2021 Uncommitted Running backs

As college commitments from the Class of 2021 continue to roll in, I thought it would be a good time to reassess who are some of the top ’free agents’ still out there for colleges to scoop up. These guys will likely be playing somewhere next year – but as of this story – nobody knows where. The second installment of hopefully, a series of these stories focuses on the running back position. [player_tooltip player_id="18048" first="Carter" last="Otto"] <strong>Elk River</strong> Otto is the definition of a Jack of all trades at the position. He does everything well. He doesn’t appear to have blazing speed, but he is always running away from guys. He doesn’t look to be the most powerful back, but he is continually breaking tackles. The Elks don’t throw often, but Otto is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He makes sure cuts and consistently makes people miss in the open field. [player_tooltip player_id="18104" first="Zac" last="Janz"] <strong>Farmington</strong> Based on Janz’s size, he doesn’t look like a power back, but he is a great between the tackles runner. One reason for that is his vision and feet. He is patient, makes quick cuts, and has a knack for finding openings. Once he works upfield, his low center of gravity makes it hard for defenders to get him down. He is all knees and shoulder pads and doesn’t give defenders anything to hit. Like Otto, Janz is a threat in the passing game as well. [player_tooltip player_id="18113" first="William" last="Petty"] <strong>Benilde-St. Margaret’</strong>s If you need three yards late in the fourth quarter to pick up a first down, Petty is your man. If nothing else, he is a power back who would rather run a defense back over than make a move on him. He looks for contact. He could be lined up as a single back in the spread or the traditional fullback position. That doesn’t mean he can’t make a move in the open field. He can - he is just more effective – and appears to enjoy – running through, instead of around defenders. [player_tooltip player_id="18134" first="Henry" last="Dennis"] <strong>Spring Lake Park</strong> Dennis – like Petty – often lines up in a fullback position. He has the inside power running style of a fullback. He has the leg drive to move the pile if his blocking doesn’t open a hole. When he does get a crease in-between the tackles, he has the explosiveness to get to the second and third level quickly. While most effective running inside, the Panthers’ offense has no trouble running Dennis to the outside. He gets outside on sweeps and as the trail back on the option. [player_tooltip player_id="18148" first="Caden" last="Hofstad"] <strong>Grand Rapids</strong> Size is the only that might limit Hofstad’s college choices. Despite his smaller stature, the senior is quick to the hole and uses excellent footwork to make people miss in the open field. Like Janz, Hofstad’s low center of gravity doesn’t give defenders much of a target. If defenders don’t get a clean shot at him – which they rarely do – Hofstad is just as likely to bounce off the defender than he is to be brought to the ground. The senior also lines up in the slot and is an effective receiver. He can help a team on special teams as a kick returner too.