Oregon 2024 Under the Radar: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oregon has plenty of high school football players who are not getting the attention they deserve, and that is why I wanted to start this under the radar series. We have covered offensive and defensive linemen, but it is time to cover some skilled positions. This week I have looked at some running backs that I feel should be getting more love on the recruiting front. These are also players I expect to have a great senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"First is [player_tooltip player_id='278432' first='Sam' last='Stephens'] from the defending 5A state champions Summit High School. Sam is a player that is only under the radar due to his size because the production is off the charts. Sam finished the season with 1,515 yards and 19 touchdowns, breaking the school record for rushing yards in a single season. He is also just 15 yards away from breaking the school's career rushing yards record. Sam is a very elusive speedster who can easily make guys miss. There were multiple instances of him making multiple defenders miss and then accelerating past everyone to score. I also have to mention that he also showed flashes of being a threat in the passing game, which will be vital in his development. I cannot wait to see what kind of senior season Sam has.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["336759"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Next is [player_tooltip player_id='336759' first='Anthony' last='Vestal'] from South Salem High School. After watching the tape, I couldn't help but get excited about his burst. He looked as if he gets catapulted through the line of scrimmage on some plays. A part of that is because of his athleticism, but it is also because of his vision and ability to find a hole and fully commit to running through it. He is not interested in staying back and finding a gap; he will get that ball and go. I was also pleased with his flashes of being a pass catcher at the running back position.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["152359"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Now, we have [player_tooltip player_id='152359' first='Zavier' last='Russell'] from Lake Oswego High School. Zavier transferred from Jefferson High School to Lake Oswego this past season and was a very good player during his limited playing time. Zavier will have a much more significant role this season as Air Force commit [player_tooltip player_id='270070' first='Calvin' last='Macy'] is no longer with the Lakers. Zavier is a great combination of size, speed, and power at the running back position. Although the production was limited this past season, a player with as much talent as Zavier is destined to succeed during his senior season with a great Lake Oswego team.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["738727"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Up next is [player_tooltip player_id='738727' first='Logan' last='Whitlock'] from Henley High School. Logan is an undersized back who is very athletic. The thing that stood out to me was Logan's elusiveness; it looked like he made the first guy miss just about every time. Logan has a great jump cut and even showed off a good-looking spin move, too. Another impressive trait Logan possesses excellent vision; he knows exactly when to cut up and accelerate through a gap and when to cut back and take the play outside. He made a lot of plays out of nothing. I am intrigued to see what Logan looks like during his senior year.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["209680"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Lastly, we have [player_tooltip player_id='209680' first='Zach' last='Smith'] from Dayton High School. Zach should be the guy if a college team needs or wants a power back. Zach is a mean runner who looks like he is only satisfied with a play if he scores or runs somebody over. He is a tough kid. Zach is also a great linebacker and could easily get recruited for his defensive skills, but seeing him run through people at the running back position got me too excited, not to mention him as a running back prospect. I believe Zach will build off a great junior year and have a tremendous senior season next year, and I will be interested to see what schools come calling for his services after high school.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","fullHeight":false,"anchor":"acf-block-644c2a3c9128d"} /-->