Running Back Standouts From The Prep Redzone Indiana Showcase

<p>We're hitting the running back group specifically today, and highlighting some of the backs who really stood out for 1 reason or another.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='758953' first='Slade' last='Fell'] - Northview - RB - 6'2" 180lbs - 2026</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/16-Slade-Fell-1-crop-3392x2228-1684251395.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826769" width="322" height="211" /></figure>   <p>Fell looks as good as he's listed. He's the cover for this article to give you an even better idea of the size of back, and quality of athlete, we have in Fell. A big, powerful, yet dynamic back who really had a great freshman year. While developing and competing to be a Varsity back, he had moments of success. At the camp, he posted an average 40-yard dash time. Nothing outlandish, but nothing slow. Respectable, especially for his size. He asked me after the camp to break him down a bit more on where to improve, and highlight mainly areas that he could work on, so this section is going to be a bit negative sounding, but it's not meant to be at all. I thought he had a fantastic day and is going to be a fantastic back down the road.</p>   <p>When doing drill work, throttle it down some. Focus more on footwork, eyes up, and mechanics. There were times Fell would go a bit too fast and start leaning over his frame. Keep the ball high and tight. There are times, especially when trying a cut/juke move, the ball can get away from his body. Work more on cutting inside should width and not over extending the knee, and keeping it in line with his ankle. 45s cone drill where you plan right at the cone and explode out 45 degrees is a great drill to work on that with. Similar thing on the tape, run behind the pads a bit more. Lastly, the thing I tell all my RBs, and do myself, is to stretch every night before bed. Just 5 minutes of simple stretches. Not only does it make sure you're working on flexibility, but it can also trick your body into thinking you just worked out, putting you into a deeper REM, giving you better sleep. It also helps get rid of that "restless leg syndrome", that at least plagued my life until I started stretching at bedtime. With these few specific things to work on this summer, it could really help take Fell's game to the next level. He's big, checks a lot of boxes in the intangibles department, and really does look good in between the tackles. With 3 more years of development for Fell on the horizon, it could leave him as one of Indiana's brightest recruits in the 2026 class as a whole.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@SladeFell</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401659' first='Sam' last='Manna'] - Zionsville - RB - 5'7" 180lbs - 2026</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/23-Sam-Manna-1-crop-3392x2228-1684253628.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826815" width="320" height="210" /></figure>   <p>Manna looked absolutely fantastic. In the past year, his physical development has been right on par with what you want. He's taller, put muscle on, and still growing. He had a minor femur fracture that cut his season short, but he's full-go and had no limitations at this camp. He's still getting his full endurance back, but his footwork is smoother and consistent. He did a good job keeping eyes up and trusting his footwork during drill work. The 1 on 1's were good to him as well. He's a versatile RB and was able to win out of the backfield and in the slot to make some plays when he got his reps. An overall solid showing from one of Indiana's younger upcoming backs.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@SamManna32</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='268734' first='Noah' last='Boutsomsy'] - Penn - RB - 5'3" 155lbs - 2025</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/22-Noah-Boutsomsy-1-crop-3392x2228-1684254606.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826892" width="337" height="221" /></figure>   <p>Boutsomsy is always on a football field, and is one of the smoothest operators once he when he gets on that field. His footwork is incredibly quick, his eyes are up, and he's got great burst. There are certain drills with footwork that he makes look easy. He runs it, and then the guy behind him looks slow and sloppy, just because the guy in front of him was so quick and smooth. Boutsomsy isn't just a great tester, but he's as dynamic and versatile on the field as you'd hope. 1 on 1s and getting open is where he has the most fun. He's able to change direction and leave defenders sliding on ice, without losing much speed of his own. Another stellar showing from one of the hardest working RBs in the state.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@NBoutsomsy</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='706224' first='Derek' last='Sherwood'] - Northridge - RB - 5'10" 190lbs - 2025</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/2-Derek-Sherwood-1-crop-3392x2228-1684255378.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826907" width="335" height="220" /></figure>   <p>Sherwood's day was decent from the gate. A decent day in testing, along with being one of the leaders in terms of quality of drill work, left him towards the top of RB performances. He's a bigger back than you anticipate, and does a good job running with proper pad level and keeping the ball high and tight. A powerful back who can handle the workload in between the tackles. Being set to be a part of a 2-headed monster in the backfield this fall with 2 more years of development left, this all leaves Sherwood in a great spot long term.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@DerekSherwood32</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='539975' first='Wyatt' last='Crawford'] - Scottsburg - RB - 5'10" 205lbs - 2024</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/6-Wyatt-Crawford-1-1-crop-3392x2228-1684257103.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826935" width="346" height="227" /></figure>   <p>Crawford was arguably the most physically impressive looking back there this weekend. He's well built, thick, and seems like he could handle a big workload. Broad shoulders and thick thighs really help make a lot of 1 on 1 hits go in his favor. He looks even better when he's in pads and the carrying the rock. A natural stride, sees the field well, and can run in between the tackles, yet can bounce it to the outside if needed. He looked good on Saturday, and heads into his Senior year with the opportunity to have a much bigger role and show what all he's capable of.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@WyattCrawford5</strong></p>

We're hitting the running back group specifically today, and highlighting some of the backs who really stood out for 1 reason or another.