2023 Running Backs Who Could Be Collegiate Gamechangers

The Class of 2023 features a deep group of backfield beasts. Over the course of the first part of this offseason, we have discussed some of the running backs at the top of the class. But this talented group extends far beyond that. The state features a whole lineup of running backs who have the ability to make a huge impact at the collegiate level. [player_tooltip player_id="107267" first="Robert" last="Lamar"], 5’10, 180 pounds, Clarksville [player_tooltip player_id="107267" first="Robert" last="Lamar"] has the patience to allow the hole to open up, but even when that space is not there, Lamar has the shiftiness to make would-be tacklers look silly. Lamar has the natural ability to evade defenders, meaning that more than one defender will need to be on scene to stop him. Lamar has terrific vision. He can find small openings to exploit. He has big play potential every time that gets the ball. At the end of the play, Lamar frequently falls forward, helping him pick up extra yardage. He can also be very effective out of the backfield. Lamar has good hands and the ability to get open, making him a solid option as a receiver. [player_tooltip player_id="107267" first="Robert" last="Lamar"] is a prospect who can inject a badly needed dose of energy with a big play at the right time. Kyle Turnachick, 6’0, 180 pounds, Oak Hill If your team is looking for a smashmouth, physical runner who can dish out punishment to the opposing defense, then look no further than Oak Hill’s Kyle Turnachick. Turnachick can be the bell cow back, but he can be particularly useful in short yardage situations. He usually lines up in a three-point stance. Turnachick gets downhill and runs with aggression and physicality. He does a great job of fighting through tackles and keeping his feet moving to pick up more yards. Turnachick also plays outside linebacker, where he brings the same ruggedness and intensity. He does a good job of setting the edge in the running-game. He comes down and forces the running back to change direction. [player_tooltip player_id="185209" first="Noah" last="Mungia"], 5’9, 195 pounds, New Prairie [player_tooltip player_id="185209" first="Noah" last="Mungia"] used his elusiveness and bursts of speed to remain at, or near, the top of the rushing charts throughout this past season. Mungia has good vision, allowing him to find the space. Once he does spot his opening, Mungia hits the gas and accelerates through. Mungia can evade tacklers and force them to chase him. When they do have the chance to tackle him, Mungia is excellent at getting behind his pads and driving the defender back, allowing him to pick up the hidden yardage. Lamarion Nelson, Wayne Lamarion Nelson is a big part of Wayne’s ground-and-pound attack. Nelson is a tough runner who can overpower tacklers and push piles forward- sometimes breaking out of tackles completely and finding the endzone. It takes a team effort to tackle Nelson. He runs downhill and attacks the defense right away. Even for all of his physical attributes, Nelson still has the ability to make tacklers miss. Lamarion Nelson is the kind of runner who can frustrate defenders and wear them down. [player_tooltip player_id="39068" first="Trey" last="Gibson"], 6’0, 190 pounds, Hobart [player_tooltip player_id="39068" first="Trey" last="Gibson"] is a jack-of-trades for Hobart, playing the superback role to a tee. Gibson has remarkable versatility, servicing the team well as a runner and as a pass-catcher. Quite simply, Gibson is a pure playmaker. As a receiver, he can be a serious matchup problem for linebackers. During his junior season, Gibson showcased the ability to carry the load on the ground, toting the ball 223 times. In doing so, Gibson amassed a highly impressive 1,655 rushing yards. Incredibly, Gibson scored 33 touchdowns as a runner, a season ago. In eight games last season, Gibson compiled 100 or more rushing yards. Through the air, he kept defenders on high alert. He snagged 26 receptions for 374 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Gibson’s significant contributions extended over to the third phase of the game, as well. On special teams, Gibson returned 15 kickoffs for a total of 308 kickoff return yards. [player_tooltip player_id="185521" first="Camajay" last="Terrell"], 5’8, 155 pounds, Gary West Side [player_tooltip player_id="185521" first="Camajay" last="Terrell"] can play both ways and be impactful doing so. Terrell is a very shifty runner. He can evade defenders with the greatest of ease. Terrell has outstanding speed and the ability to burst through the hole. When needed, Terrell is not afraid to embrace the physicality. He can lower his shoulders and bulldoze the defender. Terrell finds ways to pick up yards. One of those ways is by taking the defender with him. He is able to drag defenders forward. Defensively, Terrell plies his trade as a defensive back. [player_tooltip player_id="185240" first="Eli" last="Carter"], 5’9, 170 pounds, Tipton Like Terrell, [player_tooltip player_id="185240" first="Eli" last="Carter"] can make an impact in the offensive and defensive backfields. Offensively, Carter is a speedy runner who can win any foot race. Even more difficult for defenders is the fact that he changes direction quickly. Carter utilizes his speed to get outside as well as after he turns the corner and dashes down the field. Last season, Carter posted a little over 1,600 rushing yards. Defensively, Carter came up with 18 solo tackles and 40 total stops. He added one tackle-for-loss, two interceptions and four passes defensed. [player_tooltip player_id="185251" first="Christian" last="McDonald"], 5’11, 170 pounds, Owen Valley Whether inside or outside, [player_tooltip player_id="185251" first="Christian" last="McDonald"] has a knack for finding space and using that real estate to gash the opponent. McDonald can pick up yards off-tackle or between the tackles, but he is especially effective when he gets to the edge. He can make defenders miss in the open field. McDonald can create big plays as a receiver coming out of the backfield. McDonald has the vision to spot where his running room is. He can also make plays running the wildcat offense as the quarterback.