Top Southern Indiana Conference Running Backs

Previously, we looked at some of the top quarterbacks in the Southern Indiana Conference. But to have your offense running like a well-oiled machine, you have to do more than throw the ball. Establishing the running-game is key. The conference features a group of playmakers at running back who can pace the offense. Joey Pierre, 5’8, 175 pounds, 2023, Evansville Central Joey Pierre is a versatile back who can contribute to the running-game and the passing-game as well as on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. Pierre toted the rock 260 times a season ago for 1,278 yards. He posted ten touchdowns while surpassing the 100-yard mark in five games. Pierre added 15 receptions for 62 yards in his junior season. Defensively, Pierre showed that he can be a solid linebacker. Last season, he recorded 17 solo tackles with 22 tackles overall. He has the ability to hold up in coverage and take the ball away. In 2021, Pierre grabbed five interceptions and recovered one fumble. J.D. Thomas, 5’10, 170 pounds, 2023, Evansville Bosse Evansville Bosse’s J.D. Thomas shows both skill and discipline when he carries the football. Thomas displays great patience and vision. He allows time for his blockers to get set up, and he has the ability to recognize where the blocker is positioned, and he cuts accordingly. Thomas can put his foot in the ground and get behind his block, canceling out any chance that the defender has to tackle him. Thomas is very good with runs to the outside, still exhibiting many of the same positives in doing so. Thomas strings the run out as much as possible and then picks the right moment to make his move. When defenders do get in position to make the play, Thomas proves that he is difficult to tackle. Even when he is not in the open field, he still finds ways to make defenders miss in tight space. Thomas further aids his team’s cause by being an effective receiver out of the backfield and by playing free safety. [player_tooltip player_id="148581" first="Peyton" last="Guerzini"], 5’11, 185 pounds, 2023, Castle [player_tooltip player_id="148581" first="Peyton" last="Guerzini"] can be a playmaker at any spot on the field, but this rings especially true when he gets into the open field, proving to be a menace when he gets there. Guerzini has great vision enabling him to find running room. Guerzini is a shifty runner. Once he gets through the line-of-scrimmage, he can bounce outside once he gets to the linebacker level. Guerzini can be a viable option as a receiver, as well. Guerzini showcases the critical ability to determine how he should cut and when based on where the block is. [player_tooltip player_id="190178" first="Porter" last="Rode"], 5’9, 190 pounds, 2024, Evansville Central [player_tooltip player_id="190178" first="Porter" last="Rode"] is an explosive player who becomes especially dangerous when he gets to the edge. Rode can be useful as a runner and a receiver. Rode has great hands, allowing him to do more in the passing-game. Rode is very effective in the screen-game. He can also be split out wide and line up in more of a receiver’s role. As a runner, Rode can make defenders miss, and he can bounce runs to the outside. Simply put, whenever a big play is needed to get the team going, [player_tooltip player_id="190178" first="Porter" last="Rode"] is the player to turn to. Rode provides significant contributions in all three phases. Defensively, Rode registered 16 tackles last year. On special teams, Rode accrued experience as a punter, booting the ball ten times with a pair of those punts pinning the opponent inside their own 20-yard line. Rode also returned half-a-dozen kickoffs and three punts in his junior campaign.