2025: Slippery Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be an elite running back, you must possess elite speed and quickly react to what's happening in front of you. These five players may have just been Sophomores a season ago, but that didn't stop them from making game-changing plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698326' first='Travis' last='Hoopes'] || RB || 5'7 || 150 || Farmington High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong><br>Hoopes shined in the Phoenix's offense. His elite vision helped him find creases few other running backs in the state would have been able to see. He quickly changes direction and displays elite body control that helps him stay up. Hoopes trusts his blockers and only bounces runs to the outside when necessary. He's tough between the tackles and makes sharp cuts to avoid defenders. Hoopes is also a strong receiver out of the backfield, where he runs good routes and is difficult to take down in the open field. Hoopes and the Phoenix should have another outstanding rushing attack this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705843' first='Connor' last='Kistler'] || RB || 5'11 || 175 || Westlake High School || 2025</strong><br>One of the most underrated qualities a successful running back can have is determination. The belief that no matter who or what stands against you, you're going to find a way to move the chains and eventually score. Kistler understands this mindset and displays it every time he takes the field. He fights for every yard and is tough to tackle. Kistler doesn't skip leg day, and it pays off as he drags defenders for extra yards. In addition, the Thunder running back displays good speed and decision-making with every carry he gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698334' first='Tytan' last='Mason'] || RB || 5'10 || 200 || Deseret Hills High School || 2025</strong><br>Mason has the special ability to make something out of nothing. On several occasions throughout the season, he seemed trapped and always found a way to get positive yards. He can make quick cuts that help him break away from linebackers and defensive linemen that break into the backfield. Mason quickly reacts to chaos and displays exceptional footwork as he jukes out the defender. In addition, he displays outstanding strength that allows him to stiff-arm defenders and break out of tackles. Mason plays both ways but never wears down, no matter how many carries he gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698337' first='Jett' last='Salmon'] || RB || 5'11 || 175 || Morgan High School ||| 2025</strong><br>Salmon is a home run back who can score whenever he touches the ball. His elite breakaway speed allows him to separate from defenders even when they seem to have an angle. In addition, Salmon displays excellent body control down the sideline and shines in the passing game. In addition to his elite rushing skills, Salom is also a strong receiver out of the backfield. He is especially effective in the screen game, where he does a great job following his blockers and is tough to track down in the open field. Salmon is an elite playmaker who undoubtedly has more big plays in his future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698543' first='McCord' last='Christiansen'] || RB || 5'10 || 185 || Crimson Cliffs High School || 2025</strong><br>Christiansen impresses with elite speed and his ability to bounce off tacklers and stay up. He explodes through holes at a blistering fast pace. Christiansen possesses good vision and does a great job finding cutback lanes. He runs hard on every carry, and defenders have a hard time catching him from behind. In addition, he's an elite three-down back who can shred defenses in the running and pass game. In the open field, defenses struggle to get a hand on him as he flies around the turf. He refuses to be denied in the red zone and will no doubt cross the goal line plenty more in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->