D1, D2, D3 Running Back Breakdown
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Every State Championship team in Divisions 1-3 has a stud running back. Seriously, the six guys you’ll read about are all extremely good college talents, and these are all running backs I’ve known about for a year or longer. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingEvery State Championship team in Divisions 1-3 has a stud running back. Seriously, the six guys you’ll read about are all extremely good college talents, and these are all running backs I’ve known about for a year or longer. Here’s a breakdown of every expected starting RB from divisions 1-3!
Colbey Reed Colbey Reed 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Belleville | 2024 State MI | Belleville (D1)
Reed knows how to keep his feet moving to break tackles in the open field. Behind an elite offensive line, the holes open for him are often giant, but it’s about what he does at the second level that impresses me the most. Once he gets to the second level, he has the vision to make slight cuts and run to open space while not being afraid of contact. When he knows he’ll get contact, Colby often initiates it while getting low and keeping his feet moving.
Brock Townsend | Caledonia (D1)
With three MAC offers, Brock Townsend is an elite RB (and DB). At running back, Brock is extremely efficient and always runs downhill. His 11.67s 100M and 23.83s 200M proves he’s very fast, while his time in the weight room is also evident. Brock has good vision, follows his blocks, knows when the play breaks downs and makes the most of it, and he’s a genuinely amazing DB. In order for Cal to win, Brock will need to have a great game.
Rhett Roeser Rhett Roeser 6'0" | 220 lbs | RB De La Salle | 2024 State MI | De La Salle (D2)
Rhett is one heck of an athlete on a team that is absolutely stacked. I haven’t heard much about Rhett this season, but I know that from last season that he’s a very good, powerful RB that excels in short-yardage situations. He’s scored a few TDs in the playoffs and I hope to see him have a good game against FHC this weekend.
JT Hartman JT Hartman 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI | Forest Hills Central (D2)
I’ve seen Hartman grow as an athlete over the past year. In a few ways, his game is similar to that of CMC or D’Andre Swift (more on the CMC side). His ability to be a patient yet shifty runner out of the backfield with experience in the pass game makes him one of the more dynamic players in the State Championships. Hartman is not elite in a ton of areas, but he’s a very good elusive back with very high upside. Plus, he’s still got a full season remaining.
Sterling Anderson | King (D3)
Some say that Sterling Anderson is one of Michigan’s most underrated recruits. I don’t know if I’m there, but there’s no doubt that he’s a critical part of the King offense. In the run game, Anderson shines in hard downhill running. He has good vision and decent elusiveness when trying to break tackles. He stands out in the pass game as a great checkdown target, and he can make the most out of his catches. I do feel Anderson likely deserves more offers, so let’s see if a good championship performance bolsters his recruitment.
Jake Price Jake Price 5'6" | 175 lbs | RB Muskegon | 2024 State MI | Muskegon (D3)
Price is a shifty and fast RB in an extremely athletic and dynamic offense. It’s difficult or impossible to teach speed, and Price seems to be naturally talented. Price has a 11.5s 100M dash to his name (athletic.net), and is likely the shiftiest RB on this list. Even in a blizzard last week, he ran all over DeWitt. Price has great field vision, is blazing fast, and gained a lot of attention and accolades last season and he’ll likely get many more this season. He has an amazing chance to prove himself against King.