Big Numbers: Running Backs

The state of Arizona saw some big time rushing performances throughout the season, as tons of athletes put up some big numbers. The top 5 rushing leaders consist of 4A, 3A, and 2A players, with two of which breaking the 2,000 yard mark. Take a look: [caption id="attachment_260847" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-260847" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Photo: Prep Redzone[/caption] &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42871" first="Zach" last="Hammett"], <em>River Valley ’22</em> <em> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Fxc3P">*Senior Year Film</a></em> Pound for pound, Hammett was easily one of the most lethal players in the state. In 3A ball, Hammett rushed for 2,261 yards and 38 TD's, while carrying the rock 192 times in 12 games. Dynamic, instinctual ball carrier with numerous intangibles that you would want at the next level (vision, burst, twitch, balance, COD, physicality, speed), and he really put them all together throughout his senior year as the film speaks for itself. He remains uncommitted although he holds a plethora of offers, including a PWO from Northern Arizona. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="162057" first="Octavious" last="Joe"], <em>Poston Butte ’22</em> <em><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GfM3L">*Senior Year Film</a></em> Joe led 4A in rushing, and also helped lead Poston Butte to a state championship appearance, rushing for 2,067 yards and 21 TD's, while showing workhorse ability on 243 carries in a 13 game span. I really like Joe's vision and burst through narrow lanes, and his ability to read and cut off blocks with superb timing. Good COD to make opponents miss, but can also bring physicality and balance at the POC in a variety of ways. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115520" first="Michael" last="Casillas"]</strong>, <em>Morenci ’24</em> <em><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15015738/61abc7b6a681730ab00e733c">*Sophomore Film </a></em> The 2A rushing leader popped off for 1,846 yards and 26 TD's on 192 carries in 12 games played. Quick and speedy back at the 2A level with big play ability given his speed early in his career. He flashes glimpses of twitch which you don' typically see too often at the 2A level, and shows solid vision and burst to know when to cut upfield or bounce towards the numbers. Solid lateral mobility with plus athleticism and a natural skillset, as he projects to be a top 2A player in 2022. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="161997" first="Kaden" last="Majercak"], <em>Valley Christian ’22</em> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GVUvh"><em>*Senior Year Film</em></a> Majercak put up strong performances every week, and earned every bit of his 1,760 yards and 24 TD's in an 11 game season. He possesses excellent ball security, totaling just 1 fumble on the year on his 218 carries, also showing that feature-back durability. Stout frame and build at 5'8" 195lbs with nice power in his lower half. Downhill, angry runner with the demeanor to run through a wall every time he touches the ball. He recently picked up his first offer from Northwestern College (NAIA). https://twitter.com/KadenMajercak/status/1477828666398691330?s=20 &nbsp; <strong>Keyon Walker</strong>, <em>Glendale ’22</em> <em><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13738302/615b72cf5b474906b8ec6ae7">*Senior Year Film</a></em> In 13 games, Walker rushed for 1,755 yards and 21 TD's on 194 carries. Three-sport athlete with an athletic frame and build at 5'11" 180lbs that did a terrific job for Glendale. More of a north-south type back with good balance after contact, but also possesses deceptive speed in space. He can fly once he kicks himself into gear in the 2nd level, and was a big play threat at the 4A level all season.