Rising Stock Running Backs 2022 (Part 1)

The running back class in Ohio for 2022 is very solid. They may vary in terms of size and even speed, but most are big play makers that can make defensive players miss in space or are physical enough to break tackles at the line of scrimmage and in the openfield. Some of the best running backs also excel on the defensive side of the ball. Here is a list of the first six backs whose stock is on the rise. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91580" first="Jaylen" last="Jennings"]     5’9” 170     Harvest Prep</strong> Jennings is an explosive runner who can hit a second gear in the openfield pulling away from linebackers and defensive backs. He can spin out of tackles after being hit while maintaining body control and balance then instantly getting north and south. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34395" first="Tyron" last="Darby"]     6’1” 185     West Carrollton</strong> Darby shows patience following his lead blockers on both the power and counter play. At the same time, he has the quickness and agility to knife through the line of scrimmage jetting by defenders. Darby is also very elusive in space. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="123034" first="Rodney" last="James Jr"]     5’10” 185     Steubenville</strong> One of the most versatile athletes in the class of 2022, James plays running back, linebacker, and defensive back. As a running back, he possesses great vision often cutting back against the grain, rocketing through creases, then running to daylight. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="120164" first="Brandon" last="Armstrong"]     5’7” 165     Westerville South</strong> Brandon is an exceptional running back who plays bigger than his physical size. He is a shifty and elusive running back who makes defenders miss in space. Armstrong accelerates through the line of scrimmage and makes sharp cuts without losing stride. <strong>Brenden Craig     5’9” 150     Massillon Jackson</strong> Slight in stature but big in production, Craig is a jump cutting runner who can hurt defenses up the middle and on the perimeter with his quick feet and shifty hips. He does an excellent job of reading his blockers and darting through small openings to make big plays. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91581" first="Michael" last="Ross"]     5’11” 180     Westerville Central</strong> Ross is a slashing and powerful back that has good speed and quickness. He demonstrates the ability to keep his balance after being hit and get extra yards after first contact. Ross is also impressive catching the ball out of the backfield. &nbsp;