2024 Running Back Game Changers

Running backs serve as the pace car for the offense. The success of the offense rests largely on the ability to run the football. But running backs are now tasked with being all-around playmakers. The Class of 2024 features a group of elite running backs who fit that billing. [player_tooltip player_id="189083" first="Josh" last="Ringer"], 6’1, 190 pounds, East Central [player_tooltip player_id="189083" first="Josh" last="Ringer"] is a physical running back who sets the tone for the offense and leaves a tole on the opposing defense. Ringer combines speed and physicality to give defenders a difficult job when attempting to tackle him. Ringer can run around tacklers, but he can also run right through them. Ringer has good speed, allowing him to dart past defenders and making him even more dangerous when he gets to the second level. He is also a viable option as a receiver. [player_tooltip player_id="189083" first="Josh" last="Ringer"] is someone who can provide a spark when the team sorely needs one. [player_tooltip player_id="109617" first="Glenn" last="Patterson"], 5’10, 175 pounds, Lafayette Jefferson [player_tooltip player_id="109617" first="Glenn" last="Patterson"] is a shifty runner who can bewilder defenses. Patterson has good athletic ability and the vision necessary to play running back at a high level. He can find an opening and make moves to get there. When he gets through the line, Patterson is capable of bouncing outside and picking up a chunk of yards. During the 2021 season, Patterson racked up 953 rushing yards with 14 rushing touchdowns. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="109617" first="Glenn" last="Patterson"] to put on a show in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="109632" first="Ray" last="Crawford"], 5’9, 165 pounds, Triton Central [player_tooltip player_id="109632" first="Ray" last="Crawford"] is outstanding both as a runner and as a receiver, allowing for Triton Central to get him the ball in a variety of ways. Crawford is elusive, using jump cuts and juke moves to leave defenders tackling air and chasing shadows. Crawford can be a reliable pass-catcher and someone who makes plays through the air as well. But his impact on the game is not limited to his offensive abilities. Crawford is capable of playing cornerback as well. [player_tooltip player_id="178622" first="Sean" last="DeLong"], 5’9, 180 pounds, Gibson Southern In spite of only being a sophomore on a star-studded offense, [player_tooltip player_id="178622" first="Sean" last="DeLong"] played a pivotal role in Gibson Southern’s state championship-winning season a year ago. DeLong carried 119 times last season, picking up 863 yards in the process while scoring nine touchdowns. DeLong greatly aided the passing-game as well. He hauled in 35 passes for 461 yards and a trio of touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="178622" first="Sean" last="DeLong"] will be called upon to have another big season next year. [player_tooltip player_id="189129" first="Anthony" last="Schuh"], Triton [player_tooltip player_id="189129" first="Anthony" last="Schuh"] finds ways to help his team win in all three phases. Schuh is a physical runner who is difficult to tackle. Last year, Schuh had 198 carries for an impressive 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns. Schuh ran for over 100 yards in eight games this past season. Defensively, he can make an impact as an outside linebacker. In 2021, he recorded 28 tackles with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. On special teams, Schuh helped the team in the field position battle, serving as an effective returner. Schuh piled up 256 kickoff return yards and 55 punt return yards during his sophomore campaign.