2024 Rankings Risers: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we prepare for our next Prep Redzone Rankings release, we wanted to preview a few of the state's top running backs in the class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406997' first='Tevita' last='Valeti'] || RB || 6'0 || 195 || Springville High School || 2024 </strong><br>After leading the state in rushing yards as a junior in 2022, Valeti remains our top running back as we head into the 2023 season. He can go through or around defenders play after play. Valeti possesses exceptional vision and elite contact balance he uses to maximize each carry. Even when it looks like there is nowhere to go, Valet finds a way to break tackles or make defenders miss in order to keep the chains moving. Valeti will once again be powering through tackles as he scores a plethora of touchdowns this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532689' first='Semisi' last='Kinikini'] || RB || 5'9 || 185 || Mountain Ridge High School || 2024 </strong><br>Kinikini continued to rack up yards at a high level from his first game to his last. The Sentinels star running back possesses game-changing speed. When he finds a crease, he explodes through it and separates from defenders with his elite acceleration. Kinikini's quick feet allow him to make linebackers and defensive linemen miss even when they break into the backfield early. He's a true three-down back who can make plays in the passing game. Kinikin will once again shred defenses week after week in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681219' first='Nate' last='Kitchen'] || RB || 5'8 || 190 || Copper Hills High School || 2024 </strong><br>Kitchens was the heart and soul of the Grizzle's offense, and when you turn on the tape, it's easy to see why. He runs hard every time he touches the rock and routinely breaks tackles because of it. His combination of elite vision and lower body strength spells disaster for every defense, with the unfortunate task of tackling him play after play. Kitchens only get stronger as games wear on. He can beat linebackers to the outside and does an excellent job following his blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532684' first='Kyron' last='Bracken'] || RB || 6'2 || 190 || Enterprise High School || 2024 </strong><br>Bracken is a powerful back who strikes fire into defenses from the moment he takes the field. His long strides help him create separation on long runs. Bracken can go through or around defenders. He excels in pass protection and can get out in the open field and make plays in the passing game. Bracken is rarely brought down by one defender and, in short-yardage or goal-line situations, can be trusted to get the necessary yards. His stiff arm is as imposing as you will find from any running back in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->