Michigan’s Top 2023 Running Back Sleepers

Today, we analyzed some of Michigan’s top senior hidden gems at the running back position. They come in all different shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common. They can ball! These young men should be key components to their team’s success and should see a good jump in production in 2022. <hr /> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300175" first="Dominic" last="Aponte"], 5’8" 145, Jonesville</strong></em> Not the biggest back out there, but man is he slippery through the hole and can stop &amp; start on a dime. His cuts are subtle yet explosive and will leave defenders in the dust. Despite his size, Aponte is pretty physical and will look to lower his shoulder to cap off runs. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13228118/6180585f3deb0e0b984dbfbb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Cole Jondro, 6’1" 180, St. Mary Catholic</strong></em> A patient back with good top-end speed downfield. Cole allows for his blocks to set up in front of him before bursting through a seam. He’s a bruiser in traffic who constantly finishes his runs falling forward. This young man plays fearless and runs much harder than his listed weight. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13513314/61b176c2f5602403dcf7c67d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300005" first="Bradyn" last="Lehman"], 6’ 185, Clinton</strong></em> A powerful runner who keeps his feet moving on contact. Lehman shows terrific balance &amp; body control and is rarely brought down by the first tackler. He shows outstanding acceleration at the second level and has proven that he can split two defenders. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13219747/61b5434ca676410b003f7356" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="241284" first="Max" last="Humphrey"], 6’1" 190, Mt. Pleasant</strong></em> A Louisville baseball commit who could have a serious future in football if he wants it. Max is a twitchy back with a mixture of finesse and a violent running style. He will cut back against the grain when noticing tacklers over-pursuing and has a strong lower half that opponents seem to bounce off of. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15093835/61c6e64c3453060928a4af43" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Kahleel Brown, 5’8" 170, Birch Run</strong></em> A productive back with great patience through the hole. Brown shows a forceful stiff arm and is lightning in a bottle as a returner. He’s got the jets to outrun defenders with an angle and has the strength to burst through arm tackle attempts. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11907115/616cb7e8578eb503245a326b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="300054" first="Cameron" last="Torres"], 5’11" 195, Coldwater</strong></em> Torres is an extremely effective back on off-tackle runs. He’s a sure-handed receiving threat that can cause a major mismatch on linebackers in the slot. He has the balance of a ballerina with plenty of build-up speed behind him. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13120964/62a657e664e0640944af125c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Derrick Walker, 5’10" 175, Lumen Christi</strong></em> A stat stuffer that just hammers through defenders that get in his way. Walker easily absorbs contact and has a nasty jump cut in his arsenal. He’s a fierce pass protector who looks to punish opposing rushers. His cuts show no wasted steps, and re-accelerating &amp; kicking it into the next gear doesn’t seem to be much of an issue. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13167016/619af0de5ef7660b980cd0b9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>