Norcal Under The Radar Position Preview: Running Back Pt. II
Here is part II of the series in which we will look at some of the top under the radar Northern California Running Backs. The entire region is loaded with college level talent at the running back position in the…
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Continue ReadingHere is part II of the series in which we will look at some of the top under the radar Northern California Running Backs. The entire region is loaded with college level talent at the running back position in the 2021-2023 class and below we will dive into some of the top under-recruited running backs in the region.
Ivan Robledo 5’10” 203 Ibs., Saint Helena HS
One of the top backs in the 2022 class within the region, the small school product had a record-breaking Sophomore season for the Saints and will start to draw college interest on both sides of the ball as he enters into his Junior season for the Napa County power. A top 3 back in the entire North Coast Section, Robledo is a very well put together prospect that is physically developed for his age and has a good combination of size, strength, natural forward lean and power and is a true two-way star for one of the top small school teams in Northern California. On tape, Robledo shows terrific overall balance, breaks arm tackles and for a power back, can make defenders miss in the box and can effectively run outside the tackles with good third level speed. A tough and physical two-way thumper, the 2022 prospect would be an ideal fit on the offensive side of the ball schematically at a service academy or at the inside linebacker position at the next level.
Zeke Saffar 5’10” 195 Ibs., Oakdale HS
Another tough and physical North and South runner, the Oakdale product is coming off of a huge Junior season for one of the top teams in Northern California and is one of the most under recruited running backs that Northern California has to offer. Currently holding one offer from Valporaiso and playing against tough talent, Saffar displayed his ability to be a one cut back with a terrific burst and breakaway speed through out the last two levels. Also running with great power and balance through traffic, Zeke displays the unique combination of short area quickness in the box with the ability to run outside the tackles and force defenders to take poor angles. The tough and well balanced back is poised to have another dominating season and is one of the prospects in Northern California that will have his chances of earning more FCS and Mid Major interest increase with Senior season film.
Tyrei Washington-Saint Mary’s-Stockton HS
The 2021 Stockton prospect is one of the hardest backs to tackle in all of Northern California and displayed why he deserves to have more college interest during his dominating Junior season for the Rams. Most effective in-between the tackles, Washington runs with good natural forward lean and body control which allows him to break ankle and knife tackles in space and in the box. A smooth runner that runs hard, he relies on power and balance to gain extra yards and is extremely effective running the ball North and South. Although lacking true top end speed, Washington makes up for it with his patience in waiting for his blocks to develop and good lower body strength to continuously gain yards after contact. He is a college level back as Black Hills State and the University of William and Mary have already offered. He should see his recruiting stock continue to rise as he controls the backfield for one of the most talented teams in the entire state.