Spring Stock Risers: 2023 Running Backs

The 2023 running back crop in Ohio displayed plenty of upside on tape. You can find backs with breakaway speed, pure power runners, or even scat backs. The group listed below has really yet to see their recruitment take off and includes only two prospects with FBS offers. Look for this core of guys to have a strong spring and make a big impression on the summer camp circuit. Here's who to watch for! <hr /> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="274391" first="Joe" last="Caswell"], 6’, 190, Anthony Wayne</strong></em> A complete three-down back with fantastic contact balance through traffic. Caswell can stop on a dime, cut back against the grain, and will be off to the races. He has a brilliant mixture of speed and strength &amp; will look to use each when caught in a bind. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12986727/6189ccca0dc14508146ce31f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92611" first="Kayden" last="Davis"], 6’2", 200, Alliance </strong></em> Davis holds one offer from Buffalo, and I think should see that list grow soon. This is a longer running back prospect that despite his size, is shifty and can make defenders miss in 1 on 1 tackle situations. He's shown soft hands out of the backfield and superb acceleration once he gets his hands on the football. Davis is a capable pass protector that plays with adequate knee bend and proper hand placement. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13039612/61772f460c5417052037f383" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="274390" first="Trey" last="Cornist"], 6’, 210, Mount Healthy</strong></em> A physical back who keeps his feet churning on initial contact and can gain extra yardage through carnage. He loves lowering his shoulder and has visibly strong legs that defenders struggle to fully wrap up. He is a violent runner that looks to put fear in his opponents with his running style but also has the balance of a ballerina if need be. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13021076/61801de3b018fc08601372be" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Levi Ellis, 5'10", 190, Elyria Catholic</strong></em> A jump-cut artist who looks to get to the outside once he breaks past the second level. Ellis does his best work between the tackles and uses patience &amp; burst to create explosive plays. He has solid top-end speed and will rely on his change of direction to break tackles in the open field. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13052003/61f21fd4ab92e803e4b2d9fa" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jakivion Calip, 5'11", 185, Kilbourne</strong></em> Calip recently received his first FBS offer from Western Michigan, and if you turn on his tape, you'll see why. This is a speedster who can easily outrun defensive backs that have an angle on him. Arm tacklers stand no chance as he effortlessly buzzes through their attempts to bring him down. He runs with a low pad level and can sink his hips to ensure maximum power behind his cuts. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13361660/6187e8fd4df641047841edc7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>A.J. Jordan, 5'8", 160, Independence </strong></em> A more than capable returner that can improvise when blocking schemes go wrong. Jordan uses his size to his advantage, hiding behind the line, patiently creeping before exploding through a seam. He can bounce a run in the blink of an eye and will make you pay if your alley defender misses a tackle in space. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13427093/618e889c3df541031c122074" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Other Names to Watch</strong></span> <em><strong>Dawuan Green, 6'1", 230, Pickerington North</strong></em> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93336" first="Griffin" last="Johnson"], 5’11", 185, Marysville</strong></em> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Emable Wakilongo, 6', 205, Centerville</strong></em></span>