2023: Difference Making Running Backs

To be an elite running back, you have to have good vision, speed, and the toughness to run hard all game long. These running backs have each of these traits and so many more.   [player_tooltip player_id='406949' first='Micah' last='Beckstead'] || RB || 5'11 || 210 || Timpview High School || 2023 Based on his stature, most defenses underestimate Beckstead's speed, much to their detriment. Beckstead is a home run hitter who explodes through running lanes. He led the state in rushing yards with 1,960 and added 17 touchdowns. Beckstead's vision is exceptional, and he does a great job following his blockers. His strength makes him incredibly difficult to bring down, and he always drags defenders with him for every yard. His long strides allow him to break away from defenders and make game-changing plays. Beckstead is wanted by nearly every team in the state, and it's easy to see why.   [player_tooltip player_id='406878' first='Amini' last='Amone'] || RB || 5'11 || 190 || East High School || 2023 Amone has been running wild on defenses in Utah for the past three seasons. He rushed for nearly 52,000 yards and over 60 touchdowns during his four-year career. Amone runs hard every carry and never seems to wear down. He's physical between the tackles and knows when to try and bounce a run to the outside. He can change direction in an instant and always makes defenders miss. Amone is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. His connection of physical traits and vision will make him hard to contain at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='532619' first='Drew' last='Patterson'] || RB || 5'11 || 195 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023 Patterson did it all for the Chargers in 2022. He played on both sides of the ball and had 20 total touchdowns. Patterson is tough to bring down in the open field, making him a great asset in the screen game. He never shies away from contact but knows when to try and run over a defender or make them miss. Paterson is willing to stand in the pocket and protect or can be an effective route runner out of the backfield. In addition, he's an exceptional leader who linemen love to block for. Patterson does a good job staying patient until he finds a crease, and once he does, look out.   [player_tooltip player_id='406920' first='Corbin' last='Cottle'] || RB || 5'10 || 175 || Bountiful High School || 2023 Cottle possesses elite speed out of the backfield, and once he finds a lane explodes through it. Few can catch him from behind, and he does a great job making the last line of a defense miss. Cottle's shiftiness is remarkable and makes him a threat in the short-area passing game. In addition, he has good hands out of the backfield. The former Redhawk can go through, over, or around defenders. He hits holes hard and does a good job reading his blocks. Cottle is an athletic, fluid back that is tough to contain for 48 minutes.   [player_tooltip player_id='406925' first='Jessaia' last='Moala'] || RB || 6'1 || 210 || Layton Christian Academy High School || 2023 Moala has the rare ability to make five defenders miss on any given play. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball and always seems to get something out of the runs that seemed doomed to fail. Moala impresses with good acceleration and vision on long runs. He's hard to track down from behind and does a good job high stepping to avoid diving tackling attempts. While his speed is impressive, so is his strength and how he uses it. Moala shakes off tackles like there flies. His explosiveness will make him an instant contributor at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='532624' first='Tate' last='Walker'] || 5'9 || 170 || Skyridge High School || 2023 Walker is a fierce running back who runs hard every time he touches the ball. He may not be the biggest back, but he always finds a way to crank out yards. Walker has outstanding vision and always maximizes every run. He's strong and shifty, a combination that proves difficult for a defense to stop. In addition, Walker displays exceptional body control that helps him keep his balance and stay on his feet when defenders try to hit stick him and fail to wrap up. He helped the Falcons win state and will undoubtedly help his next team succeed in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='532628' first='Havea' last='Fotu'] || RB || 5'7 || 180 || Bingham High School || 2023 Fotu balled out in the Miner's offense. He ran the ball from a variety of positions but shined in each one of them. Fotu's shiftiness is impressive as he can quickly change direction and cut a run back to avoid defenders. You can tell he dedicates himself to the weight room with the way he powers through tacklers. Fotu is a willing blocker and is fearless when taking on any challenge. As a pass catcher, he runs good routes and is hard to take down in the open field. Fotu seems to get stronger with each carry and is a force to be reckoned with out of the backfield.

To be an elite running back, you have to have good vision, speed, and the toughness to run hard all game long. These running backs have each of these traits and so many more.