Status Report: Indy Area 2022 Running Backs

Matthew Klingenberger

October 14, 2021 @ 06:43 PM

As the postseason approaches and the temperature begins to decrease, the ability to run the football becomes that much more crucial. Having a running back who can pick up yardage, keep the chains moving and wear-down the opposing defense is a huge asset for teams trying to make a run in the state tournament. The Indianapolis area is replete with Class of 2022 running backs who are capable of stepping up for their teams. Today, we take a look at four of the top senior ball-carriers from around Indy. All four will be crucial for their teams as they try to make a trip to Downtown Indy at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend. , 5’11, 205 pounds, Center Grove Center Grove will have big tests ahead, including this week when they go up against Cathedral. But so far, the Trojans have rolled right to this point. A big part of their success is the team’s ability to move the ball on the ground, with being a critical part of that effort. Weems has ran the ball 76 times this year for over 380 yards. He has scored four rushing touchdowns. However, Weems’ contribution is not limited to the ground game; he can be effective as a receiver. Weems has accounted for 124 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions on the season. is a versatile back who can give the Center Grove offense a spark in some big situations. , 5’10, 180 pounds, Mount Vernon has been outstanding for the Mount Vernon offense this year. Hegler has gone over 500 rushing yards on 52 carries. Even more impressive is the fact that he has amassed at least 100 rushing yards in a game on two occasions this year. Hegler has provided the scoring pace for his team. He has put up 8 rushing touchdowns. Hegler has also demonstrated that he is a viable pass-catching option as well. His ability to be the heart-and-soul of the Mount Vernon offense will be critical for their chances of making a deep run in the playoffs. , 6’1, 195 pounds, Zionsville Community The vast skillset that possesses has been instrumental to the success that Zionsville has experienced over the past few seasons. Price has a great feel for the game and outstanding vision, allowing him to find the whole and pick up yards. Once Price does get through the opening, defenses have a real problem on their hands. He does a great job of accelerating into a new gear and leaving defenders in the dust. Even when they do catch up to him, making the tackle is far from easy. Price shows the ability to break tackles and fall forward. For the season, has accounted for over 1,000 rushing yards to go along with a 7.2 yards per carry average. Price has racked up 100 or more rushing yards in a game three times this year. He can also give defenses headaches as a receiver. He has reeled-in 235 receiving yards this season. On the year, Price has piled up 12 rushing touchdowns and three touchdown receptions. , 5’10, 180 pounds, Westfield is a shifty running running back who is another key weapon on a potent Westfield offense. Houser has the moves that allow him to make would-be tacklers miss. Houser is outstanding both when running between the tackles as well as on off-tackle run plays. He is difficult to bring down in the open field. So far this season, Houser has gotten 99 carries for 650 yards taking him just under seven yards per tote. He has piled up 12 rushing touchdowns this year. But he does not just contribute on the offensive side of the ball. Houser is an outstanding free safety. He has come up with 75 total tackles and two crucial interceptions.