Senior Sleepers: Undervalued Ball Carriers

As the season approaches, there are a handful of players that are falling under the radar that deserve a look. Some come off productive seasons, and some come off short seasons with limited opportunities. But after evaluating their film, the potential and ability is there for the next level for all of these guys. Here’s a look at 5 sleeper RB’s to know: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="25322" first="Jabari" last="Phillips"], <em><strong>5’9" 180lbs, Golden Valley<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24527" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></strong></em> Phillips may not pass the original eye test on paper, but his production far outweighs his size. He’s effective both between the tackles or on the outside and can fit into numerous schemes at the next level. He flashes a nice jump step at the LOS to make opponents miss and gets upfield in a hurry. Excellent balance with solid COD and lateral agility to see and act on small cutback lanes. He’s slippery in tight spaces and holds good top end speed for big play ability. He can be physical at the POC as well, and is trending in the direction of a very polished ball carrier. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="142006" first="Frank" last="Payne"], <strong><em>5’10" 180lbs, Las Lomas</em></strong> Payne was only eligible for 2 games last season, and flashed huge potential in those 2 games. He’s a very dynamic player across the board as he played WR his sophomore year, and has transitioned to RB very well. His athleticism and position versatility gives him a strong upside for the next level. He flashes an excellent initial burst and possesses solid lateral bounce to frequently make opponents miss. He’s a threat in the pass game as he can run routes from the backfield or split out, and is a mismatch against manned up LB’s. Good top end speed for big play ability as well, as I would project Payne to have a breakout senior season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="141998" first="Elijah" last="Kelsey"], <strong><em>5’11" 180lbs, Moreno Valley</em></strong> Kelsey is a very talented all-around athlete with strong potential on both sides of the ball. As a ball carrier, Kelsey possesses solid vision and hits the hole with a purpose. He shows good physicality and balance at the POC with the ability to run through opponents or bounce off and spring loose. Kelsey is explosive out of his cuts with solid top end speed for big play ability. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big play, and has also shown to be a willing blocker as well. Overall a very well-rounded RB that checks all the boxes for a division 1 prospect. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="142005" first="Josiah" last="Murray"], <strong><em>5’11" 180lbs, Los Alamitos<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-136931" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em></strong> On a stacked Los Alamitos team, Murray may be the most underlooked kid out there. He flashes good patience for holes to develop with good vision and anticipation for those narrow lanes to open, then shows a nice burst once he sees an opening. Good balance as he does a great job bouncing off initial contact when he’s not wrapped up. Murray possesses a good COD to make opponents miss in space or through traffic. He’s shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield on swings or check downs, and will be a 2022 to get on your radar. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="120793" first="Nova" last="Kebeli"], <strong><em>5’10" 190lbs, Portola </em></strong> I really like Kebeli out of Portola, as he sizes up with an athletic frame and build and possesses excellent functional strength with workhorse ability. More of a power back prototype as he shows a good initial step and hits the hole with a purpose. Excellent balance and physicality at the POC as he does a great job keeping his momentum forward to frequently pick up those extra chunks of yards. He does his best work between the tackles, but you shouldn’t underestimate his ability to change direction or jump cut to make opponents miss around the LOS. He possesses numerous intangibles and strong potential going forward, as he is well deserving of his first offer.