2023 Running Backs On the Rise Part 1

For a running back, the transition into their upperclassmen years is an important one. Not only do they grow physically, but they do the same mentally. For many players, the game slows down and they find their comfort level increasing. So with the Class of 2023 set to move into the upperclassmen spotlight, let us take a look at the top running backs in the class. These are prospects that are destined for big plays and bright futures. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] 5’10, 180 pounds, Brownsburg Brownsburg’s [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] is the highest-rated running back prospect in our Prep Redzone Indiana Junior rankings. Marcus is a very physical runner. Opponents can get a hand on him, but he always shows the ability to break tackles. Another great thing that Marcus does, is that he consistently falls forward at the conclusion of the play. Doing this allows for Marcus to add on extra yardage to every run, something that is critical late in games. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] is the kind of guy that will not just rack up yardage. He will be a huge problem for defenses in short yardage and goal-to-go situations, and he is somebody that will wear-down a defense. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] has the running style that would make him a perfect fit at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"]. 6’0, 205 pounds, Silver Creek The second highest-rated running back on our list is Silver Creek’s [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"]. Mays has many of the same physical tools as Marcus. At 6’0 and 205 pounds, Mays promises to be a load to bring down any time that he carries the football. Mays contributes for Silver Creek in all three phases. On top of playing running back, he is also a middle linebacker and a punt returner. [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"]. is a prospect that has a very high ceiling. I can easily see 2022 being a breakout year for Mays. Mays is beginning to attract attention, so college coaches need to get him on their radar. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] 5’10, 160 pounds, Center Grove The final running back in the top half of the class is Center Grove’s [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"]. Center Grove are well-represented across the rankings for multiple classes. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] has the ability to take an already talented team even further. It took Wheat just 25 carries to get close to 300 yards a season ago. He also produced six touchdowns as a sophomore. Wheat is a successful kickoff and punt returner for Center Grove. As a running back, though, he shows why there is hope for a big future ahead of him. Wheat averaged 10.8 yards per carry last year, an incredible number that shows that he has big play ability. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] is on the cusp of a huge year. College coaches need to get a look at him, as with more carries, he could be on the verge of a special season in 2021. These three prospects represent the top half of the 2023 running back class. I will cover the rest of the ranked running backs in my next article. These three have one big thing in common: they are all still going to grow and get better. With increased roles this year, these prospects are poised for big things. This will be a fun group for us to watch here in Indiana.