Top five scoring 2023 running backs to return in Colorado
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There have been a number of solid running backs to come from Colorado and play at the next level over the years. That trend is expected to continue in 2022, with many top junior running backs expected to take the…
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Continue ReadingThere have been a number of solid running backs to come from Colorado and play at the next level over the years. That trend is expected to continue in 2022, with many top junior running backs expected to take the field for their senior season.
Per Maxpreps.com stats, five of the top 12 scoring running backs from the 2021 season will return this fall. Here is a look at those five running backs from 11-man football to watch this upcoming season.
Evan Atkin Evan Atkin RB Moffat County | 2023 State CO , 2023, 6’0, 170, RB/LB, Moffat County
A dynamic running back who can be a factor in both the run and passing games. Has a great ability to break arm tackles, and he possesses a strong stiff arm to break free from defenders. Racked up plenty of yards after contact as a result. When running between the tackles, he can turn on the jets and find an extra boost when getting to the second level. Shows good hands and will make big plays in the screen game, and he follows his blockers downfield well for extra yardage. He was the primary running back last season and finished with 1,341 rushing yards, 336 receiving yards and 32 total touchdowns.
Noah Triplett Noah Triplett 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Dakota Ridge | 2023 State CO , 2023, 5’10, 185, RB, Dakota Ridge
Triplett shows himself to be a solid runner between the tackles. He finds the hole, having the patience needed to let the play develop, and his jump cut into the hole allows him to break tackles and find separation from the defense. Shows good fundamentals carrying the football high and tight to his body. Runs with a purpose, so he does not go down easily at first contact. His speed flashes in the open field and he can run away for the big run. His skill sets also made him a factor in special teams, where he returned a kickoff to the end zone this year. Triplett scored 32 total touchdowns, 28 of which came in the run game where he reached 1,551 yards for his team.
Marcellus Honeycutt Jr Marcellus Honeycutt Jr 6'1" | 170 lbs | ATH George Washington | 2023 State CO ., 2023, 6’2, 160, RB, George Washington
A speedster who runs north-to-south with a solid burst into the hole. Has plenty of elusiveness to break free from arm tackles. Those skills also help him in the return game, and he returned three kicks for touchdowns. While speed is a big part of his game, he’s got a sneaky, physical pop when he lowers the shoulder and delivers solid contact at the second level. Versatile in the passing game, where he can either swing out from the backfield or line up wide and run routes, and he has good hands when targeted. It was a solid 2021 season for Honeycutt with 1,417 rushing yards, 195 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns.
Gabe Schubarth, 2023, 6’1, 185, RB, Limon
Limon has had a deep running back field for the last couple of years, and Schubarth looks to be the next to come from the program. After limited action in the last two seasons, he took on a full-time role in 2021 and did not disappoint with 1,231 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. Runs with a good pad level when he’s about to make contact. Will get the tough yards to keep his team ahead of the chains and was reliable with his 10.5 yards per carry. A good combination of speed and power makes him a threat to get to the edge or to run between the tackles. He should see just as big, if not a bigger role in the offense this fall.
Cai’reis Curby, 2023, 6’2, 175, RB/DB, Aurora Central
Curby has shown plenty of versatility on offense for his team, playing at quarterback, running back and lining up wide as a receiver over the last two seasons. Took off as the team’s running back in 2021, finishing with 1,621 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, but he also caught 13 passes for 170 yards and two more scores through the air. He is an explosive athlete and dangerous to tackle in the open field. Shows a great ability to change direction and stop on a dime when running with the ball or in his routes. Because he can line up all over the field, can be used to find a mismatch to exploit in a variety of ways.