Tape Breakdown: Bay Area Running Backs
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Across the region, the running back position has no shortage of next level players who are coming off of hue seasons or continuing with their prolific high school careers. Many Northern California running backs have FBS offers and are some…
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Continue ReadingAcross the region, the running back position has no shortage of next level players who are coming off of hue seasons or continuing with their prolific high school careers. Many Northern California running backs have FBS offers and are some of the most talented ball carriers in the state. Below, we will breakdown the film of some under-recruited running backs across the Bay Area in the 2022-2024 class.
Janari Boone, Benicia HS
Boone is one of the best two-way players across the region and is very versatile on both sides of the ball. He is more of a North and South runner that has deceptive short area quickness and runs well behind his pads while able to run through lower body contact and is a natural forward leaner. On defense, he has a quick trigger while a sound tackler that can get off blocks and scrape over the top and fill efficiently and quickly. Projected as a defensive player at the next level, he should start to see his recruiting stock continue to rise in the coming months leading into what should be a huge Senior season for him.
Darian Leon-Guerrero, Vacaville HS
Leon-Guerrero was one of the top unknown backs in Northern California that burst onto the scene this spring season and had one of the most productive 5 game stretches of any back in the state. He has a terrific initial burst through the LOS, while displaying strong vision in tight windows and can navigate through traffic while adding a third level burst in the open field. Possessing strong long speed, he can make defenders miss in the box with plus short area quickness/lateral movement skills while forcing them to take bad angles in space while finishing off runs with good physicality and toughness. He is a balanced back that should start to see college interest come his way through the Fall.
Dylan Smith Dylan Smith 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL Carlsbad | 2021 State CA , Vintage HS
Smith is one of the toughest and most physical backs in Northern California, regardless of size or class. Playing for a top team in the region, he is a hard runner who hits the hole in a hurry and is always falling forward and gaining the tough yards. He is well put together and a very strong kid with nice initial acceleration through the hole and relies on contact balance and leg drive to break tackles and spring big plays. He is a one cut runner that can effectively run in-between the tackles with a low pad level, or bounce it outside when needed. He has the ability to play at the FCS level and should draw attention through his Senior season for the crushers.
Other Top Backs…
Joshua Butler, Palo Alto HS
Ralston Raphael, Menlo School
Frank Payne Frank Payne 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Las Lomas | 2022 State CA , Las Lomas HS
Ivan Robledo, Saint Helena HS
Joey Skinner, Windsor HS
Shamond Brooks, Freedom HS
Zach Sandoval, Castro Valley HS
Camilo Arquette Camilo Arquette 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB St. Francis | 2022 State CA , Saint Francis HS
Devon Rivers Devon Rivers 5'7" | 180 lbs | RB Heritage - Brentwood | 2023 State CA , Heritage HS
Kai Hall Kai Hall 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Saint Vincent de Paul | 2023 State CA , St. Vincent de Paul HS