Running backs to pop off around Wichita in 3A for 2023
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As impartial as I can be, running backs are my favorite position on the field. Seeing offenses run through the men standing beside or behind the quarterback just makes me smile. This is more and more common as the schools…
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Continue ReadingAs impartial as I can be, running backs are my favorite position on the field. Seeing offenses run through the men standing beside or behind the quarterback just makes me smile. This is more and more common as the schools become smaller it seems. Though it is not uncommon at the big schools, there is something about the small schools that just feel right. Throughout 3A Wichita, there are plenty of athletes at running back that are ready to show the city what they have been cooking this summer. Here are five backs that are keen to pop off this fall for their offenses.
Prosser is a steak that is ready to be taken off the grill. Being behind some incredible athletes at running back, Prosser was still able to get a few carries last fall for the Indians. Possibly being the greatest team in the state through all classes, it is not easy to steal carries in that RB room, but with Prosser’s speed and toughness he was able to do just that. He has the speed to maintain a gap between him and the defenders behind him, and does not get caught from behind often. He also run in straight lines, and does not complicate things by deviating much from that line. He will make one cut at the first or second level, then runs until he can’t anymore. Once he gets to the goal line though, that is when he seems to shine. He seems to thrive off of one-on-one matchups here with defensive backs, which allows him to put his shoulder down. This should be his first year as the workhorse for Andale as a senior. He has not put up tons of film so it will could be interesting to see what he can do with a full game load.
Brayden Dibble
Brayden Dibble
What happens when you take a gazelle and you put it in pads? You get Brayden Dibble. Dibble has one of the prettiest strides I have ever seen. He doesn’t look like he is trying at all, yet just galloping past safeties. He is a scat back that loves to catch passes out of the backfield, as well as lining up in the slot at times. He has great hands which allow him to pull down sidelines catches, as well as the focus to snag balls in traffic. His elusiveness is something to be desired, but he will run through arm tackles like a knife through butter. Though the power run is not fully under his belt, he still runs hard and falls forward most of the time. He stays patient behind the line and always looks to try and bounce runs to the outside. Cheney was a good team that only lost two regular season games last one. One to the 2A state runner-ups (Kingman), and one to the best team in the state through all classes (Andale). With Dibble in the backfield, there is no reason Cheney cannot replicate the success that they showcased last fall.
Weston Burford
Weston Burford
Burford is one of the guys who I was to see more film on the most. Hudl.com has Weston at only 5’11 and 200 lbs., but I do not believe that at all. Weston Burford looks like a man amongst boys on the field. He is very strong and runs the ball with great anger. His stride is slow and long, and his speed is not going to find him in the open field often. What Burford does best though is play in the box and thrive within that “three yards and a cloud of dust.” Clearwater is coming into the year with several questions, biggest being the head coaching change this offseason. Overall I think this Indians team has the capacity to rally behind seniors such as Weston Burford and improve a ton on that 3-6 campaign from 2022.
Gracen Fisher Gracen Fisher 5’10” | 195 lbs | RB Trinity | 2024 State KS is a bad man. Plain and simple. The way Fisher plays the running back position is perfect for the direction modern football is headed. With his alright speed but great quickness, Fisher has the ability to stretch the defense with the best of them. His legs are not the strongest, but he always keeps them churning and finds himself falling forward with every carry he has. His balance is also fantastic. When Trinity does not put Gracen in the backfield, he lines up in the slot where he catches medium distance routes well. He has great hands, but has a tendency to catch some passes with his pads and chest rather than stretch out his arms for the ball. The most underrated part about his game most of all is his fearlessness while on the field. Although he is not the biggest guy, Fisher will not hesitate to put himself in front of blitzing ends during passes or put his shoulder down in order to gain an extra yard or two. Whether or not it works, he is always willing to fight. He may not make the game breaking play, but he is always good to get you first downs at any point.
Tre Black
Tre Black
Another back on one of the best teams in the area, Tre Black offers a look out of the backfield not many teams can replicate. Lining up most at the slotback, Black has great hands out of the backfield and good focus while pulling in passes. He also shows off great speed when fighting for yards after catch as well as on the punt return unit. What impresses me the most about Tre’s game though is his elusiveness. This man is hard to hit square if you’re able to hit him at all. He plants his foot very hard into the turf and can change direction on a dime. He seems to thrive when guys are around him so that he can change directions quickly over and over until he has everyone falling over themselves. Another player that has all of the tools to put defenses in shambles across the metro, all he needs is the ball and the opportunity.