2021 Best Available: Running Backs

<em>The state of Washington is loaded with top tier 5-star and 4-star talent with the likes of uncommitted J.T Tuimoloau, Washington commit [player_tooltip player_id="87154" first="Sam" last="Huard"], Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id="87153" first="Emeka" last="Egbuka"] and USC commit Julian Simon, among many others. The running back position for the class of 2021 is led by Nevada Signee [player_tooltip player_id="87179" first="Jacques" last="Badolato-Birdsell"] and uncommitted [player_tooltip player_id="87183" first="Caleb" last="Kwalalon"] who are both extremely explosive backs with power five abilities and upside. Here are some of the top unsigned backs that are either waiting to reel in their first offer or are committed, but are still keeping their options open. </em> &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87183" first="Caleb" last="Kwalalon"] 5’11" 195 Ibs., Lakes HS</strong></em> Kwalalon is an explosive big framed back with a strong lower body that currently holds one offer from Washington State, but remains unsigned and uncommitted. On tape, he is a one cut and go back that runs behind his pads with good natural power, body control and balance and possesses a natural forward lean. A very physical and tough runner that breaks arm and ankle tackles, the powerful back also has sneaky third level speed and can make defenders miss in traffic and at the second and third level. Physically, he has all the tools to succeed at the next level and a high floor at a power five program. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8731586/5b954a8a2352420ee8b2948a">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87253" first="Turner" last="Allen"] 5’9" 175 Ibs., Tumwater HS</strong></em> A two-way starter for one of the top teams in the state, Allen is a versatile player that makes plays on both sides of the ball. Although not currently holding any offers, the Tumwater prospect had a stellar Junior season in which he flashed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and has a strong initial burst, short area quickness, body balance in traffic and third level speed. Also a patient runner and allows blocks develop, Allen is is also a quick trigger high IQ player at the third level with natural ball skills and understands zone coverage responsibilities. Although a bit undersized, he is an explosive and extremely smart athlete that should get a shot to play at the next level. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8971848/5df18f09f560030cf4ca0c96">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87268" first="K’Son" last="Mika"] 6’1" 210 Ibs., O’Dea HS</strong></em> Mika is a bruising and physical runner that had success on both sides of the ball for the Irish during the 2019 season. Also playing outside linebacker, Mika is a north and south runner that uses his size and lower body strength to break arm tackles and quickly get to the second level. On defense, he is a punishing tackler with impressive closing speed and brings good thump at the point of contact. He also possesses quick play diagnosis and can make plays outside the tackles while taking good angles to ball carriers and using leverage/hand placement to get off blocks. The physical O’Dea product is a very versatile athlete in all three phases of the game that projects as a linebacker at the next level and should start to see his recruiting stock rise as he enters his senior season this Winter. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10732326/5df0058232dd010d38005074">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jonas Waugh 5’11" 215 Ibs., Graham-Kapowsin HS</strong></em> One of the most physical prospects in the region, Waugh is a throwback player that wins with toughness, strength, physicality and good overall athleticism for his size. Projected as more of an H-back or inside linebacker at the next level, he runs with a low pad level and displays good balance and natural forward lean in traffic and gets downhill in a hurry while also being an effective blocker both inside the tackles and at the second level and in space. The 200+ pound prospect does a good job at finishing his blocks with good leg drive and hand placement while taking good angles to defenders at all three levels. Also extremely physical and instinctual on defense, the two-way star currently holds two offers from William Penn and Pacific Lutheran. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11470084/5d958546bee1a70e4820e247">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em>