Ground Game Killers

[caption id="attachment_211724" align="alignright" width="225"]<img class="wp-image-211724 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/IMG_6537-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Horizon High School[/caption] Numerous talented RB’s in the state are returning for the 2022 season, all of which I expect to put up some big numbers this fall. Here’s a look at some explosive ball carriers to watch this upcoming season: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="211753" first="Wesley" last="Lambert"], <em>RB, Horizon’ 23</em> Lambert made a name for himself last year in 5A ball, establishing himself as a key contributor to that state champion Horizon offense. He stands 5’8" 165lbs but plays much bigger than his size. Fair warning right now, do not underestimate this kid based off of paper measurements. Lambert showcases good burst with lateral bounce and excellent initial instincts. He’ll hit the hole with a purpose, use speed to stretch runs toward the numbers, catch the ball out of the backfield, break ankles or run through a wall. Overall a complete back in 5A that projects to have off the charts production in 2022. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115524" first="Jaedon" last="Matthews"], <em>RB, Saguaro ’24</em> Matthews flashed some solid big play ability last season as a sophomore, especially in the playoffs, and has yet to reach his peak potential. A very impressive young prospect that possesses great top end speed, and has shown to hit a burst once he sees an open gap. Slippery in both tight areas and space with good COD, giving him all of the tools to put up massive numbers next season. Pretty dynamic overall as well as he’ll probably be filling that [player_tooltip player_id="42795" first="Javen" last="Jacobs"] role, and I think Matthews is about to have his coming out party in 2022. Overall a big play back entering a crucial role as a Jr. with a major ceiling. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42897" first="Deshaun" last="Buchanan"], <em>RB, Basha ’23 </em> Buchanan transferred over to Basha last year from Hamilton and was able to put up some solid numbers and be a key threat on that explosive Basha offense. He’s another kid that I think is about to bust loose and prove again that he is a top ball carrier in the state. Very good all-around athlete with the ability to be a difference maker in all phases of the game. He possesses good top end speed for breakaway and big play ability, and showcases excellent vision to identify small openings or cutback lanes in a split second. He holds 5 offers thus far which includes his lone P5 offer from Arizona, but I expect that list to spark up sometime soon. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="169412" first="Zues" last="Pindernation"], <em>RB, Millennium ’24</em> There needs to be more buzz around Zues here in AZ. One of the toughest backs to bring down given his balance and physicality, and he also possesses excellent peripheral vision and COD to make opponents miss in open space. He sizes up at 5’9" 180lbs, and he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 16 TD’s last season. He holds a lone offer from Arizona, but is deserving of much more attention. Overall an underrated player at an underrated program that should be considered one of the top 2024 players in the state. A very fun player to watch. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="303513" first="Christian" last="Clark"], <em>ATH, Desert Vista ’24</em> [caption id="attachment_310826" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-310826" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/PRZ-Generic-Grayprznm-1-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Photo: Prep Redzone[/caption] Big shout out to coach Gill at DV for pointing Clark out to me. Clark is a promising young talent that is about to introduce himself to the whole state this season. Smooth and natural runner with a swift COD to transition without decelerating. Good bounce with nice top end speed and isn’t shy to bring physicality to the POC when he needs to. He sizes up with a well put together frame at 6’0" 190lbs, and should draw in that D1 attention soon. He’ll be a key player on DV as I expect him to have a highly productive junior season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="110085" first="Isaac" last="Stopke"], <em>RB, Lake Havasu ’23</em> Stopke is a straight up tank with a tremendous frame and build at 6’0" 215lbs. He transitions that weight room strength to the field well and will run through anyone 1v1 in 4A. Excellent downhill runner that is a bully with the ball in his hands. He busted loose for 1,702 yards and 24 TD’s on 189 carries, as he possesses that workhorse ability to beat up and wear down a defense. He moves well within his frame and has showcased big play ability at the 4A level as well. &nbsp;