Inside Look: The Top Five 2022 RB’s in Arkansas
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Our very own Tom Tabler ranked the top five backs in all of Arkansas when we launched. The list was deep and featured Division one talent from across the state. I went back and I broke down each of those…
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Continue ReadingOur very own Tom Tabler ranked the top five backs in all of Arkansas when we launched. The list was deep and featured Division one talent from across the state. I went back and I broke down each of those top five prospects and the many attributes they showed on tape.
1. Joseph Himon, 5’10, 180, Pulaski Academy
Talk about a stat stuffer, as a junior, Himon totaled 2,993 yards and 32 touchdowns. This is a shifty back, with great patience and vision to spot the cutback lane. Joseph has the strength to run through arm tackles and the speed to outrun angles. On tape, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and turn a small reception into a massive chunk play. To me, he’s one of the most exciting players I’ve watched in the entire 2022 class and should be a major Power-Five recruit.
2. James Jointer James Jointer 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2022 State AR , 6’, 200, Parkview
Once Jointer hits a hole, watch out, because he could take it for six. The pure acceleration is what stands out most, as he was able to run by defensive backs who looked like they had a shot at him. He’s got overall good size for a back, and could easily carry another twenty pounds at the next level. Jointer is at his best running between the tackles and will willingly lower his shoulder to pick up the tough yards.
3. Daryl Searcy Jr., 6’,195, Robinson
An explosive back who gashed defenses with long run after long run in 2020. Daryl has a strong lower half and has a nose for the endzone. His ability to stick his toe in the ground and get north and south makes him a very intriguing running back prospect. He’s got solid top-end speed and can pull away from the defense at any moment. His stiff arm is an absolute weapon and it wasn’t uncommon to see him jolt defenders off of him.
4. Travelle Anderson Travelle Anderson 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Gosnell | 2022 State AR , 6’, 190, Gosnell
This is a strong running back prospect who muscles his way through tacklers that get in his way. He’s a physical runner, so much so that on film it looked like people were scared to tackle him. He does a good job keeping his feet moving on first contact to ensure he picks up the most yards possible. He’s also a slasher out of the backfield, who can create a serious mismatch on linebackers in the passing game.
5. Manny Smith Manny Smith 5'7" | 155 lbs | RB Conway | 2022 State AR , 5’7, 160, Conway
Smith can play either running back or wide receiver and will give defensive coordinators nightmares at both. He’s a shifty prospect, with the wiggle to make you miss in the open field. He’s rarely brought down by the first tackler and can stop on a dime with ease. Conway did a tremendous job of putting him in the backfield, forcing linebackers to guard him in the passing game, something that he thrived on. Despite being a smaller back, Smith was not afraid to lower his shoulder and power through tacklers to finish off runs.