2023 Running Backs Breakdowns

<div class="article-content"> The player rankings were recently updated by the staff.  There were sixteen running backs included in the player rankings.  I am following up with a review of the top five running backs. <strong>Dylan Smothers, 6’0″, 185, Vance HS (No. 1 RB, No. 6 Overall)</strong>.  Hands down, Dylan is one of the best running backs in the state regardless of classification.  He is an explosive runner who follows his blockers, looking for an opening to gain big yardage.  Dylan displays great field vision while looking for an opening.  His performances on the field have been outstanding.  Dylan Smothers has several Power5 offers, and more are expected to come in for him as he participates in Summer Prospect Camps. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ian-bright/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="44981" first="Ian" last="Bright"]</span><span class="info-box"><span class="player-img"><img class=" ls-is-cached lazyloaded" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" data-src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" /></span></span></a><span class="info-box"><span class="player-img"><img class=" ls-is-cached lazyloaded" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" data-src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" /></span></span>, 5’10” 220, Apex HS (No. 2 RB, No. 7 Overall).  </strong>Ian is a strong runner who is difficult to bring down.  He displays deceptive speed and quickness while running past defenders.  Ian is a workhorse player who has a high number of carries per game.  <a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ian-bright/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="44981" first="Ian" last="Bright"]</span><span class="info-box"><span class="player-img"><img class=" ls-is-cached lazyloaded" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" data-src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/ConnorBright-crop-1360x893-1611683371-150x150.jpg" /></span></span></a> finished the season with 1,241 rushing yards, 22 TDs, and 11 receptions for 145 yards.  The recruitment is expected to speed up for the Power5 prospect as he participates in Summer Prospect Camps. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jayden-shotwell/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="121181" first="Jayden" last="Shotwell"]</span><span class="info-box"><span class="player-img"><img class=" ls-is-cached lazyloaded" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/image0-7-150x150.jpeg" data-src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/image0-7-150x150.jpeg" /></span></span></a>, 5’9 185- Seventy First (No. 3 RB, No. 8 Overall).  </strong>Jayden is a talented running back from the Fayetteville area, who had impressive performances throughout the season.  He has explosive acceleration as he runs through the openings to gain big yardage.  He quickly accelerates to running at full speed, which makes it difficult for defenders to tackle him.  Jayden is part of a combo of two of the most talented running backs in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id="121181" first="Jayden" last="Shotwell"] finished the season with 1,057 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs.  The recruitment is expected to increase for the Power5 prospect as he participates in Summer Prospect Camps. <strong>JT Smith Jr., 5’10″, 190, Hough HS (No. 4 RB, No. 9 Overall)</strong>.  He finds an opening and accelerates to outrun the defenders.  JT displays good hands when lined up in the slot position on pass plays.  He is quick and covers a lot of ground quickly as a runner and on pass plays.  JT has Power5 offers, and more are expected to come in for him as he participates in Summer Prospect Camps. <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jre-jackson/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="44989" first="Jre" last="Jackson"]</span></a>, 5’8″, 175, Terry Sanford HS (No. 5 RB, No. 30 Overall)</strong>.  Jre displays great balance and runs with power.  He does not go down on initial contact.  Jre rushed for 100 yards in the first seven games, displaying power running and consistent performance.  [player_tooltip player_id="44989" first="Jre" last="Jackson"] is a solid Power5 prospect whose recruitment should increase as he participates in Summer Prospect Camps. </div> <div class="section related-posts-widget mb-4"> <div class="card w-100 card-no-border"> <h4 class="widget-title">RELATED STORIES</h4> </div> </div>