2023 Rankings: Top 5 Running Backs!

Our 2023 class is filled with some insane playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, here we check out some of the state’s top running backs in our 2023 Rankings! &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127796" first="Jeremiah" last="Cobb"] </strong>|5’11 185| |Montgomery Catholic| <strong><em>@JeremiahCobb13 on Twitter</em></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="127796" first="Jeremiah" last="Cobb"] has developed into one of the premier running backs of the nation’s 2023 class, especially after what he displayed last fall. Cobb was a huge reason why Montgomery Catholic’s offense found so much success, and his impact shows dramatically when looking at the stat sheet. In total, Cobb put up some ridiculous numbers, rushing for 2,163 yards and 30 touchdowns while receiving for 561 yards and 8 touchdowns. Cobb claims a 10.8 100 meter dash, and that elite speed is shown on film constantly, Cobb is able to easily just fly by/outrun defenders. Along with that, Cobb has some incredible elusiveness as well, he uses his quick feet to make sharp cuts to make tacklers look silly. With his versatility in both the run and pass, Cobb has had a tremendous amount of success for Montgomery Catholic, and it has not gone unnoticed. Cobb has received offers from all over the nation, with the likes of LSU, Auburn, Michigan, and many more wanting to add him to their 2023 class. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127799" first="Drew" last="Pickett"] </strong>|5’10 175| |Holtville|<strong> <em>@DrewPickett13 on Twitter</em></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="127799" first="Drew" last="Pickett"] is another running back that has been making a name for himself across the nation. Pickett has great speed and elusiveness, but his greatest strengths lie in his vision and strength. Pickett has a great way of seeing and navigating the field and will very rarely get tackled for a <span style="font-size: 1rem;">short gain or loss.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> Pickett’s strength is incredibly useful for him when breaking tackles or in goal-line situations, his toughness and playstyle will always fight for an extra yard. Last season, </span>Pickett ran for 835 yards and 7 touchdowns while also hauling in 16 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown. Currently, Pickett has received offers from the likes of Cincinnati, Miami, Arkansas, and more, with many more headed his way soon. Pickett already has a ton of talent, but with the amount of potential he possesses, his ceiling is limitless. watching his senior year is going to be exciting! &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127801" first="Sawyer" last="Deerman"]</strong> |5’10 175| |American Christian| <strong><em>@sawyerd15 on Twitter</em></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="127801" first="Sawyer" last="Deerman"] had a junior season to remember for American Christian last fall, playing and contributing in every phase of the game. Deerman has played multiple positions throughout his career, most notably running back, quarterback, and punt/kick returner. We first laid eyes on Deerman last summer when previewing some of our state’s best 2023 athletes, and he has only gotten better and better. Last season, Deerman put up some great stats throwing for 1,838 yards and 25 touchdowns, rushing for 800 yards and 13 touchdowns, and also was able to return two punts to the endzone as well. Although he plays so many positions, Deerman might be best at running back. Deerman is fast, shifty, and gritty, he will do whatever he can to move the ball for his team. Currently, Deerman lists offers from Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, and more. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127802" first="Nic" last="Strong"]</strong> |5’10 185| |Randolph| <strong><em>@TheNicStrong on Twitter</em></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="127802" first="Nic" last="Strong"] is a guy we just recently evaluated in our February Film Submissions and he has a ton of versatility to his game. Strong is equally dangerous both catching and running out of the backfield, it’s a huge reason why he has been able to carve up opposing defenses for Randolph. Strong is the centerpiece of the Randolph offense, and it can be seen easily if you look at some of the numbers he put up just last season. Last year, Strong was able to total up 29 rushing attempts and 51 receptions for a total of 1203 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns, consistently making moving the chains and getting into the end zone. Strong has great hands, speed, and elusiveness that has allowed him to be as productive as he has been. With the amount of potential Strong holds, his senior year should be explosive. Currently, Strong lists an offer from Tennessee, with more surely heading his way soon! &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="241131" first="Khalifa" last="Keith"] </strong>|6’1 218| |Faith Academy| <strong><em>@KhalifaKeith2 on Twitter</em></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="241131" first="Khalifa" last="Keith"] is massively underrated and is set up for a huge senior season this fall. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Keith </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">has fantastic size and strength that have been used to punish defenses, when it comes to </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">his stiff arm</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> or </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">breaking tackles it’s very rare to find someone to bring him down. In addition to that, Keith’s speed is incredibly impressive given his size, he can book it when he gets into the open field. All of these qualities have greatly benefited </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Keith, as he found tremendous success </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">on the ground for Faith Academy last season, rushing for 1,887 yards and 28 touchdowns, and also caught 3 passes for 109 yards and a score as well. With how insane his junior season was, Keith’s senior season is going to be must-see this fall! Currently, Keith lists offers from UAB, Troy, Charlotte, and more!</span> &nbsp;