Opening Week Review: Running Backs

These running backs all had very solid games last week, and they all helped achieve a team win. Now let's dive deeper into each player's individual performance.   2025 5'11 180 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='218627' first='Peyton' last='Nelson'] - Good Counsel   Peyton "Pe Pe" Nelson played an outstanding game against St. Joe's last week, and his performance included a highlight reel touchdown. In the first quarter, Nelson ran in a 15 yard touchdown, click link below to watch, which gave the Falcons the early lead. Good Counsel never relinquished that lead, and [player_tooltip player_id='218627' first='Peyton' last='Nelson'] continued to dominate the contest. Nelson is the perfect compliment to Good Counsel's lead rusher [player_tooltip player_id='249102' first='Dilin' last='Jones']. Jones is more of a power back, while Nelson catches a lot of passes and handles the majority of his carries in the open field. He's extremely elusive and athletic, and not just for his size. [player_tooltip player_id='218627' first='Peyton' last='Nelson'] is a truly phenomenal athlete, and his running back prowess continues to grow before our eyes at an impressive rate. Good Counsel faces Baton Rogue Catholic tonight @7PM Eastern.   TD: https://twitter.com/Peygolive/status/1563358484078309377?s=20&t=s7DFfpxBeqCtHw1qadi-eA   Highlights: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://t.co/loNERfLk2E" target="_blank">hudl.com/v/2GUSEe</a>   2024 6'0 185 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='249102' first='Dilin' last='Jones'] - Good Counsel   [player_tooltip player_id='249102' first='Dilin' last='Jones'] already looks like the most dominant running back in the WCAC and we're only one game into the season. Jones broke free for a 74 yard touchdown run against St. Joe's, and he was seemingly untouched when he did so. His size and speed in tandem are absolutely unstoppable at this level, and Jones has clearly developed a lot in the offseason. He is bigger, faster, stronger, and he's running with more confidence than ever. My way too early prediction is that [player_tooltip player_id='249102' first='Dilin' last='Jones'] will be the unanimous 1st Team All-WCAC starting running back, and he'll achieve this honor by posting massive numbers this season. Scouts everywhere must have their eyes glued to the Good Counsel backfield this season because it is absolutely stacked with high level D1 talent. [player_tooltip player_id='249102' first='Dilin' last='Jones'] and the Falcons kickoff tonight @7PM Eastern against Baton Rogue Catholic.   Highlights: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://t.co/bWBcwelLmw" target="_blank">hudl.com/profile/146392…</a>   2024 5'10 185 RB - Cody Hobson - Gonzaga   In their opening game, the Gonzaga Purple Eagles needed to find their running back identity, and that's exactly what Cody Hobson did for this Gonzaga team. Hobson ran the ball 15 times for 66 yards which averages to 4.4 yards per carry. This is an extremely promising start for Hobson in the backfield, especially considering that Gonzaga's quarterback was off the charts spectacular in this game as well. If Hobson and the Purple Eagles can continue to build on this very solid base that they've set, then they're going to be a very well-rounded football team come playoff time. Cody Hobson faces a tough McDonogh defense tonight @7PM Eastern, but it's the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skills. Scouts everywhere better have their popcorn ready for the Purple Eagles versus the Golden Eagles under the Friday night lights.   Highlights: https://t.co/tyQ0V6jvud   2022 6'2 190 RB - Durell Robinson - St. Frances Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='246850' first='Durrell' last='Robinson'] is coming off of a monster 2021 season that ended in his squad knocking off the #1 team in the nation, IMG, last year in the final game. Robinson and the Panthers did not slow down in their opener this year, but it was by no means an easy win. In fact, St. Frances arguably has the most difficult overall schedule in high school football this season, and East Saint Louis' well-stitched effort is a phenomenal representation of that. Even so, Robinson attacked the line of scrimmage with confidence, and his carries were instrumental in the Panthers' 20-13 victory. Robinson will certainly have increased production week by week, and it'll be very exciting to watch him run against De Soto in Texas tomorrow night @7PM Eastern.   Highlights: https://t.co/knKMMk8ftZ   2023 5'10 190 RB - [player_tooltip player_id='124384' first='Bryce' last='Cox'] - Mount Saint Joseph's   [player_tooltip player_id='124384' first='Bryce' last='Cox'] was the leading running back carrier for Mt. Saint Joseph's in their 35-20 season opening victory against St. Mary's Ryken. Cox carried the ball 11 times and gained 83 yards which is more than seven yards per carry on average. Needless to say, [player_tooltip player_id='124384' first='Bryce' last='Cox'] was absolutely unstoppable last week, and he's trending towards having a huge season this year. Cox clearly has a lot of confidence in his dual-threat quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='249088' first='Winston' last='Watkins'], and he's also able to play-off of Watkins' running ability, especially in read-option situations. Their great chemistry in the backfield will pay off very well for Mt. Saint Joseph's in the long run, and it feels like the Gaels have something truly special in their team this season. Watch [player_tooltip player_id='124384' first='Bryce' last='Cox'] and the Gaels next tomorrow @1PM Eastern versus St. Ignatius (OH).   Highlights: https://t.co/ZPVDES9Tii

These running backs all had very solid games last week, and they all helped achieve a team win. Now let's dive deeper into each player's individual performance.