Top Four Running Backs: Class of 2024
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To be an elite back, you have to have a vision that’s better than 20/20, a track star’s speed, and a boxer’s toughness. Utah is loaded with impressive backs, but these four stand out in a crowded field. Amini Amone…
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Continue ReadingTo be an elite back, you have to have a vision that’s better than 20/20, a track star’s speed, and a boxer’s toughness. Utah is loaded with impressive backs, but these four stand out in a crowded field.
Amini Amone Amini Amone 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB East | 2023 State UT || RB || 5’11 || 190 || East High School || 2023
Amone has been a starter at East for the past three seasons and it’s easy to see why. The 5’11 senior always runs at full speed. Even when a hole does not materialize, Amone always finds a way to get positive yards. He possesses outstanding vision and does a great job finding cutback lanes. Amone is a true home run back capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. Coming off his best game of the season in which he rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns, Amone looks to be in for another productive year.
Corbin Cottle Corbin Cottle 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Bountiful | 2023 State UT || RB || 5’10 || 175 || Bountiful High School || 2023
Cottle is a violent back who shakes off tacklers with ease. He embraces contact and often runs defenders over because of it. Cottle is fearless in-between the tackles and fights for every yard. The 5’10 senior is also a patient runner who will wait for running lanes to develop. He displays excellent balance along the sideline, where he can keep his feet in bounds to break off big runs. Cottle also possesses good hands and can make plays as a pass catcher out the backfield.
Jessaia Moala Jessaia Moala 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB Layton Christian Academy | 2023 State UT || RB || 6’1 || 210 || Layton Christian Academy || 2023
Moala has the percent combination of size and speed that makes him a difficult back to contain. The 6’1 senior is a fluid runner with a knack for breaking ankles in the open field. Moala reads blocks well and does a good job driving his legs on contact. His long strides allow him to break off long runs, and it often takes two to three defenders to bring him down. Moala has a knack for finding the end-zone, and he’s just getting started.
Micah Beckstead Micah Beckstead 5'11" | 210 lbs | RB Timpview | 2023 State UT || RB || 5’11 || 210 || Timpview High School || 2023
Beckstead is another back who’s been dominating on the ground and he’s gotten his senior campaign off to a great start. He kicked off the season by rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns in Timpview’s big win over the raining 6A state champions, the Lone Peak Knights. Becksted is shifty with the ball in his hands and reads the field incredibly well. He follows his blockers and hits the holes they create with great speed, which often leads to significant gains. Beckstead’s explosive tendencies also aid him in the passing game, where he can generate even more yards after contact.