Spring Breakout Predictions: Running Backs

Welcome back to Part Two of my series where we are diving into five players from each position that I think are going to breakout this spring. Today, we are going to take a look at the running back position. Just like in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/spring-season-breakout-predictions-quarterbacks/">Part One</a>, we are going to take a look at what the film from the previous year shows us, and then we will take a look into the recruiting attention that each player currently has received. All five of these players are athletes that I believe can play at the next level, whether that is D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO is something I will identify individually as I go through each player. Let’s get right into it! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30876" first="Graham" last="Stier"], 2021- Verona Area</strong> The first player I want to look into is a member of one of the most talented backfields in Wisconsin. Stier checks in at 5’8" 185 lbs and is the change of pace, quick running back in the group. The 2x state attendee in track and field can scoot! He is the perfect complement to Badger commit, [player_tooltip player_id="30728" first="Jackson" last="Acker"]. Graham can utilize that track speed thanks to his strong vision and instincts with the ball in his hands along with his burst and acceleration once he sees the lanes. Once he gets into the open field there aren’t many defenders that will be able to get the angle on him to bring him down. He completes the change of pace/ third down back mold by being an effective and natural pass catcher. I am confident that Stier can be a useful weapon for a D3 program. As I made my way through Graham’s twitter account gathering information on his recruitment it became clear that he is poised to impress a lot of coaches because I couldn’t find anything to report. I highly recommend making a note of this name because he looks poised to have a very good spring season and be in a role that perfectly shows off his traits. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30879" first="Ben" last="Redlin"], 2021- Pulaski</strong> Another RB that I expect to break onto the recruiting scene this Spring is the workhorse for the run heavy Pulaski offense. Coming in at 6’ 185 lbs, Redlin has the frame that and athletic abilities to be a college athlete. While watching through his junior film, it became quickly apparent that Ben has a nose for daylight. Several times he proved that he could make something out of nothing thanks to his patience and ability to set up blocks. Ben also possesses the necessary play speed to be able to get onto the field at the next level. When he pairs that with the ability to run through contact and keep going and you get an RB that should grab attention from the next level. Redlin’s twitter account doesn’t show any sign of interest from the next level setting him up to be another fast riser in this spring season. Any D3 program still looking for athletes need to take a look at Ben’s film and keep track of him as he goes through the spring season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30902" first="Caden" last="Brunell"], 2021- Columbus</strong> I’m surprised there already isn’t more interest around Caden. The 5’10" 180 lbs RB not only led his team in rushing yards and TDs, he also led the team in tackles on defense. The do it all athlete doesn’t waste time dancing in the backfield. He is a one cut, north-south type runner. His burst and acceleration after sticking his foot in the ground after his one cut is what allows him to make the big plays on his film. He can see the lanes quickly and then get to top speed in no time. Once he gets to the open field, Brunell is tough to corral and bring down with one defender. Don’t miss out on the Columbus product. Caden is a name you are going to want to keep track of. The 1,000+ yard rusher is poised for another productive season. While going through his Twitter, I didn’t come across any interest. There is a good amount of talent still out there in the 2021 Class here in Wisconsin and Caden is part of it. Check out his film and see if he can help your team! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94798" first="Carter" last="Fonger"], 2021- Superior</strong> The last senior in this article comes from way up in northern Wisconsin. I first was introduced to Carter’s game during this past winter when he made several appearances at the Prep Redzone Showcases in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Both times he came away as a player that several Prep Redzone scouts labeled as a Top Performer of the event. The 5’8" 195 lbs bowling ball of muscle is one of he better kept secrets in Wisconsin. When it comes to play speed, Carter has the ability to turn every touch into a big play. Just give him a sliver of daylight and he is gone. His low center of gravity and thick build also allow him to win with power when he has to do the dirty work between the tackles. Fonger did have to share the workload as a junior, which may be why he hasn’t been a huge recruiting target. After the graduation of two seniors, Carter looks poised to breakout on the field and in the recruiting landscape. Carter doesn’t have much of anything posted on his page relating to recruiting interest. Like I said above, he was a little hidden on the depth chart last season. This year he looks poised for a much larger workload. That should result in more schools taking notice of him and hopefully getting him the attention that he deserves from the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31336" first="Cal" last="Martine"], 2022- Appleton North</strong> I have a feeling the recruitment for Cal is about to go off in a couple weeks. The 6' 230 lbs running back is an old- school power back with the speed to take it the distance. Teams are going to love the workhorse ability that Cal has been showing off since his sophomore year where he led the team with over 900 yards rushing. The traits are fun to see at work. Even while being as big as he is, he still quickly hits gaps and once he comes across a defender you see the play style you expect to see. He can drop his shoulder and go right through defenders' chests. The contact balance at those times is apparent. I highly recommend checking his sophomore film out now. To me he should have the attention of a large chunk of D2 and D3 schools. That is why he is in this article. As I was going through his Twitter there aren't any posts of graphics or any recruiting attention. That won't be staying that way for long once the spring kicks off. That is why I suggest college coaches dive into his film now. You don't want to miss out on this beast. <em>We will be back tomorrow with Part Three in this series: Tight Ends.</em>