PRZ IA/NE Stock Up Showcase: RB Standouts
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Sunday brought a solid group of running backs to the Iowa West Sportsplex. They were all business and wanted to show any coach or scout that was watching their entire skillset. We are going to cover the top performers of these talented backs.
Darnell Butler Darnell Butler 5'7" | 155 lbs | RB North Scott | 2022 NE | North Scott (IA) | 5’7″ 152lbs | Class of 2022
Darnell had a great camp. He is a smaller, shifty runner who showed some explosiveness. Darnell ran a 4.68 40- yard dash, a 4.62 shuttle, 7.6 L drill, and had an 8’11″ broad jump. On the field, he showed a tremendous ability to make quick cuts and had excellent hands when route running. He gave the linebackers trouble with his quick movements and speed. Darnell could bring some big-play capability to any school!
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/darnell-butler/gYQ64nE0EeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
Tate Hug Tate Hug 6'1" | 205 lbs | RB Auburn | 2023 NE | Auburn (NE) | 5’11″ 187lbs | Class of 2023
Tate showed some great athleticism during his workout. He ran a 4.68 40-yard dash, an RB’s best 4.47 time in the shuttle, and had a 9’5″ broad jump. He has good size for a running back with good footwork. Tate averaged almost 7 yards a carry for Auburn this year and scored 8 touchdowns. He showed his speed and agility during camp which should help him have a big senior year.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12983877/Tate-Hug
Keenan Valverde Keenan Valverde 5'7" | 160 lbs | RB Pierce | 2024 State NE | Pierce (NE) | 5’5″ 139lbs | Class of 2024
What Keenan doesn’t have in size he makes up for with speed. Keenan ran an RB’s best 4.59 40-yard dash, a 4.63 shuttle time, and had an 8’10″ broad jump. Keenan is a little stick of dynamite who explodes of the line and has a wiggle to him. He impressed with his hands and created matchup issues for linebackers. Only a sophomore, Keenan will get continue to grow but has a very good skill set that will help Pierce remain a contender over the next few years.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11957143/Keenan-Valverde
Isaiah Johnson Isaiah Johnson 6'0" | 160 lbs | RB Central Lyon/George-Little Rock | 2024 IA | Central Lyon/George-Little (IA) | 5’9″ 156lbs | Class of 2024
Isaiah, who is also a sophomore, did well in all skill tests. He ran a 4.81 40-yard dash, a 4.54 shuttle, a 7.34 L drill, and had an 8’11″ broad jump. Isaiah has good top-end speed but seems to accelerate out of cuts. He showed a good ability to run routes and listened to directions well from the coaches. As his role expands next year, he will look to help improve his team’s 7-4 record in 2021.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/isaiah-johnson/jUca4xyrEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
Mason Gunn Mason Gunn 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Gretna East | 2025 State NE | Gretna (NE) | 5’7″ 162lbs | Class of 2025
Mason has a solid frame and showed a lot of agility. He ran a 4.8 40-yard dash, a 4.58 shuttle, and a 7.32 L Drill. He was explosive out of his cuts and held the ball with a firm grip during drills. He runs with good speed and shows power in his legs. He has some decent pass-catching ability and will be able to absorb contact. Mason could see some opportunities next year for the Dragons and will see if he can build on the momentum this year’s team brought the program over his next three years!
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16583728/Mason-Gunn
Sebastien Boyle Sebastien Boyle 5'11" | 210 lbs | RB Scottsbluff | 2024 State NE | Scottsbluff (NE) | 5’11″ 187lbs | Class of 2024
Sebastien passes the eye test for a running back. He has a broad frame and strong legs. He ran a 4.8 40-yard dash, a 4.8 shuttle, a 7.5 L Drill, and had a 9’ broad jump. He has good enough hands to make plays out of the backfield but is a workhorse type of back that just wants to be fed. He runs with power and has enough speed to break away in the open field. He finished his sophomore year 4th in the state in rushing yards, averaging over 177 yards per game. Scottsbluff has a real gem the next couple years!
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15029872/Sebastien-Boyle