2024 Running Backs Ready to Make Their Mark

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic running back can do so much for a team. Not only do they elevate your running-game, but they can find ways to catapult the passing=game as well. Senior running backs can be the difference between a deep run in the state tournament and an early exit. Today, we are going to look at some of the best in the backfield in the Class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='152146' first='Jaden' last='Hart'], 6'1, 190 pounds, Michigan City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='152146' first='Jaden' last='Hart'] returns for his final year at Michigan City looking to build upon what has been a great career. Hart is a solid as a runner and a receiver. Hart is a reliable receiver who does a lot more than just safety valve stuff. He can be split out wide and run different routes. Whether as a receiver or runner, Hart is a playmaker anytime he has the ball in his hands. He has the shiftiness to find open room and make defenders miss. The versatility that he has would fit very well at the next level. If [player_tooltip player_id='152146' first='Jaden' last='Hart'] delivers the kind of season that he is capable of, his phone could be ringing quite a bit this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='190178' first='Porter' last='Rode'], 5'9, 195 pounds, Evansville Memorial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For all the dazzling plays we see running backs make, there are always times in the game when what the team needs is the runner to be physical. When the moment calls for it, [player_tooltip player_id='190178' first='Porter' last='Rode'] is not afraid to embrace contact and pick-up hard-earned yards. Every time Rode gets the ball he runs with purpose. Rode does a nice job of keeping his pad level low and running behind his pads, allowing him to rack up yards after contact. Rode carried the ball 181 times for a little over 1,123 rushing yards this past season. Rode had five games with 100 or more rushing yards. He ran for 13 touchdowns and added 175 receiving yards. So far, we have covered two phases. We might as well cover the third phase now. Rode handles punting duties as well. He punted 20 times for an average of just under 37 yards-per-punt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='189083' first='Josh' last='Ringer'], 6'1, 195 pounds, East Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='189083' first='Josh' last='Ringer'] is a prospect who is turning heads at East Central. To figure out why, just watch the tape. Ringer has the vision to spot the hole and even cut-back lanes. His physicality is difficult for opponents to deal with. Anybody that attempts to tackle him could be knocked backward. Ringer is durable and he makes picks up chunk yardage and keeps the chains moving. He racked up 2,368 yards on 282 carries last year. His incredible 2022 season including an astounding mark of 39 touchdown runs. Ringer topped the 100-yard mark 13 times. Ringer accounted for 320 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. [player_tooltip player_id='189083' first='Josh' last='Ringer'] is a dominant running back that needs to be watched by scouts and coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109617' first='Glenn' last='Patterson'], 6'0, 176 pounds, Lafayette Jefferson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking for a playmaker on offense and on special teams, Lafayette Jefferson's [player_tooltip player_id='109617' first='Glenn' last='Patterson'] could be the right fit. He can be a major contributor at running back and kickoff returner. A shifty runner, Patterson can put his foot in the ground and explode of that foot for quick and direction changes that can leave defenders in the dust. He can get outside quickly and turn the corner for big runs. This past season, Patterson rushed for 1,376 yards on 208 carries. While having ran for a baker's dozen of touchdowns, Patterson either hit or eclipsed 100 rushing yards a half-a-dozen times as a junior. Patterson also caught a touchdown pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109631' first='Grayson' last='Thomas'], 6'0, 187 pounds, New Palestine</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A running back having that elusiveness and wiggle in their game can cause defenses so many problems. With his ability to make defenders miss in tight space, [player_tooltip player_id='109631' first='Grayson' last='Thomas'] is exactly that for New Palestine. When running up the middle, Thomas is the guy to keep the offense moving. He follows his blocks well and keeps his blockers in good positions. When tacklers do get the opportunity, it is difficult to make the play because Thomas fights through contact regularly. He ran for over 1,500 in 2022 and topped 100 yards eight times. He ran for an outstanding 26 touchdowns during his junior year, and he will be looking to reach even greater heights as a senior. Thomas finished the season with over yards as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322418' first='Garrett' last='Sherrell'], 5'8, 180 pounds, Brownsburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322418' first='Garrett' last='Sherrell'] is Brownsburg's sparkplug. The Bulldogs put together a nice season in Class 6A in 2022. With Sherrell in the backfield, there should be a lot of optimism for the season ahead. Sherrell is looking for big things after a season that saw him rush for nearly 1,100 yards. 17 of his 180 carries saw him reach the end zone last year. He can be very effective out of the backfield. He caught 18 passes for 242 yards and a pair of touchdows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322411' first='Antonio' last='Harris'], 6'1, 175 pounds, Castle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An all-around offensive playmaker, Castle's [player_tooltip player_id='322411' first='Antonio' last='Harris'] has the potential to play both running back and wide receiver. Harris carried the ball 86 times. He rushed for just over 500 yards. But his ability to make plays in the passing-game makes Harris a prospect to watch closely. He snagged 20 receptions. His 315 receiving yards meant that he finished the year with nearly 16 yards-per-reception to go along with a trio of touchdown catches. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='322411' first='Antonio' last='Harris'] to put together a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->