Class of 2023 Running Backs Ready To Rule: Part 1

Having a great running back is a key for any offense to be successful. A solid running back can contribute in so many different ways and they put a lot of pressure on a defense. Indiana’s Class of 2023 is stacked with running backs who give a defensive coordinator something extra to think about at all times. Today, we will take a look at the three highest-rated running backs in the class. These prospects are extremely versatile backs who are capable of putting on a show any time that they touch the football. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"], 5’10, 180 pounds, Brownsburg [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] is a physical running back who plays behind his pads. Marcus is a direct runner who gets right to the point of attacks and gets up to second level. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] can make defenders miss, but his highlight reel is filled with demonstrations of him running right through defenders. [player_tooltip player_id="39066" first="Caleb" last="Marcus"] does a great job picking up yards after contact. He frequently breaks out of tackles and even when he does not, he still falls forward and picks up extra yards. Marcus also has the speed to get out to the perimeter and he can outrun defenders. [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"], 6’0, 205 pounds, Silver Creek [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"] is the kind of versatile player that would excel for any team. Mays is not only a standout running back for Silver Creek, but he also has the ability to return punts. Mays has the perfect frame to handle what a running back is asked to do in most offenses. At 6’0 and 205 pounds, Mays can be that physical runner who picks up badly needed yardage. He could really excel in short yardage or goal-to-go situations. Mays has tremendous athletic ability, which would allow him to be an option in almost any scenario. [player_tooltip player_id="107266" first="Lashun" last="Mays Jr"] is going to continue to grow and I believe that he is going to take a huge step forward in the fall. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"], 5’10, 160 pounds, Center Grove As a Sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] managed to carve out a role for himself on the varsity team at Center Grove that went undefeated. That alone should give a depiction as to just how talented Wheat is. Picking up an average of four yards per carry is great. Wheat averaged over ten yards per carry last season. Wheat has a nose for the end zone, evidenced by the fact that he scored half a dozen touchdowns last year. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] can also be a threat returning kickoffs and punts. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] has all of the tools to be a star player at the next level. All three of these prospects are going to be headline players for years to come. They all do some many different things well. The positive impact that each of these student-athletes brings to their offenses cannot be overstated. I believe that all three are on the cusp of exceptional Junior campaigns in the fall. Right now is the time for high major college programs to get in touch with these three elite running backs from the Hoosier state.