North Coast Section Returning Running Back Leaders
The North Coast Section has been featured several times to take notice of many talented student athletes. At the running back position, we have 4 of the top 8 rushers in the section from a season ago whom all are…
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Continue ReadingThe North Coast Section has been featured several times to take notice of many talented student athletes. At the running back position, we have 4 of the top 8 rushers in the section from a season ago whom all are hoping for another opportunity to play this season in California.
Ivan Robledo – 5’11, 215 lbs – St. Helena – Junior
Twitter: @IRobledo18
Coming off a 2,000+ yard season, Ivan Robeldo was the top rushing leader in the North Coast Section as a sophomore in his first year as the starting running back for St. Helena High. Averaging 10.8 yards a carry and 33 touchdowns, he showed to be a guy who is an inside runner with not blazing get away speed but is definitely tough to bring down. Keeping his feet moving on contact and nimble enough to be decisive on cuts, Robledo had two 300+ yard games in which he had a total of 69 carries between the 2 contests. He has proven to be a bigger body type of back who can be durable when called upon to be a workhorse.
Matteo Perez – 5’10, 180 lbs – Marin Catholic – Senior
Twitter: @MatteoPerez_
Improving from his sophomore season in which he had a 1,200+ yard season, Perez almost doubled that during his junior campaign, where he ran for 2,024 yards and had 30 touchdowns. His massive statistical and athletic increase earned him a scholarship offer from UC Davis, where he will continue his football career as he committed to be an Aggie in the summer of 2020. Perez is a great fit in a spread type of offense and his attributes are on full display in his film. A slippery/slashy runner, who has quickness and athleticism in his game, can also be a reliable weapon in the passing game as he caught the ball well with hands on tape. Perez is not the biggest of backs but he can definitely run with vision, has solid forward lean and bend to be very sudden in his stop and accelerate moments during a play.
Kai Hall Kai Hall 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Saint Vincent de Paul | 2023 State CA – 5’8, 180 lbs – St. Vincent de Paul – Sophomore
Twitter: @KaiHallSVHS
As a Freshman, Kai Hall Kai Hall 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Saint Vincent de Paul | 2023 State CA finished with 1,773 yard which placed him with the 3rd most rushing yards in his section and was the top freshman rusher in the entire state of California. Having only 1 game in which he failed to crack 100 yards, Hall showed very good vision to cutback and reverse field but while I do question the level of competition, he did dominate nonetheless. He is young at the running back position and is a bit raw on tape but he can definitely get better, stronger, bigger and faster to become more of a dominant threat than he already is.
Omari Taylor – 5’10, 170 lbs – Clayton Valley Charter – Senior
Twitter: @imomaritaylor
Despite having only played 1 year on varsity during his high school career, Taylor made the most of his opportunity by helping lead Clayton Valley win the CIF Division 2AA State title. Rushing for 1,428 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, Taylor put on a display of rare speed, change of direction, and quickness. Being not the biggest of running backs, he used his quick feet to juke out defenders and cut up field. Not sure if he can be a pure 3 down back at the next level but he is definitely a player who can do lots of things in different roles. Whether it is on returns, being in slot, being in space on screens or even getting a couple carries, Taylor’s playmaking ability is not to be overlooked due to his slender size. Having seen him myself in person, he is a guy who noticeably stood out to me during live game action.