2024 Watch List: Ranking the RBs + One RB to Watch in 2025

<strong> </strong>We started our list of running backs in the Class of 2024 with four tailbacks on our rankings. Of course, this number will grow in the coming months with more names added, but we wanted to find out with our watchlist who is the best Class of 2024 tailback in the Dakotas at this given moment. We evaluated all four of our tailbacks one by one and feel that we have a great understanding of who rounds out our top 4 running backs to date in order. I also found a Class of 2025 tailback to keep on your radar in the comings years. Check them out! <b>Number #4:</b> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="77495" first="Coltan" last="Palmer"], RB, Mandan (ND) (2024)</b> Palmer shows the least amount of film to date, but the one clip he did have on film was impressive. Palmer shows a strong elusiveness in his game by being able to adjust quickly on the fly. He shows that he has the power in his legs to gain plenty of yards after contact. I am looking forward to seeing more clips in the 2021 season from this young man! <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EC5sr">Fr. Tape</a> <strong>Number #3:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105505" first="Aiden" last="Barfuss"], RB, Winner (SD) (2024)</strong> What stood out to me about Barfuss was his downhill running ability that showed a strong burst on the outside lanes. Barfuss showed multiple signs of being able to get quality yards after contact. The 3/2 spots from my eyes were a close call, but Barfuss checked in at #3 but has good momentum going into 2021, where he will get more opportunities for the Winner Warriors. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14921228/5fd3d58596762a08949dea3d">Fr. Tape</a> <b>Number #2:</b> <b> [player_tooltip player_id="89278" first="Savion" last="Stokes"], RB, West Fargo (ND) (2024)</b> Stokes took in the #2 spot on our list as I felt his running ability has lots of potentials. Watching Stokes, you see a kid that fights for every single yard and plays a lot bigger than his measurables might read. Stokes looks to be a durable runner for the Packers, and I wouldn’t be surprised that with a growth spurt, Stokes grows into his playing ability with less of a raw look to it. Whether it’s a yard or five extra yards, this kid has a bright future in my eyes. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZmx2">Fr. Tape</a> <strong>Number #1:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105507" first="Isaiah" last="Favors"], RB, Dakota Valley (SD) (2024)</strong> Favors looked to be the most polished of the four prospects on our running back rankings in the Class of 2024. Favors, to me, seems like a patient runner and runs well in limited space on his inside runs, which is something that is a tough ask from the younger tailbacks. Favors looked to have the best shift in his feet on this list and also has a solid burst to be an asset on the outside. Favors also has good next-level genes, as his brother Nathan Favors is headed to Minnesota State-Mankato this year to play for the Mavericks and was a favorite of our national scouting director a few months back. Favors is also a good linebacker for Dakota Valley, who does well crashing into the backfield. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ew3tU">Fr. Tape</a> <strong>2025 RB to Watch</strong> <strong>Connor Slaba, RB, Yankton (SD)(2025)</strong> Slaba isn’t the biggest tailback for the Bucks (as of yet), but holy cow, can this young man hit the gas pedal. Slaba has very active footwork and has a quick twitch in his stop route to go along with his game. Indeed, a young player to watch in the Class of 2025 coming out of Yankton. [embed]https://twitter.com/ConnorSlaba/status/1351368660552716289[/embed]