2023 Rankings Stock-Risers: Running Backs

These running backs have already made a name for themselves, but this past year, they increased their awareness. All five of these backs display all of the makings of elite running backs, and potentially receivers. They all have the speed and the athleticism but each is also unique in their own way via their tape. 1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121979" first="Owen" last="Allen"] - Southlake Carroll High School (Southlake, TX)</strong> Allen possesses all the great abilities that fantastic running backs have. Speed and agility are a must, but he is also extremely hard to tackle. It usually requires opposing defenses multiple attempts to take him down. Allen is one of the hardest runners at his position, combined that with a great offensive line, and Allen is pretty much unstoppable. He has already made a name for himself in his sophomore season, but with his junior season and future senior season, Allen will be amongst the best easily. 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="131824" first="Kalib" last="Hicks"] - Ryan High School (Denton, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 1,448 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns Hicks has already received a total of 16 offers from schools such as Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Kansas, and Missouri. In terms of speed, Hicks is nearly unstoppable once he gets into the open field. He can outrun just about every opposing defense. He is also very agile and is able to shift his momentum and swing his body around to break tackles. When looking at the qualities of an elite running back, Hicks displays all of that. 3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121984" first="Kedrick" last="Reescano"] - New Caney High School (New Caney, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 1,542 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns, 23 receptions, 333 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns Not only does Reescano have multiple offers, but he also recently committed to Michigan State on Jan. 17. He had also received offers from Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State. Much like Hicks, Reescano has incredible speed. However, he also has the power to back it up, being able to push and shove his way through the trenches to get into an open field. Reescano has all the makings of a great athlete and his stock is sure to continue to rise during his senior season. 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121985" first="Jake" last="Iloka"] - Pflugerville High School (Pflugerville, TX)</strong> Iloka has been tearing up the field across Central Texas. He has a big presence on the field and is a terror to try and stop. He is quick and agile, and especially a problem going off the edge. His receiving skills are also top-notch, making him a threat on the pass as well. Iloka is another player that should have a great senior season and will build his stock, especially if he can provide more tape cutting through the defensive line. However, he is so fast that running off the edge, and having so much success, is essentially a case of "if it's not broke, do not fix it". 5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121987" first="LJ" last="Martin"] - Canutillo High School (Canutillo, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 2,683 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 14 receptions, 348 receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns Martin has received multiple offers as well with schools like Baylor, Kansas State, New Mexico, Texas Tech, and UNLV all wanting him as a part of their team. No one can blame them, as he has already displayed his ability to tear up the field whether on the ground or through the air. He has a great stride in his steps and has the athleticism to line up as a receiver against multiple defensive backs. On top of that, he has fantastic hands to catch difficult passes. All around, Martin makes an excellent receiver/running back and however he is recruited, he is sure to get the same results in his senior season.