2022 Sleeper Running Backs

Jake Lemming

July 7, 2021 @ 10:47 AM

In today's piece, we looked at some under-the-radar 2022 running back prospects from around the United States. This article stems from a tweet I put out last week. Our goal was to find kids from coast to coast that deserve much more recruiting attention. With that being said, here's who stood out! <hr /> <em><strong>Elijah Jordan, 5'9", 175, Archbishop Carroll, D.C.</strong></em> A scatback with good wiggle and impressive change of direction. Jordan burst on the scene as a sophomore, rushing for 1,237 yards. On tape, Jordan accelerates through tackle attempts and keeps his feet churning on contact. He's patient behind his blocks as they set up and has ample vision to see the cutback lane. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9721882/5d8379795cb2ee1704dc7ab8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>Max Alford, 6'2", 215, Park City, UT</strong></em> A bigger back that can run through you or around you. Alford's overall strength is evident on tape as he looks to impose hits on defenders. Despite his size, Max is light on his feet and can effortlessly cut against the grain. He can split out in the slot & provide a vital deep threat in the vertical passing game. He's a strong blocker and can create vertical displacement with his hand in the dirt if asked to do so. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11018007/5f8df917b018b408fc8c206f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>Ky Woods, 5'10", 185, Clear Springs, TX</strong></em> A shiftier back that runs with a low pad level and can change direction at the drop of a hat. Woods is elusive in space and can get to his top gear in an instant. He shows nifty cutting ability and great creativity when in traffic. He's got sticky hands out of the backfield and create a game-changing play as a return man on top of it all. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12695188/6090c211c119fb0d50a525cb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>Joshua Brown, 5'8", 200, Willowbrook, IL</strong></em> A feisty runner with a muscular lower half that he uses to barrel through tackle attempts. Brown has sneaky speed that he uses to bounce a run out on the perimeter and challenge a defense if they don't set the edge. He's a true downhill runner that will get you the tough yards between the tackles. Look for his senior tape to be something special with a full slate of games on it. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11664257/608b2516bd6a3f0b643af0e1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>Christian Washington, 5'11",195, Helix, CA</strong></em> Washington explodes through the hole and is at the third level of the defense before you know it. On tape, he shows a nasty jump cut that made defenders look silly. He's rarely brought down by the first tackle attempt and can provide value as a dynamic kick returner. He shows loose hips that he uses to drop & turn on the breaks and can create chunk plays as a check-down out of the backfield. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11924041/608c41d002b1af050c7527a4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>