Norcal Under The Radar Position Preview: Running Back Pt. I
In this article:
<em>Northern California is loaded with division I-III running back talent across the entire region. There are the Division 1 caliber backs such as Zeke Burnett, [player_tooltip player_id="25270" first="Jonah" last="Coleman"], [player_tooltip player_id="25081" first="Jordan" last="Hornbeak"], Matteo Perez and [player_tooltip player_id="25323" first="Lyon" last="Colon"] among others that hold division 1 offers, but plenty more that can play at a high level and make an immediate impact at the next level. Here we will break down some of the top under the radar Northern California running backs that any college program would be lucky to have.</em>
<em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="25322" first="Jabari" last="Phillips"] 5’9" 180 Ibs. Merced HS</strong></em>
A dynamic and compact runner, the 2022 prospect rushed for over 1,500 yards and 15+ touchdowns for Golden Valley High School. The Merced product shows a great initial burst and vision in traffic while displaying good balance and can break arm/ankle tackles in the box. Also a patient runner, Phillips should start to see Mid-Major college interest as he enters his Junior season of high school football.
<em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11847344/5dd30e329a92b30bd03a108e">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em>
<em><strong>Darius Crowther 5’11" 190 Ibs., Christian Brothers HS</strong></em>
One of the most explosive and dynamic backs in the entire section, Crowther is a smooth runner with terrific short area quickness and ability to make defenders miss in open space and has pass catching ability out of the backfield. Also possessing return ability, the 2022 prospect runs with good physicality and low pad level while displaying good speed at all three levels of the defense. Closing in on his first offer, the recent Christian Brothers transfer is set to explode in his third year at the prep level and is a Division-1 caliber running back.
<em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11472505/Dj-Crowther-Jr">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em>
<em><strong>Camilo Arquette 6’0" 210 Ibs., Saint Francis-Mountain View HS</strong></em>
A big and physical athlete, the 2022 prospect can play multiple positions and has great return ability. Playing with good pad level and natural forward lean, Arquette is a Division 1 caliber athlete and will start picking up college interest as he enters into his Junior season. His rare combination of size, speed and strength makes him one of the most intriguing prospects that the 2022 class has to offer in Northern California. On tape, he displays a high football IQ and might find his home on the defensive side of the ball at the outside linebacker position at the next level.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11598136/Camilo-Arquette"><em>Sophomore Year Film</em> </a></strong>
<em><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Eli Cortinas 5’9" 180 Ibs., Enterprise HS</strong></em>
One of the most under-rated backs in the entire region, Cortinas is a do-it-all back for one of the top teams in the Northern Section. Although playing at a smaller school that does not get a lot of publicity around the greater Bay Area, Cortinas has proved that he belongs in the conversation with some of the other top backs in Northern California. The patient and explosive runner shows great lateral agility and third level speed while being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and run a lot bigger then he is. A tough and physical prospect that can make defenders miss in space/has cutback ability, Cortinas should start to see his recruiting take off across all levels as he enters his senior season.
<em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9899674/5dd0594290eeb108b4a16357">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em>
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in
