Five Stepping Up: Running Backs

In 2021, we had some statistic monsters at the running back positions. These young men were either breaking records or had chances to. We are looking at some of the top teams who will have to replace their load bearing players to see who they have that will need to take the ball and run with it! &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245571" first="Nick" last="Colvert"] | Bennington | Jr | 5’8"  150lbs <blockquote>Colvert has big shoes to fill, following [player_tooltip player_id="192723" first="Dylan" last="Mostek"]’s record breaking season that led the Badgers to a Class B state title. He showed flashes of what one could expect next year, averaging over seven yards per carry and scoring six touchdowns in 2021. He has the speed to get to the edge but his stature does allow him to hide behind the line a little and once he gets past the first level, he is not an easy tackle. Another year of growth and strength training should do him wonders and have the Badgers ready to defend their title. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13651538/Nick-Colvert">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13651538/Nick-Colvert</a></blockquote> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245891" first="Mason" last="Gunn"] | Gretna | Fr | 5’7"  170lbs+ The defending state champs, unofficially, lost a lot of toughness with [player_tooltip player_id="228766" first="Mick" last="Huber"] graduating. Gunn has a solid frame and can bring most of what Huber brought with a little extra speed. Gunn can easily run a 4.6-4.8 40-yard dash and is shifty. Like Colvert, his stature can keep him hidden behind the line some but he is explosive and strong which allows him to power through arm tackles. I am expecting Gunn to have a bit of breakout year for the Dragons! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16583728/Mason-Gunn">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16583728/Mason-Gunn</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="250052" first="Jahmez" last="Ross"] | Omaha Westside | So | 5’10"  187lbs Ross maybe a little less of a surprise on this list, considering he did get substantial playing time for the Warriors last year. However, with Rezac leaving, the load is now put on Ross’s shoulders. Ross showed explosiveness in his seven games, averaging over seven yards a carry with four touchdowns. Down the stretch, the Warriors depended on him quite a bit as the feature back. Expect Ross to become one of the top backs in the state as his size, strength and ability develop. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jahmez-ross/S_-h_xv-EeuAzqREozo6lw/football/stats.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jahmez-ross/S_-h_xv-EeuAzqREozo6lw/football/stats.htm</a> &nbsp; Gio Contreras | Bellevue West | Jr | 6’0"  180lbs The Thunderbirds have a lot of production to replace with [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"] moving on to Wyoming. Contreras got quality playing time in 2021, scoring six touchdowns with limited playing time and averaging over five yards a carry. An element of his game that was not showcased last year, which will be a huge bonus for the T-Birds, is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Contreras has good size, good speed and has a wiggle to him, add his above average hands and you could have another star in the making in Bellevue! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12801033/Gio-Contreras">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12801033/Gio-Contreras</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="250306" first="Ethan" last="Walker"] | Plattsmouth | So | 5’9"  155lbs Walker will be replacing [player_tooltip player_id="147784" first="Christian" last="Meneses"], who ran for over 2000 yards and 30 touchdowns last year. He is quick and can put his foot in the ground and make cuts which creates extra yardage. When Walker had opportunities, he averaged over 6 yards per carry and was able to reach paydirt five times. His quickness and elusiveness should allow him to have a great year and if he hits the strength training hard, he could be special! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14878877/Ethan-Walker">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14878877/Ethan-Walker</a>