2024 RB Rankings Preview: Top 5 Review

In a bit of a different style of article, I'll be reviewing the success of the current top 5 running backs in the class of 2024 prior to the rankings update later this month. This article will review performances and bring a bit of insight into where some prospects may be ranked in the future. It's obvious that the 2024 rankings are in need of a facelift, and this will simply preview what will be set in stone in a few weeks. Of course, there is still plenty of time for all Running Backs to improve their stock!   #40 | [player_tooltip player_id='229402' first='Rhett' last='Roeser'] | 6'0 225lbs | De La Salle   Rhett was an interesting prospect to evaluate. Watching a few De La Salle games, the Pilots favored the pass instead of the run in most instances. De La Salle would get out to a massive lead by throwing the ball, and then they ended up pulling their starters and focusing more on the run. Because of this, there were some instances where Rhett didn't play a major yard-gaining role. But when Rhett was asked to carry the ball, I was impressed with what I saw. Sure, DLS has a great O-Line with an elite offensive unit, so you'd expect Rhett to gain a good amount of yards, so a good question to ask is "how much does the system and supporting cast elevate or detract from his game?"   After searching for an answer to that very question, I came up with an answer. [player_tooltip player_id='229402' first='Rhett' last='Roeser'] is a great running back that deserves to be near the top of this RB class. I love how Rhett's vision and his ability to fight for extra yards. He isn't the fastest or most athletic RB, but he's an incredibly consistent player and fits the offense well. I'm especially impressed with Rhett's blocking ability. Now, heading into next season, it will be interesting to see if DLS becomes more run-oriented because of the QB change. I don't expect the offense to change much, but I'm still optimistic that Roeser will become more of a focal point.   I'm unsure whether Rhett's ranking will drop because this RB class is inanely close in talent and ability.    #41 | [player_tooltip player_id='241282' first='Jake' last='Price'] | 5'7 175lbs | Muskegon   Price is an ELECTRIC running back that can make things happen all over the field. He's surely your prototype athletic "elusive" back, and his style of running fits in the Muskegon offense incredibly well. It's impressive enough when you can outrun a defense, but what sets Price apart is his ability to slither out of tackles with incredibly quick spin and juke moves. Behind a massive O-Line, Price has all the tools to succeed, and he's done well having earned multiple All-State honors. With that being said, don't expect Price to fall in the rankings at all. I'm expecting a huge senior season from Price, and perhaps another State Championship run.    #47 | [player_tooltip player_id='249806' first='Nakai' last='Amachree'] | 5'11 195 | Haslett   The Lansing Area is home to a ton of great 2024 Running Backs, and Nakai may lead the pack. Amachree absolutely broke out this season, totaling 1,668 all-purpose yards and 21 TDs. Largely because of his athleticism and return ability, he's gotten some Division 1 attention, and Michigan State seems especially interested. With that said, I think Nakai is a better return specialist than he is a Running Back right now, and this might warrant an "ATH" classification for him. Nakai is an incredible running back and one of the best in the state, but I'd still like to see him take a step up when it comes to explosiveness and shiftiness in the run game. Again, he's not bad in these areas at all, but he falls just short of being elite in these categories. It's also notable that Nakai is used as a weapon in the pass game, and has a ton of potential there.   If we're talking potential, Nakai may be top of the class.    #60 | [player_tooltip player_id='248816' first='Cash' last='Shaw'] | 5'10 170 | Chippewa Valley   From the jump, I'd like to say that I'll be changing Shaw's position to "ATH." His work on both sides of the ball warrants this change, as he's a great DB. Now for Cash as a Running Back, he's another elusive back with some serious speed. He's able to outrun opposing defenses in the open field and he has good elusiveness as well. I don't think he's an elite athlete just yet, but he has the tools to turn himself into that elite sparkplug I know he can be. For now, expect an ATH classification and little change in his ranking.    #72 | [player_tooltip player_id='323501' first='Cameron' last='Broadnax'] | 5'11 190 | River Rouge   Broadnax is a Running Back who I know tests very well, but I'm still waiting for him to put it all together on the field. Don't get me wrong, he's had some great moments and his highlights showcase those moments. He's a strong RB with good speed and vision. Though I'd like to see more elusiveness in the open field and fight for extra yards even when he's already made a chunk play. There are some instances where Cameron will follow his blocks and get 7+ yards down the field before being knocked down by the first tackler. Some work with fighting through contact and general elusiveness will go a long way for Broadnax. This is a great RB who's built very well and has high-tier potential and I'm confident that I'll see improvement from him next fall.

In a bit of a different style of article, I'll be reviewing the success of the current top 5 running backs in the class of 2024 prior to the rankings update later this month. This article will review performances and bring a bit of insight into where some prospects may be ranked in the future. It's obvious that the 2024 rankings are in need of a facelift, and this will simply preview what will be set in stone in a few weeks. Of course, there is still plenty of time for all Running Backs to improve their stock!