Returning Stat Leaders: 2024 Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Looking ahead to the 2023 season, who are some of the top returning running backs that had stellar 2022 campaigns? Below, we will breakdown some of the top backs in the 2024 class that are in line for huge Senior campaigns and take a look at their Junior season film and break down each prospect. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115520"],"_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-63ab1c01bb6db"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Casillas is a smaller compact runner that gets downhill quickly and shows nice foot speed and pad level through the first level. He flashes lateral movement abilities through the hole while able to bounce off arm/ankle tackles and shows a open field burst in the secondary pulling away from defenders and making them take bad angles in the open field He went over the 1k rushing yard marker on the season and is one of the top weapons across the region returning in 2023. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["364216"],"_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-63ab1c01bb732"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKinnon is one of the more explosive backs in the state and is a big bruising runner with a low pad level, physical running style and impressive open field speed especially for someone his size. He hits the hole quickly, waits for pullers to kick out and shows cutback abilities when defenders over pursue. he shows good leg drive upon contact and always falls forward while moving the pile and able to run through defenders in the open field while athletic enough to bounce it outside and not always run in-between the tackles. Mckinnon averaged over 9 YPC for the entire season and is a big play ball carrier with next level abilities. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115525"],"_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-63ab1c01bb77e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The talented Junior back is an electric runner with start/stop abilities in the hole and shows elite short area quickness in tight windows while having a nice burst through the first level. He flashes strong contact balance, quick feet with jump cut abilities and can make defenders miss in both tight windows and the open field. Every time he touches the ball he is a threat to take it the distance and has third level juice and can bounce it outside forcing linebackers to take bad angles and can make them miss in open space. He is physical in pass protection, always looking for contact and is a no brainer next level kid that will only continue to grow. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["364237"],"_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-63ab1c01bb7c7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blake is a very strong runner with a sturdy build and powerful lower body while very patient through the first level and has an impressive open field burst for someone his size. He is a North and South type back that shows natural forward lean and runs through body tackles with good leg drive and is very tough to bring down once he gets behind his pads. Checking in as one of the top rushers across Arizona that is returning, he should have a huge off-season and will be one of the states best ball carriers in 2023. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->