2024 Running Backs On The Rise

The running back position is becoming more valuable each year. Running backs are expected to contribute in so many ways, regardless of what kind of offensive system a team has. On top of picking up yards on the ground, being a solid pass catcher and reliable blocker are key components to a running backs game. Indiana’s class of soon-to-be Sophomores has several running backs that can thrive in any type offense. These four playmakers are ready to show just that, this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"], 5’9, 155 pounds, Yorktown [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"] is one of the most promising running backs in the state. He excelled at a recent Prep Redzone camp. Thomas has the exact frame that any college coach could want in a running back. Thomas will be able to glide around the field. [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"] is an absolute playmaker. He has shown that he has a very high ceiling. I see a huge step forward coming for [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"] in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"], 5’9, 145 pounds, South Central Rushing for 445 yards in his Freshman campaign clearly suggests that [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"] is a rapidly-ascending running back. Hogan has great speed. He can get out to the perimeter quickly and he can out-run defenders. He has an extremely impressive ability to quickly change direction. Hogan shows great vision and instincts on the field. [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"] is also a difficult running back to tackle and he can pick up yardage after the first contact. [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"], 5’11, 165 pounds, New Palestine [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"] has the ability to energize an entire stadium any time that touches the ball. Thomas has a very direct running style as he wastes no time getting to the point of attack. There is an element of explosiveness every time that [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"] carries the football. Thomas has outstanding speed. Once he gets through the line of scrimmage and into the second level, he kicks it into a new gear and leaves defenders trailing. Thomas has outstanding speed. [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"] is going to be a running back that consistently picks up chunk yardage. [player_tooltip player_id="109632" first="Ray" last="Crawford"], 5’9, 165 pounds, Triton Central [player_tooltip player_id="109632" first="Ray" last="Crawford"] possesses the perfect blend of physicality and elusiveness. Once Crawford gets into the open field he is bound to make a big play happen. Crawford has the moves to leave defenders tackling air. Crawford normally requires more than one defensive player to tackle him. He picks up yardage after the initial contact. [player_tooltip player_id="109632" first="Ray" last="Crawford"] also has good vision. He can find the open field and attack. The four players on this list are going to continue to grow. All four have the potential to develop into star players. Right now they may be under-the-radar, due to the fact that they just completed their Freshman seasons, but now is the perfect time for college teams to take notice of these great prospects. All four student-athletes check all the boxes at running back. These four tremendous players are proving why Indiana may have some of the best backfield talent in the country.