2024 Under-the-Radar Running Backs: Part 2

Yesterday, we began the process of looking at some of the hidden gems at running back in the Class of 2024. Today, that continues with three more rising backfield prospects. [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"], 5’9, 155 pounds, Yorktown [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"] has established himself as a solid backfield option for Yorktown. Thomas is a shifty running back who can change direction quickly. Thomas is great in the open field. But even when defenders catch up to him, it is difficult to get him down. Thomas is a determined runner, capable of picking up yards after contact. On the year Thomas accumulated 372 rushing yards. Looking ahead to his junior season, [player_tooltip player_id="109627" first="Jalen" last="Thomas"] seems poised for big things. [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"], 5’9, 145 pounds, South Central [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"] is a playmaker at South Central. Hogan has good vision. He can find the hole as well as the cut-back lane. Hogan is difficult to tackle. When he gets the ball in his hands, Hogan can create a big play. Hogan can also help the team at cornerback. [player_tooltip player_id="109621" first="Aaron" last="Hogan"] is on the cusp of a breakout season. [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"], 5’11, 165 pounds, New Palestine [player_tooltip player_id="109631" first="Grayson" last="Thomas"] has one of the most important running back traits: patience. Thomas shows great composure in allowing his offensive linemen to do their work. Even when the defense seems to have the play bottled up, he can still make a play. Thomas has the ability to make defenders miss in the hole and the open field. Once he gets through the line-of-scrimmage, Thomas can bounce outside and gain a big chunk of yards. Thomas combines that elusiveness with physicality, giving defenders all kinds of problems tackling him.