2021 Rankings Newcomers: Running Backs

With the release of the final 2021 Player Rankings, we’ve launched a series of evaluations on the newcomers to the rankings based on position. We added over 50 players to the most recent update highlighting players that popped during the 2020 season and have seen their recruiting on the rise. Here’s an in-depth look at the new RB’s to the rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93176" first="Howard" last="Russell"], 6’1” 195 lbs., Phoenix Christian</strong> Russell was electric this season on both sides of the ball demonstrating his explosive playmaking ability while racking up over 2,000 total scrimmage yards with 33 touchdowns on offense and six interceptions to go along with 40 tackles on defense. Possesses a great combination of speed and strength as a ball carrier. He uses his speed and burst to elude tacklers in the open field but has the ability to run through contact with good leg drive and balance. He’s an impressive quick twitch athlete that is a threat to take it all the way every time he touches the ball. Saw an uptick in recruiting after the 2020 season with offers from Black Hills State, Ottawa, and Arizona Christian before committing to Eastern New Mexico. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11235279/Howard-Russell">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11235279/Howard-Russell</a> https://twitter.com/HowardRussell03/status/1354529143904497666?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93177" first="Hunter" last="Ogle"], 5’10” 165 lbs., Santa Cruz Valley</strong> Ogle put up massive numbers throughout his career at Santa Cruz Valley including rushing for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior while leading his team to a 2A State Championship. He’s a true work horse that can affect the game in a variety of ways with his playmaking ability. He’s a natural football player that has a great awareness, instincts, and feel for the game. As a ball carrier, he shows good initial patience and vision allowing the play to develop before he uses his strong burst and acceleration to explode through the lane. In the open field, he has plus top end speed, COD, and elusiveness to force missed tackles. Led the state in rushing. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13001913/Hunter-Ogle">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13001913/Hunter-Ogle</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93180" first="Tommy" last="Arnold"], 5’10” 195 lbs., Sunrise Mountain</strong> The 5A offensive player of the year is a downhill power back that led his team to a state title. He shows great initial quickness and explosiveness off the ball with his ability to get square and explode through the hole. Not a burner in terms of top end speed but possesses good playing speed and quick cutting ability to beat defenders to the outside and turn up the field. A very physical style of running with good balance and leverage to pick up tough yards after contact. Plus run vision and instincts to hit open lanes in stride. Recruitment is still open with an offer list that includes Simpson, McPherson, Benedictine, Presentation, and Arizona Christian. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9645312/Tommy-Arnold">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9645312/Tommy-Arnold</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93286" first="Bryson" last="Alder"], 5’9” 175, Wickenburg</strong> A versatile scat back that is quick and shifty with the ball in his hands. He’s a slasher with good speed, quickness, and elusiveness in the open field. Love to see his quick lateral cuts and acceleration out of those cuts to make defenders miss. He shows good hands and natural catching ability out of the backfield when given opportunities. He has a great competitive nature and intense playing style that is always attacking and confident. Finished the season with over 1,700 scrimmage yards, 16 touchdowns, and 70 tackles on defense. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9713828/Bryson-Alder">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9713828/Bryson-Alder</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93288" first="Donavin" last="Fontaine"], 5’6” 160 lbs., O’Connor</strong> One of the top RB’s in 6A and the first 1,000 yard rusher at O’Connor since 2007 earned him the Region Offensive Player of the Year award. He’s a good speed back with the breakaway speed to stretch the corner and excel in space. He does a good job reading his blocks, spotting open running lanes, and accelerating through the hole. He has a very loose running style that allows him to quickly change directions and make defenders miss. Despite being undersized, he shows a good ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles. Still uncommitted and pulling in offers from Lake Forest, Simpson, Nebraska Wesleyan, and Friends. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10595870/Donavin-Fontaine">https://www.hudl.com/profile/10595870/Donavin-Fontaine</a>