a physical back that is a good lead blocker to the outside for his teammates. At times shows a little hesitation making cuts in traffic but still makes big gains due to his quickness, toughness, and instincts. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34326" first="Kobe" last="Campbell"]     5”10” 215     Akron East     2021</strong> Do not try to arm tackle this man in the open-field or he will leave you in the dust. Kobe is impressive when as a power runner and is light on his feet displaying the ability to kick it into a second gear when necessary. He shows the ability to take a hit and give one at the same time. Kobe also is a standout on the defensive side of the ball where he also is a big playmaker. He has at least one offer already and look for more to come in the near future due to his versatility. &nbsp;