Under The Radar: Running Backs – 2023

The 2021 prep football season in Colorado saw a litany of outstanding running backs and incredible rushing performances. As we head into the 2022 season, we can surely expect just as many great showings from the RBs in the class of 2023. While some have a bigger recruiting presence than others, there are many that are just as talented as the high profile recruits. With that being said, here’s a look at the three most underrated RB recruits in the class of 2023. <strong>Under the Radar Running Backs</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="149331" first="Zachary" last="Haber"], Durango Demons (RB)(Jr.)(10) - Haber was one of the state’s top performing rushers in 2021 and will look to continue that high level production in 2022. For his junior season, Haber accounted for 1,358 yards rushing and 19 rushing touchdowns on 151 carries (9.0 YPC) while also adding 308 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on the season as well. When you watch tape of Haber, you can see he is a deceptively explosive runner. Tall RB with an upright running style that allows him to hit another gear when breaking into the 2nd and 3rd levels. Elusive runner in the open field, consistently making defenders miss if given enough space. Physical runner that can run through arm tackles and smaller defenders with relative ease. Willing blocker that can block blitzing LBs and DL well enough to buy the QB enough time to find a receiver downfield. Lined up as more of a traditional Wing-T fullback but projects more as a typical tailback if he can add weight to his frame. Haber is currently rated the number 63 player overall in the state for the class of 2023 and will look to continue growing his potential through his senior season next year before he goes off to compete at the collegiate level. [player_tooltip player_id="246925" first="Evan" last="Atkin"], Moffat County Bulldogs (RB)(Jr.)(17) - Atkin might’ve had the most impressive season long performance of anybody on this list and, in my opinion, is the most underrated RB in this class. Looking back on his 2021 season, Atkin carried the ball 179 times for 1,341 yards (7.5 YPC) and an astounding 29 rushing touchdowns. Atkins also added 336 yards receiving and 3 receiving touchdowns as well. On the defensive side of the ball, Atkins accounted for 58 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt. When you look at Atkin’s film, you can see the first thing that jumps out to you about him is his elite explosiveness that allows him to hit top gear in a matter of steps. Very gifted athlete with excellent top end foot speed that compliments his elite explosiveness making him a near impossible ball carrier to catch in the open field. Excellent lateral agility and vision allow him to consistently win with elusiveness when in one-on-one situations with 2nd and 3rd level defenders in the open field. Extremely physical ball carrier that runs with good balance, lower body strength, and tenacity on runs in between the tackles; routinely taking multiple defenders to bring him down at the point of contact. Displays adequate ability as a receiver out of the backfield with most of his receptions coming on screens behind the line-of-scrimmage but also shows an uncanny ability after the catch to find space and create big plays. Atkin is currently rated the number 20 RB in the state and the number 166 player overall and it’s surprising that he’s rated so low. He has the requisite frame (6’0, 170 lbs), production, and tape to warrant a bigger recruiting presence. If he continues to play at a high level in his senior season, we can certainly expect to see his ranking rise. [player_tooltip player_id="22753" first="Sam" last="Beers"], Air Academy Kadets (RB)(Jr.)(42) - Beers was on pace for an incredible season that would’ve seen him lead the state in rushing for 2021 had an injury in late September not hampered his ability to play at the level he was at before the injury. For his abbreviated season, Beers still accounted for a remarkable 1,162 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns on 140 carries (8.3 YPC). Despite what the stat line might show for this past season, Beers is a truly gifted RB with an uncanny and consistent feel for the intricacies of the position. When you put on the tape, you can see that Beers displays a very physical running style, supported by his strong core and lower body that allows him to power through smaller defenders and arm tackles with relative ease. He’s an aggressive ball carrier that doesn’t shy away from contact and often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Displays adequate athleticism and foot speed, routinely pulling away from second and third level defenders if they take a bad angle. Beers is currently sitting at the number 8 spot for RBs in the state for 2023 and the number 62 player overall, but I don’t think this ranking does his talent and production any justice. To say he’s been dominant would be an understatement and he will be a rare talent to follow for his senior season in 2022.