Rankings Break down: Runningbacks

This year’s runningback class is very strong with great depth throughout the position. Here is a breakdown of my top ten RBs in the state along with 5 players that could definitely make the jump into the top 10. As the season progresses new players will be added and players will move up and down the rankings depending on performance and recruiting momentum. There are more backs ranked in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/nebraska/prospect-database/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prospect Database</a>. Here are our top ten runningbacks for the 2022 class: <hr /> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/9zDOmw29_400x400.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-178731 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/9zDOmw29_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="294" height="294" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"], 6’1" 215 lbs - Bellevue West <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11715434/LJ-Richardson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LJRichardson__" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #1</p>     <p style="text-align: left;">A tough running back with an excellent combination of speed and power. Richardson really blew up last season when he rushed for 1,239 yards and 15 touchdowns, shining as the Thunderbirds feature back. He has tremendous power when he runs, it’s very hard to take him down on the first contact, and most one on one matchups usually end up in Richardson’s favor. He is also very speedy, LJ is also a great track athlete, and can really make defenses pay when he gets into the open field. With defenses also having to account for the numerous playmakers on the Bellevue West office, LJ will benefit from fewer defenders in the box. 2021 should be even bigger, as he will once again be the main back in a talented backfield for Bell West. LJ starts the season as RB1 in our rankings and will have all season to further cement his status as such.</p> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11715434/5fb9d1afa023270c080868d0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <img class="alignright wp-image-178727 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/E4wm_vEXoAQI32x-e1627877851817-245x300.jpg" alt="" width="227" height="278" />   <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="147817" first="Dominic" last="Rezac"], 6’1" 165 lbs - Westside</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11436342/Dom-Rezac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/dominic_rezac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #2</p>     <p style="text-align: left;">Reigning Class A champ Rezac and the Westside Warriors will once again look to run all over the competition as they seek a repeat title. Rezac is an uber-talented runner with great speed and athleticism, boasting a lightning quick 4.55 40 time. He is a threat to take it to the house on any given down. But don’t start thinking he’s only speed, this Warrior will lower the pads and humbly show defenders to their seats. The Air Force Falcons saw Rezac’s enormous potential and were able to secure his commitment to their football program. However, that will wait until after Dominic puts a stamp on his illustrious career Warrior career.</p> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11436342/5f5e986e0c5de50230f4534f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="147784" first="Christian" last="Meneses"], 5’11" 185 lbs - Plattsmouth</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11719320/Christian-Meneses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_C1M_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #3</p>   Meneses is one of my favorite backs from this class, he is fast, agile, and instinctive as a runner. He has a great cutback ability that allows him to bust out for the homerun scores. Add the fact that he will be running behind one of the meanest offensive lines in Class B, and arguably the state in general, and you can see why I am high on him to ran through his opponents. Christian had a big year as a junior with 1,740 yards and 20 touchdowns and with continuous improvement on his craft, he should be able to improve on those numbers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11719320/5f99a895578f0a19e0d4d0aa" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <img class=" wp-image-176992 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/nXIWOx1t_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="315" height="315" /> <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="147821" first="Micah" last="Moore"], 6’1" 180 lbs - Fremont</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Hudl | <a href="https://twitter.com/micahimoore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #4</p>       One of the more underrated RB prospects in this class, Fremont Tiger [player_tooltip player_id="147821" first="Micah" last="Moore"], is ready to breakout in 2021. He totaled 1301 yards from scrimmage as a junior and scored 12 times on the ground. Moore is a tough runner, hard to bring down at first contact, and definitely not with an arm tackle. You can definitely find creative ways to utilize Micah in the passing game as well, as he has good hands and an ability to create after the catch. He is shifty and can cut back on defenders creating lanes for himself. Really excited to see with Micah can do this year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11255373/5f9eea1e3452a20fc002736f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="147819" first="Rashad" last="Madden"], 5’7" 175 lbs - Ralston <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/46_WbC9e_400x400.jpg"><img class="wp-image-176503 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/46_WbC9e_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="283" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11652310/Rashad-Madden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RashadMadden1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #5</p>       In Madden’s time at Ralston, he has had himself a sneaky good career as a rusher. As a sophomore he rushed for 1,128 yards and 11 touchdowns, his junior year he turned in 981 yards and 11 touchdowns. On the surface it may look like Madden regressed, however, he played in two fewer games and actually averaged 140 ypg compared to 125 as a sophomore. He is tough to bring down when he gets going and he’s a threat to take it to the house at any given moment. Madden should continue his productive prep career and rush all the way onto a collegiate backfield. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11652310/5f93a09e4210e706e41bccfd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/jgggLlmn_400x400.jpg"><img class="wp-image-176502 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/jgggLlmn_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="164877" first="Ben" last="Warren"], 5’8" 160 lbs - Elkhorn South</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11159164/Ben-Warren" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenBen9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #6</p>       Ben and the Class A runner-up Elkhorn South will be back looking for revenge after a tough loss in the state final. Ben is an electric runner that can zoom right past a defense. One of my favorite aspects of Warren’s game is how fast he keeps his feet moving, he’s very balanced and can change direction on a dime. Not just a threat in the run game, but a great returner as well. Look out for [player_tooltip player_id="164877" first="Ben" last="Warren"] to have another stellar year for the Storm. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11159164/5fbe95c37bdcb508a49202ae" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/7EKBifLT_400x400.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-178736 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/7EKBifLT_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="306" height="306" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;">Nathan Pederson, 5’7" 170 lbs - Millard West</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11632744/Nate-Pederson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NathanPederson0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #7</p> <p style="text-align: center;">A very patient runner with great vision and burst, Pederson is a great back that I believe will continue to improve and really breakout. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Pederson’s patience in the backfield and his vision to find the open lane allow him to be such a dynamic back. </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">His speed as he hits that crease is incredible, and he is tough to bring down on the first contact. Pederson should see the lion-share of the carries for a tough Millard West offense.</span></p> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11632744/5fa357472aa66507584ce1cc" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="164804" first="Caleb" last="Busch"], 6’0" 180 lbs - Burwell</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11450826/Caleb-Busch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebBusch2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #8</p>   <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Caleb and the Burwell Longhorns had a very successful season in which they finished as Class D-1 runner-up, at the helm of a great season was RB [player_tooltip player_id="164804" first="Caleb" last="Busch"]. </span>The reigning rushing kind in the state is coming off a monster year in which he rushed for 2,407 rushing yards and a staggering 53 touchdowns on the ground. He ran all over 8-man defenses and even dominated in the passing game as well, proving to be an excellent option out of the backfield. Watch for Busch to use last year’s tough championship loss as fuel for the fire. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11450826/5fc7b5845b3e300fa8f79238" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="147822" first="Ryan" last="Dixon"], 6’0" 175 lbs - Auburn</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11051021/Ryan-Dixon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ryan__dixon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #9</p>   Ryan is a really fun back to watch, he continuously keeps his feet moving and fight for tough yards. His excellent footwork also allows him to cut back and create open space for himself when he runs. Defenses also have to make sure to not overlook him in the passing game, Dixon busted loose for some clutch catches downfield. Look out for the underrated back to continue making plays and start racking up more college offers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11051021/5fa959505ef65a0a7c5a2516" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/HHHlirkD_400x400.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-178994 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/HHHlirkD_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="360" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="164887" first="Carter" last="Seim"], 6’2 210 lbs - Cross Country</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Hudl | <a href="https://twitter.com/cseim34" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">RB: #10</p>     [player_tooltip player_id="164887" first="Carter" last="Seim"] is another great back that put up HUGE numbers last season accounting for over 2,000 yards of total offense. He is a very balanced runner combing speed, power, and athleticism, those traits also translate to the defensive side of the ball as well. Although people will want to knock the "8-man" stigma, but ball is ball and game is game and Carter can definitely ball out. Many programs have began to look at the Cross Country back and dished out offers including; Morningside, Doane College, and Hastings college in what should be only the beginning. Expect the Cross Country offense to be explosive this year with all their weapons and [player_tooltip player_id="164887" first="Carter" last="Seim"] spearheading the rushing attack. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8185205/5fb5571390ef3c0a20b70054" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">On the move:</span></em> 11. [player_tooltip player_id="164872" first="Christian" last="Nash"] - 6’0" 220 lbs - Millard South <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12934609/christian-nash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_NashChristian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></li> </ul> 12. [player_tooltip player_id="147820" first="Jimmy" last="Allen"] - Crofton <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11436794/Jimmy-Allen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a></li> </ul> 13. [player_tooltip player_id="164873" first="Clint" last="Dierks"] - 5’11" 210 lbs - Fort Calhoun <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11443952/Clint-Dierks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DierksClint" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></li> </ul> 14. [player_tooltip player_id="164875" first="Ashton" last="Wright"] - 5’9" 185 lbs - Lincoln Southwest <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/8165032/Ashton-Wright" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Ashton_Wright28" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></li> </ul> 15. [player_tooltip player_id="164874" first="Ariel" last="Hernandez"] - 5’9" 180 lbs - Grand Island <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11083439/Ariel-Hernandez" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/arielhernandez_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></li> </ul>