2023 Rankings: Running Backs Lighting Up Their Offenses (Part 1)
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The age of spread offenses has changed how we view running backs. But the teams who have identified strong ball carriers and use them effectively will always be the same. Third-and-short, game on the line, these five backs have already…
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Continue ReadingThe age of spread offenses has changed how we view running backs.
But the teams who have identified strong ball carriers and use them effectively will always be the same.
Third-and-short, game on the line, these five backs have already earned the trust of their coaches and teammates and can be relied upon to pick up that crucial yard. This is Part 1 of our look at the best Class of 2023 running backs South Carolina has to offer.
Ian Stroman Ian Stroman 5'9" | 150 lbs | RB Wagener-Salley | 2023 State SCSchool: Wagener-Salley
Analysis: One half of the War Eagles’ misdirection running game (more on that in a moment), Stroman is the wing option sprinting off the tackle into the middle of the pack. In doing so, he utilizing his small frame (5-foot-9, 150 pounds) to his advantage.
Cam Davis Cam Davis 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Wagener-Salley | 2023 State SCSchool: Wagener-Salley
Analysis: Davis is basically a do-it-yourself guide to the Wildcat formation at Wagener-Salley, which often elects to take advantage of an extra blocker and just let him do the heavy lifting. He put up 866 yards and eight touchdowns, almost exclusively out of that package.
Thomas Williams Thomas Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Powdersville | 2023 State SCSchool: Powdersville
Analysis: The 5-foot-11 tailback is a perfect fit for an offense that tends to do everything possible to get it balls carriers outside the tackles. Williams, though, has no problem breaking it back inside and making the most of his touches. He’s a big reason the Patriots scored 40 points per game.
Jaylen Foster Jaylen Foster 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Emerald | 2023 State SCSchool: Emerald
Analysis: Foster averaged better than 150 yards per game in 2020 while scoring 11 touchdowns. And while a lot of the production came in what Emerald would describe as a down year, he’ll have a ton of chances to improve his totals for two more seasons.
Nehemiah Brooks Nehemiah Brooks 5'7" | 230 lbs | RB Fox Creek | 2023 State SC (Pictured above)
School: Ridge Spring-Monetta
Analysis: We’re not sure we’ve seen a more productive safety valve who also happens to be pushing 230 pounds. Brooks is a powerful runner, yes, but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him explosive for a Trojans offense that is gelling a bunch of young players.