Elite Indy Area Running Backs

The ability to control the ground-game allows you to dictate the tempo and wear-down the opposing defense. In the Indianapolis area, there are a group of running backs who can control the flow of the game and create big plays. These are just some of the student-athletes who can check both of those boxes. Luke Hansen, 2023, Roncalli https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/luke-hansen/PK2QJxU1EeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm Luke Hansen has great vision to find open running room, and he knows exactly what to do once he gets there. Hansen spots his opening and then, when in the open field, he is elusive. Hansen is a shifty runner who can make defenders look silly when they attempt to tackle him. Hansen finds ways to stay on his feet and keep the play alive. Last year, Hansen accumulated 1,458 yards on 169 carries. He found the endzone 17 times and surpassed the 100-rushing yard mark in eight games. Hansen caught 17 passes for 143 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hansen also provides a special teams presence with 166 yards on ten kickoff returns. John Nabors, 5’10, 185 pounds, 2023, Covenant Christian https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/john-nabors/fkXDP9QlEeqA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm John Nabors showcases good feel for the game. He has a good understanding of where the space will open up, and he takes advantage of that. Nabors is a shifty runner who changes directions quickly. This allows him to stop on a dime and leave the defenders guessing as to where he will go. As such, there will be tacklers who get more timid as the game goes along. Nabors posted 1,335 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago. He crossed the 100-yard mark on the ground in five different games this past season. Nabors caught 15 passes for 253 yards and one touchdown. Nabors is a significant contributor on the defensive side of the ball, as well. Last year, Nabors totaled 84 tackles. Nabors showcased his ability to be a playmaker on defense last season. He recorded 14 tackles-for-loss with four-and-a-half sacks. Nabors added one interception, three passes defensed and two fumbles recoveries. Ali Richardson, 5’8, 195 pounds, 2023, Lawrence North https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/ali-richardson/7pi1GpkTEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm Ali Richardson is a punishing running back who can leave a tole on the defense across from him. Richardson brings the physicality when he totes the ball. He does a good job of fighting through first contact to pick up additional yardage. While Richardson’s game largely revolves around being physical, he does well bouncing outside and finding more space. As a junior, Richardson gained 1,088 rushing yards on 246 carries with 17 touchdowns. He had six games with 100 or more rushing yards. Through the air, Richardson added 86 yards with two touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"], 5’10, 160 pounds, 2023, Center Grove A year ago, [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] was a key part of a Center Grove team that went undefeated in route to a Class 6A State Championship, gaining national attention in the process. Last season, Wheat carried the ball 130 times on a team with one of the state’s most loaded backfields. He compiled 1,003 rushing yards and a baker’s dozen of touchdown runs. Wheat caught nine passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] will be one of the top prospects to watch next year as he looks to provide a fitting conclusion to what has been a stellar high school career.