2023 Running Backs Ready to Rise

There are several elite prospects at the running back position in the Class of 2023. With such a deep class, it is natural that there are a group of players who are underrated now, but have the potential to grab headlines and move up in the rankings next season. Today, we will look at some of those outstanding runners before their big senior campaigns. [player_tooltip player_id="148581" first="Peyton" last="Guerzini"], 6’0, 200 pounds, Castle [player_tooltip player_id="148581" first="Peyton" last="Guerzini"] is a running back who possesses exceptional speed. Guerzini can run away from defenders, and he can also change direction- keeping defenders guessing as to where he will go next. He checks off all the expectations for running backs by displaying solid receiving and pass protection skills. Guerzini can be an option out of the backfield. Last season, Guerzini averaged four-and-a-half yards per carry. [player_tooltip player_id="107222" first="Brad" last="Gagnon"], 5’10, 195 pounds, McCutcheon [player_tooltip player_id="107222" first="Brad" last="Gagnon"]’s 2021 campaign was limited to just five games. But in that quintet of appearances during his junior season, he showed just why he will be a prospect to watch next year. Last year, he gained 285 yards on 46 carries with seven touchdowns. The previous season, he put on an impressive display. Gagnon ran for 986 yards as a sophomore. [player_tooltip player_id="107222" first="Brad" last="Gagnon"] is poised for big things as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="185190" first="Tyler" last="Dollar"], 5’10, 180 pounds, Lapel [player_tooltip player_id="185190" first="Tyler" last="Dollar"] shows remarkable patience when he runs the ball. Dollar has great composure, taking an extra split-second to allow the offensive linemen time to do their work. He has good vision allowing him to find the running lane and exploit it. Dollar runs well both between the tackles and off-tackle. Dollar can play both ways, contributing to the Lapel defense. Dollar recorded 41 tackles with one pass defense. [player_tooltip player_id="185200" first="Cody" last="Mikulich"], 5’11, 185 pounds, Bloomington South [player_tooltip player_id="185200" first="Cody" last="Mikulich"] is a punishing downhill runner. He gets the ball and immediately puts the defense on their heels. Mikulich is physical and often requires more than defender to make the tackle. Mikulich is an outstanding blocker, helping the rest of the offense in the process. Mikulich can be useful as a receiver, making his mark in the screen-game. [player_tooltip player_id="185200" first="Cody" last="Mikulich"] is a bruiser who can give defenders all sorts of problems. [player_tooltip player_id="185209" first="Noah" last="Mungia"], 5’10, 180 pounds, New Prairie All throughout last season, [player_tooltip player_id="185209" first="Noah" last="Mungia"] put up big numbers, consistently appearing on state leaderboards in the process. Mungia’s tape shows just how he consistently achieved such high marks. Mungia is a runner who utilizes great bursts to make a play. Mungia has great elusiveness, allowing him to make defenders miss both in the open field and in the hole. Mungia has the toughness to withstand contact and keep fighting for extra yardage. Tackling him is a difficult proposition, one that usually takes a group effort on defense to complete. Last season, Mungia averaged just under seven yards per tote. [player_tooltip player_id="185237" first="Luke" last="Switzer"], 6’0, 185 pounds, South Putnam [player_tooltip player_id="185237" first="Luke" last="Switzer"] combines instinctiveness and toughness to pace South Putnam’s running-game. Switzer has the vision to spot an opening. But when the hole is not there, he can use his physicality to pick up yards. He can embrace the contact and fall forward. As a junior, Switzer accumulated 540 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.