Stars of 2023 Class Running Backs
The running back position requires multiple skill sets to make the offense work. The guys who play this skilled position are expected to be dependable, tough, and smart. The very best at the tailback position are the ones that have…
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Continue ReadingThe running back position requires multiple skill sets to make the offense work. The guys who play this skilled position are expected to be dependable, tough, and smart. The very best at the tailback position are the ones that have multiple skillsets as ball carriers. Speed variations, unique field vision, spin moves, juke moves, and blocking ability are just a few traits that separate the good from the great. The young men in the state of New York’s 2023 class incorporate all of the traits we mentioned as well as their own unique skillsets that push them to the top of the recruiting class and are key contributors to their team’s success. Here we will highlight some of the best backs in the state of New York who look to solidify their greatness for their final season this fall.
RB/OLB Ricardo Kidd, St. Francis HS (Section VI)
Ricardo is a solid 6’0 200 pound back who rushed for 1,099 yards in his 2021-22 junior season. His team relies on him heavily and he answers the call showing how dependable he is with 99 yards per game on 214 attempts. He is a tough runner who uses his center of gravity to shift and slide between tackles and make defenders miss. He has great lower body strength and balance to break arm tackles and always make positive yardage usually takes a multitude of players to bring Ricardo down. He also shows excellent hands catching screens and short passes out of the backfield for huge gains. If he can continue this type of production for his final year and work on his intangibles, he has potential for the next level.
RB Nick Gaffney, Ward Melville HS (Section XI)
Nick stands 6’0 weighing 190 pounds and is a great combination of strength, speed, and power. He is a speedy back who has an uncanny ability to make positive yardage out of every play due also to his relentless effort snap to whistle. He is also great at picking up blitz defenders as a pass blocker. Nick rushed for 936 yards and found the end zone 14 times (12 rushing) on just 158 attempts. He bursts through gaps with great power and defenders often bounce off of him due to his strength. Inside runs or outside runs, Nick can turn on the jets and make the entire defense pay. He has great hands catching passes lined up as receiver or out of the backfield for over 160 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Nick is a tough football player who is showing us he can do it all. We are in for a real treat if his senior season is better than his former.
RB/CB Eimaj Giddens, Aquinas Institute HS (Section V)
Giddens is a very smooth runner. At 6’2 205 pounds, he certainly passes the eye test for the next level and his running ability solidifies that. High school football defenses present few challenges for him as he can often be seen stiff arming, juking, and showing great agility moves dodging and displacing defenders. He ran for 1,068 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Giddens scored 8 times this past season and shows to be an excellent blocker when needed. He shows a high ceiling and now that he does not have to split carries with his senior teammate who also rushed for over thousand yards last season, Eimaj will be the driving force for his team this fall.
RB/FS Messiah Burch Messiah Burch 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Monsignor Farrell | 2023 State NY , Monsignor Farrell HS (NYCHSFL)
Messiah is 5’10 175 pounds and can absolutely burn any defense with his 4.42 speed out the backfield. Staten Island’s track star rushed for 1,007 yards in his junior year averaging almost 13 yards per carry (12.9) many of which come before anyone can get their hands on him as he is just simply too fast to catch. Aside from his next level speed, Burch has excellent field vision as he makes great cut backs to remain elusive of defenders. He scored 16 times on his 78 carries. His ability to find the end zone is a deep bag. He can score running through inside lanes, he can bounce it outside and use the hash marks to the pile line. Messiah averages over 143 yards per game, T-most among all running backs in his class. His production is something to awe and if he can continue to build on his body this offseason, there is no doubt that Messiah will be one of the most exciting backs to watch and a top prospect in fall 2022.
RB/MLB Dylan Harris, William Floyd HS (Section XI)
Dylan lead all running backs in his class with 1399 yards and with his 23 touchdowns in his junior season. He seems to be a man amongst boys when running the ball. He can run through, spin and juke away from, and sometimes even through defenders. With his physicality, Harris can damage a defense in just about every way possible. He plays with fire that his team rallies behind and a willing blocker when needed. After averaging 8.6 yards per carry and over 120 yards per game, we look for Dylan to be one of the most sought after prospects in the state this fall as looks to out perform his fantastic junior year.
RB/MLB Chris Leahy, John S. Burke Catholic HS (Section IX)
Chris is a 6’2 225 athlete who is Mr. Everything for his team. Aside from forcing fumbles and making critical stops at linebacker, Chris is the primary scoring option for his team out of the backfield. His strength and size makes him a very hard target to bring down. Combined that with great football smarts, he makes good decisions as a ball carrier being patient runner when needed but also knowing when to use his explosiveness to find the end zone. He rushed for 1,204 yards and scored 11 times in 9 games. If Chris can work on his speed and ball security this offseason, he will be a top prospect this fall.