Stock-Risers: Class of 2023 Running Backs

As we head into the offseason, I started to review films of a few running backs I had the pleasure to watch this season. Of course, the passing attack drives today's offensive production, but without a solid running back to keep defenses honest, the spread attack can only go so far. In the state of Texas, there's a plethora of talent at the running back position. Still, I wanted to highlight a few rising stars who I believe will have a breakout season and receive the notoriety they deserve heading into their senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121973" first="Marquise" last="Collins"] - </strong>College Station - 5’10" 190lbs. While attending the UIL State Championships, I had the chance to watch a very explosive Collins. I hadn't seen him in action before the 5A Divison I state championship game, so I went back to review his film, and this kid is phenomenal. He rushed for 2826 yards this year, had 3,089 all-purpose yards, and 42 total touchdowns. His stats during the postseason were noteworthy. He rushed for roughly 1200 yards and had 19 touchdowns. The play in the state championship game that caught my eye was when he burst up the middle of the field, evading tacklers en route to a 71-yard touchdown. He displayed his vision, patience, agility, and speed in one play. He is currently a three-star prospect, but I believe that will change going into his senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13042266/61c069427bd33303e0adc72a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60845" first="Re’Shaun" last="Sanford"] II - </strong>Harker Heights - 5’9" 170lbs. While stationed in Fort Hood, I coached youth football and would<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">hear a lot about a future phenom by the name of [player_tooltip player_id= "60845" first= "Re'Shaun" last= "Sanford"]. Well, the Central Texas natives didn't lie. Sanford is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands. He has excellent speed, agility, vision and can catch out of the backfield. This year he rushed for 2,230 yards, had 286 yards receiving and 32 touchdowns. Additionally, </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Sanford rushed for 151 yards and had a touchdown in a challenging postseason game versus a talented Desoto. This year, his off-season development was displayed by rushing for roughly a thousand yards more than his sophomore season. Sanford is becoming a notable running back in Texas, and I believe this is only the beginning as offers and interest from Power 5 schools start to pour in. </span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13294741/61913fd5b3c87201448f9441" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Deago Benson - </strong>Midlothian - 6’1" 200lbs. Earlier this year, I wrote an article about the emerging talent in Benson. He is a big back that reminds me of Leonard Fournette's size and ability to run. This year Benson ran for 1187 yards and had 15 touchdowns. When he runs, it's with authority, and he doesn't shy away from contact. Benson is Midlothians power back who gets the tough yards on the ground despite teams knowing he is about to run the ball. I think Benson relishes his role and does a tremendous job fulfilling his responsibilities. He is gaining interest from colleges but hasn't received any offers. Look for Benson to have a standout senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12633893/618868d438639105ec7036b9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Jayden Becks - </strong>Waxahacie - 5’10" 185lbs. One of the first games I scouted was Waxahachie versus Mansfield. I had several athletes I had planned to scout, but Beck's athletic ability immediately stood out. He is an explosive back with great speed. When he attacked the hole, he had his pad level low and utilized his center of gravity, making it difficult for the defender to tackle him. This year he split running responsibilities with a talented [player_tooltip player_id="121977" first="Iverson" last="Young"], who has received interest from several FBS schools. Becks rushed for 914 yards and had ten touchdowns. His abilities will call for the Indians to find additional ways to get the football in his hands. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13180575/6185b2a8b018960750927d2f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>