2023 Rankings: Running Back Breakdown

Photo: Griffin Zetterberg gdzphotography

Ed Brooks

May 22, 2021 @ 02:00 PM

I am continuing on with the positional breakdowns from the player rankings that were published earlier in the week. There is a large group of talented running backs. I am going to review the top five running backs. Dylan Smothers, 6’0", 185, Vance HS (No. 1 RB, No. 3 Overall). Hands down, Dylan is one of the best running backs in the state regardless of classification. He is an explosive runner who follows his blockers, looking for an opening to gain big yardage. Dylan displays great field vision while looking for an opening. His performances on the field have been outstanding. [player_tooltip player_id="44989" first="Jre" last="Jackson"], 5’8", 175, Terry Sanford HS (No. 2 RB, No. 18 Overall). Jre displays great balance and runs with power. He does not go down on initial contact. Jre is an explosive and consistent runner (first 7 games where he rushed for 100 yards). [player_tooltip player_id="44989" first="Jre" last="Jackson"] is quickly establishing himself as a Power5 prospect. JT Smith Jr., 5’10", 190, Hough HS (No. 3 RB, No. 22 Overall). He finds an opening and accelerates to outrun the defenders. JT displays good hands when lined up in the slot position on pass plays. He is quick and covers a lot of ground quickly as a runner and on pass plays. [player_tooltip player_id="44998" first="Zion" last="Myers"], 5’10", 200, Sanderson HS (No. 4 RB, No. 34 Overall). He is a power runner who breaks tackles to gain additional yardage. Zion instinctively falls forward when being tackled to gain additional yardage. He had a strong performance throughout the season. Que [player_tooltip player_id="28503" first="Sean" last="Brown"], 5’8", 150, East Forsyth HS (No. 5 RB, No. 46 Overall). He is a workhorse running back who rushed for over 850 yards in a four game season. Que Sean has exceptional speed which enable him to run past defenders to score. He is a threat to score as a kick-off return specialist.