2024 Rankings Update: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Moving over to the offensive side of the ball and looking at the states top running backs, there were several big names entering the PRZ 2024 rankings for the first time that put up some pretty impressive numbers during the 2022 season. Here are some notable ball carriers that entered our rankings this time around and a breakdown of their Junior season film.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540331"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":552075,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afa97"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>McGee checks in as the number one back in the 2024 class in our latest PRZ rankings. On tape, he shows that he is a zone runner that can gain the edge with long strides and reads the field well with cutback abilities when defenses over-pursue. At over 6 feet, he has good size and strength for the position and runs low for his size while naturally falling forward at contact and gaining tough yards. He has sudden quickness in the open field when forcing defenders to take bad angles and will only continue to gain that top end third level speed. He is a longer strider that covers ground through the first two levels and shows some lateral movement abilities in the short area. He is in line for a monster off-season and will be one of the best offensive weapons returning in the state next season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":552077,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afb02"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Riddle is one of the top players in the state, regardless of class. He is ranked as the number one athlete in Idaho and can play multiple positions at the next level and lines up all over the field for Highland. He is a very explosive runner with forward lean, leg drive through contact and runs tough in-between the tackles showing plus contact balance and a physical running style. Riddle shows he is a natural pass catcher out of the backfield, tracks the ball well and can make contested catches while sticking his toe in the ground and getting upfield. In the run game, he waits for blocks to develop before hitting a second level gear and can make people miss in the open field. He is a explosive well put together and physical ball carrier with big play abilities and should draw FCS+ interest as he goes through this off-season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484474"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":552089,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afb53"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>EchoHawk already boasts an offer from Idaho State and packs a punch when running, especially for his size. He is a vertical low to the ground downhill runner that can deliver a blow in the hole while flashing breakaway speed through the third level and can bounce it outside when needed. He is a smooth runner that runs behind his pads, bounces off arm/ankle tackles and can set up his blocks before hitting the hole. Coming off a very productive Junior season, he will be one of the best backs in the state heading into next season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540122"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afb94"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The Junior is a bruising downhill back with sneaky open field speed and excels at running through the first and second level, bouncing off defenders. He is a in-between the tackles runner that can deliver a blow at contact, shows great balance at the POA and keeps a low pad level. Very well built and having a strong lower body, he is a powerful kid that once he gets going and gains momentum, its hard to stop him as he has the abilities to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. In the right system at the college level, he could play at any of the three levels. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Other Rankings Newcomers....</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484978"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afbd6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-639fb197afc14"} /-->