Under The Radar: Running Backs – 2024

As we continue the <em>Under The Radar </em>series for the class of 2024, we’ll dive into another one of the skill positions - the running backs. While there are a number of very talented running backs in the class of 2024, these were the three that I felt were deserving of more attention in the recruiting world. <strong>Under the Radar Running Backs</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="251267" first="Chevelle" last="Early"], Denver South Ravens (RB)(So.)(22) - Early might not fit the profile of a typical player on these lists, as he’ll probably be one of the higher rated running backs in this class when the official rankings are released. However, I think Early is by far-and-away the best running back in this class and it isn’t really close. Early paced all sophomore running backs in the state last year in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, as he accounted for 1,060 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on 149 carries (7.1 YPC). When you watch the film of Early’s sophomore season, you can see he displays outstanding balance at the point-of-contact because of his extremely powerful lower body, core, and a low pad level as he runs through contact. Highly explosive, one-cut runner that can burst through running lanes precisely and hit the 2nd and 3rd levels of the defense quickly. Displays a very physical/aggressive running style that allows him to consistently shed arm tackles on inside runs. High motor player with an extremely high competitive drive that is displayed when driving his legs through contact to squeak out extra yards. Shows adequate enough top end speed to pull away from slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders if they take a bad angle. Textbook workhorse running back whose overall skill set translates to the collegiate level. While Early isn’t exactly "underrated" per say, he absolutely will be if he’s ranked any lower than the number one running back in the class of 2024. [player_tooltip player_id="251269" first="Wyatt" last="Sharpe"], Fruita Monument Wildcats (RB)(So.)(7) - Sharpe’s 2021 season was nearly as impressive as Early’s in terms of production, as he was the second most productive sophomore running back in the state last year. Looking back at Sharpe’s 2021 season, he carried the ball 189 times for 987 yards rushing (5.2 YPC) and 12 rushing touchdowns while also adding 126 yards receiving and 2 receiving touchdowns. When you look at the tape of Sharpe’s sophomore season, you can see the first thing that jumps out is how aggressively he runs with the ball, as he shows an extremely physical running style that almost looks like he seeks out contact with the defender. A very strong lower body and core allow him to run through arm tackles and smaller 2nd and 3rd level defenders with relative ease. Displays good vision on runs between the tackles, consistently showing the ability to find daylight through tight running lanes. High motor runner that never gives up on a run, routinely driving his legs through contact and needing multiple defenders to bring him down after making contact with one or more defenders. Deceptive explosiveness allows him to accelerate through the line of scrimmage and hit the 2nd level of the defense quickly. Adequate top end foot speed allows him to pull away from slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Shows outstanding ability as a blocker, routinely driving back the defender he’s engaged with multiple yards from the point-of-contact while also showing an excellent ability to anchor against bigger defenders, almost never being driven back into the line of scrimmage. Projects as more of a fullback at the collegiate level. While we we have to wait and see where Sharpe is officially ranked, he’ll be a fun player to follow the next two years. [player_tooltip player_id="147172" first="Dimitri" last="Haralambopoulos"], Thomas Jefferson Spartans (RB/SS)(So.)(3) - Haralambopoulos is a player who isn’t getting as much attention as Early or Sharpe, as he’s ranked fairly lowly as an athlete in the class of 2024 given how truly talented he is. With that being said however, he is equally as talented as Early and Sharpe. Reviewing Haralambopoulos’ prolific sophomore season, he accounted for 728 yards rushing and 15 rushing touchdowns on 84 carries (8.7 YPC) while also adding 30 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack, 2 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown on special teams. To say he’s a threat on both sides of the ball is an understatement. When you look at Haralambopoulos’ exceptional sophomore season, the first thing that stands out is his incredible versatility. Swiss army knife type of player that can line up in the backfield, in the slot, or on the boundary to attack a defense. Highly explosive running back with excellent top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders in the open field. Well-rounded, balanced running back that shows power when running between the tackles/at the point-of-contact to gain the tough yards while also displaying incredible vision and elusiveness in the open field or when bouncing runs outside. Shows good overall ability as a receiver displaying consistent hands, good route running ability, and a willingness to make tough catches in traffic. Good ability as a lead blocker, consistently being able to stop and drive back smaller 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Easily projects as both a safety and a running back at the collegiate level. The fact Haralambopoulos isn’t rated one of the best players in this class is criminal. He has all of the ability and production to be one of the best, if not the best, overall athletes in this class by the time his senior year rolls around. He’s certainly deserving of much more attention on the recruiting trail and will be a very entertaining player to follow the next two years of his prep career.