Elite Eight Midwest Running Backs 2022

The Midwest running back class for 2022 is talented in terms of explosiveness and big play potential. They have good vision in terms of finding running lanes and following their lead blockers. The elite eight also possess exceptional receiving skills and many are also return specialists. <ol> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20868" first="Kaleb" last="Brown"]     5’11” 180     Chicago, Illinois     Rita</strong></li> </ol> Brown is an elusive running back in the openfield who makes defenders miss in space. He demonstrates the ability to make quick and decisive cuts whether running between tackles or on the perimeter. He can bounce the ball to the outside then plant and head north-south without breaking stride. Brown shows versatility as a slot receiver and kickoff returner. He has multiple D1 offers and is showing a slight lean to Michigan at this point. <ol start="2"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34376" first="Gi’bran" last="Payne"]     5’10” 190     Cincinnati, Ohio     LaSalle</strong></li> </ol> Payne is a compact runner who possesses a perfect combination of speed and power. Strong in the legs and upper body, he runs through arm tackles and shakes defenders off that try to hit him high. Payne is extremely effective on the halfback screen displaying soft hands and a burst after catching the ball. He doubles as a linebacker and shows the same toughness and skill on defense. Payne has drawn the attention of Big Ten, SEC, and ACC schools. <ol start="3"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30133" first="Dillon" last="Tatum"]     5’11” 185     West Bloomfield, Michigan</strong></li> </ol> Tatum is one of the most multi-dimensional players in the 2022 class. He is an explosive runner whether as an Ace-back in the spread offense or as a slot receiver coming around on the jet sweep. Tatum is equally as dangerous to the opposition as a punt and kickoff returner. He rarely comes off the field and is just as impressive on defense playing linebacker or strong safety where he excels in man coverage. Tatum is showing a strong recruiting lean to Michigan. <ol start="4"> <li><strong>Arlen Harris      5’11” 185     Peters, Missouri     Lutheran</strong></li> </ol> This thick and physical running back would just as soon run over defenders as run around or by them. Harris displays good vision in finding creases in the defense and in following his lead blockers. He can turn a simple isolation play into a long touchdown run and is a superb short yardage running back. Give the ball to Harris in the redzone and more than likely, he will end up in the endzone. Harris is committed to play for Stanford University upon graduation. <ol start="5"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18433" first="Camden" last="Royal"]     5’10” 175     New Hope, Minnesota     Robbinsdale Cooper</strong></li> </ol> A true all-purpose back, Camden is a tough guy to bring down. He leaves would-be tacklers in the dust as he hits the line of scrimmage running over defenders as he hits and spins. Royal displays amazing balance after being hit; refuses to go down. He is an excellent receiving back that runs the halfback flare to perfection. Royal can line up or shift to a slot receiver displaying the ability to run vertical seam routes. <ol start="6"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31215" first="Max" last="Grand"]     5’9” 190     Ellsworth, Wisconsin</strong></li> </ol> Max is a stout and explosive running back that possesses both speed and quickness. He is especially impressive with his change of direction in cutting the ball back against the grain. Grand gets himself out of trouble with his vision and ability to make defenders miss in the openfield. He has great acceleration when breaking the football to the perimeter. Grand is also a physical blocker for his teammates when he doesn’t have the ball under his arm. <ol start="7"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34397" first="Xavier" last="Preston"]     6’1” 185     Stow-Munroe Falls, Ohio</strong></li> </ol> Preston is a long and lean running back that is smooth and fluid in movement. He is a long striding back that pulls away from defenders and has enough speed to pull away in the openfield. He slashes through the line of scrimmage and is consistent in making positive yardage in heavy traffic. He adds the dimension of being talented at catching the football out of the backfield. <ol start="8"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="97999" first="Lavarion" last="Logan"]     5’11” 210   Merrillville, Indiana</strong></li> </ol> Logan is a shifty, jump cutting running back that can make linebackers miss at the second level. He has the size and power to convert short yardage situations making him a real threat in the redzone. Logan can slip through arm tackles and maintain balance after contact. He is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield on flares, halfback screens, and option routes. Logan is also a physical, hard hitting linebacker on defense.