Kentucky Running Backs I Would Give Offers to Right Now

To continue my series, I am excited to add my picks for running backs I would give offers to right now in the state of Kentucky. The running back position is one of the most crucial positions on the offense, tasked with prioritizing the running game completely and having to carry the load of the offense whenever the passing game is not working. Even with a talented quarterback on your team, I believe that without an efficient running back that can get you productive carries down the field, a team will struggle to have a successful offense. The guys I will be listing today not only provide productive carries but exceed their expectations and are studs on the football field. <strong>Mason Lawson </strong>| 6-2,195lbs. Class of 2023 | Johnson Central High School, KY | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G2CNm">Tape:</a> Mason is a huge threat to the defense once he finds an open field. The upcoming senior displays electrifying speed once he breaks free of the defense, racking up at least 20-30 yards per run. Also, Mason possesses solid block coverage whenever he plays off the ball. Although not playing as an o-lineman, Mason has the footwork and mechanics like an o-line to produce excellent blocking which is valuable for any offense to have in their arsenal. The many attributes this man has set the bar high for his interest from college coaches. I would be putting my money on Mason to be a great asset for any college football team looking for a productive running back both on and off the ball. I am eager to see what the future has in store for Mason after high school ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331691" first="Jeremiah" last="Riffle"] </strong>| 6-2,215lbs. Class of 2023 | Lexington Christian Academy, KY | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Gyvfb">Tape: </a> Trying to tackle Jeremiah is like trying to tackle a running bull! The 2023 grad uses his brute strength to run over opposing defenders to gain extra yards. From what I have seen, it takes at least 2-3 defenders to bring the young man down to the ground. Jeremiah also makes good jabs to cut pass defenders to find an open gap. I like this kid’s playstyle as it reminds me a lot of David Montgomery since both he and Jeremiah make it extremely difficult to get brought down on the run. Jeremiah is also a reliable redzone asset to have and that alone attracts college recruiters. I would send early DIII-DII offers to this man but I expect his hard work to take him to the next level by the end of his senior campaign. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="331763" first="Deion" last="Winstead"] </strong>| 6-1,185lbs. Class of 2025 | Owensboro High School, KY | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Gr2yd">Tape:</a> Deion is an incredibly athletic running back who can mow down incoming defenders and accelerate quickly to break free from the rest of the defense. What I think is a game-changer that Deion possesses is his speed when running off an angle. In other words, if Deion is running a sweep his incredible footwork enables him to keep his same speed the whole time while running at an outer angle. Because of this, defenders are not able to keep up with him and will also allow Deion to hit them with some nasty jukes. This kid has a lot of talent for only being a freshman, so the potential for him to be one of the more lethal running backs in the area is high. College radars should stay warm on Deion as his potential to further develop his game to become a more elite player is valuable for any college team to grab early. <strong>Xavier Burks </strong>| 5-11,190lbs*. Class of 2025 | Louisville Male High School, KY | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GwPyh">Tape:</a> Xavier is another young prospect with lots of athleticism and strength running the football. Not only can Xavier run the football off a normal rush but can also run read options at the QB spot well which shows his ability to read the defense proficiently. The young man uses his speed and strength to break free from the defense and nobody is going to catch up to him. His sharp cuts act similar to a slot receiver when running a route, which helps him be able to create more room past an opposing defender. Xavier inherits a lot of skills for only playing one year of varsity football so far. The odds for him to continue getting better and becoming unstoppable are high and I would bet many colleges will begin to look at Xavier soon. I would already land him an offer just for safe-keeping since I can guarantee he will further develop into an elite athlete. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="313658" first="JuJu" last="Starks"] </strong>| 5-10,195lbs. Class of 2024 | Mayfield High School, KY | Tape: Juju runs the ball with absolute lightning speed! It is really fun to watch Juju break out onto the open field as nobody is going to catch up with the young man. Although Juju also plays on the defensive side of the ball extremely well, his ability to run the ball was what caught my eye since he is the fastest player on the field. I hope he gets to get more rushes this upcoming fall season as he already has the speed and agility to play running back at the next level. College recruiters should take a look at this man because he is an unstoppable force playing running back and is a defensive stud. But for the sake of this article, his running ability is collegiate level and should be considered otherwise.