Returning SEKY Running Backs Promising to Elevate in 2023
The demands and most desired traits related to the running back position have evolved along with the refinement of new and varied offensive systems, so it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that a look at southeastern Kentucky’s top returning…
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Continue ReadingThe demands and most desired traits related to the running back position have evolved along with the refinement of new and varied offensive systems, so it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that a look at southeastern Kentucky’s top returning ball carriers for 2023 offers up a little bit of everything. We have returning 1,000-yard rushers hoping to set the bar even higher this season and sophomores poised to take their next developmental step after breakout freshman seasons. We have solid runners who also can hurt defenses with their pass-catching abilities and we have emerging talents returning from successful but injury-hampered junior seasons. Most importantly, however, we have an exciting, hungry and talented collective of running backs very likely to enjoy highly productive and memorable bodies of work this fall:
Lucas Allen
Lucas Allen
In 2022 Allen proved himself a valuable and reliable contributor to the Tigers’ spread offense and 50-50 run-pass attack, with 163 carries for 792 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns in 11 games, alongside 12 catches for 197 yards and an additional touchdown receiving. While he demonstrates sufficient speed and elusiveness to threaten defenses on perimeter runs, his most noteworthy skill is his ability to press the line of scrimmage quickly and cut/redirect to daylight without wasting steps or losing speed. Likewise, he clearly displays an understanding of the intended points of attack on those plays comprising the Tigers’ base runs package, and he has the rare ability to position himself behind blockers in relation to nearest defenders–a trait confirming both trust in his teammates and patience for designed plays to develop. A two-way starter, Allen also collected 18 solo tackles, 32 assists and 4 tackles for loss defensively.
Elijah Gayheart
Elijah Gayheart
After the first four games of the 2022 season, Gayheart had just completed a 215 yard rushing performance and was averaging 16 carries and 105 yards per game. Perhaps not coincidentally, his Commodores also were undefeated and generating quite a bit of buzz among the region’s followers. Alas, as injuries and the toughest portions of of the district schedule began to take their tolls, fortunes took a downward turn and ultimately, in 8 games played, he finished with 497 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns on 85 carries, along with 62 yards on 5 receptions. Fortunately, Gayheart now returns for his senior season healthier and with a new slate of opportunities to erase some of last season’s latter disappointments. In addition to his hard nosed, inside running style and forward lean, he also displays deceptive speed and elusiveness on the perimeter along with the vision and anticipation to locate and exploit creases in defensive pursuit.
Thomas Jordan
Thomas Jordan
Jordan returns for his senior campaign with easily one of the most impressive stat lines of any running back in this part of the state. Over 11 games in 2022, he generated 1044 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on 145 carries and an impressive 7.2 yards per carry average. Primarily, his running style employs a quick, downhill burst that puts him on the line of scrimmage quickly, and his ability to change directions without any discernible loss of acceleration often gets him onto the second level of defenses before linebackers have reacted. Likewise, his forward lean and pad level rarely give defenders the opportunity to square up and completely cover him up on tackles, and his somewhat deceptive speed often turns good gains into touchdowns if/when defenders make a technical mistake or misjudge their pursuit angles.
Dalton Maggard
Dalton Maggard
Maggard exhibits the skill set and durability to serve as a very highly functioning lone back in the Eagles’ customary spread, four-wide offensive system. In 11 total 2022 contests, he gained 594 yards and scored 4 touchdowns on 88 carries, for an impressive average of 6.8 yards per carry, and as a receiver out of the backfield, he collect 11 touches for 169 yards and another 3 scores. While he possesses sufficient speed to threaten the defensive perimeter, his inside running generates positive yardage most reliably due to his forward lean and the patience necessary to allow running lanes to develop, particularly on counters and misdirection. Likewise, his ability and effort as a blocker ensure his offensive value and impact in all conceivable game situations.
Shane Parker
Shane Parker
Fans would be hard pressed to find another running back returning from a freshman season with more impressive numbers than those compiled by Parker in 2022. Playing in all 11 games for the Colonels, he finished with 859 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 120 carries for an average of 7.2 yards per carry. In addition, he compiled another 14 touches via pass receptions for 453 yards and 4 more touchdowns…and yes, that’s an average of over 32 yards per reception! Beyond his considerable quickness and durability, Parker also exhibits some of the finer skills most likely to propel him to even more productive campaigns in the future. In particular, his willingness to block with high effort and good body positioning, his change-of-direction speed and his route-running ensure that he can make positive contributions offensively in a variety of ways. And as opponents increasingly scheme to limit the ground-game successes of this talented young player, it’s exciting to see other facets of his game already emerging.