Show-Me State Superstars: 2024 RBs
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As I close out my 2024 evaluations, I am excited to see what Missouri’s finest running backs do in their last year of high school football. There are some talented playmakers in the 2024 class and these five runners are…
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Continue ReadingAs I close out my 2024 evaluations, I am excited to see what Missouri’s finest running backs do in their last year of high school football. There are some talented playmakers in the 2024 class and these five runners are near the top of the list. Below, I detail why these prospects are the most sought after in Missouri.
Quin Renfro Quin Renfro 6’0″ | 175 lbs | RB Joplin | 2024 State MO returns in 2023 ready to lead the ground attack for a talented Joplin offense. Quin holds offers from SEMO, Northern Iowa, and South Dakota State. Look for more schools in those conferences to offer Quin before the summer is up,
Quin shows good vision cutting back on disrupted outside zone runs. Good patience shows following pullers and letting blocks develop, while next level burst allows Quin to escape through creases and into the open field. Quin shows the lateral explosiveness to escape and create on the edges at the next level. Good feet, balance, size, and decisiveness bodes well for Quin’s potential to be a feature back in college.
Highlights
Zakaylen Jones
Zakaylen Jones
Zakaylen Jones is a talented three-sport athlete out of Lafayette High School. Zakaylen received his first offer from Northern Iowa earlier this year. He also was invited to a junior day at the University of Central Missouri. Whether catching or running the ball, watch for Zakayflen’s playmaking abilities to earn him more offers in the region before his graduation date approaches.
Zakaylen shows next level acceleration exploding through the second level as a ball carrying wildcat quarterback. Lightning quickness gets displayed shaking defensive backs in the open field, while Zakaylen’s toughness and good balance shows upon contact. Good vision and elusiveness shows in Zakaylen’s highlight reel possessions as a punt returner; Solid hands, adjustment ability, and return value highlight Zakaylen’s playmaking versatility at the next level.
Marquis Gleghorn
Marquis Gleghorn
Marquis Gleghorn may be the most underrated offensive skill player in St. Louis. Although I was surprised to see Marquis’ Twitter account so quiet, I was happy to see he holds one offer from the University of Northern Iowa. Expect Marquis’s recruitment to heat up as he builds off his 1000-yard junior season this fall.
Marquis’ rare combo of burst and elusiveness shows slicing through traffic at the second level. Good balance and body control shows in Marquis’ footwork near the sidelines. Patience shows behind the line of scrimmage, but good instincts and creativity allow Marquis to slide through all the right creases when the point of attack is disrupted. Explosiveness and run after catch ability shown on touchdown scoring bubble screens are a preview of Marquis’ playmaking ability we will see in college.
Bleyne Bryant Bleyne Bryant 6’2″ | 190 lbs | ATH Bowling Green | 2024 State MO is near the top of my list for two different positions. I am sure there are coaches around the Great Plains and Midwest who are struggling to project where the talented prospect lines up at in college. Regardless of what position he plays, expect Bleyne to be an impact player sooner rather than later at whatever campus he ends up on.
Bleyne’s vision shows finding creases to the outside after hitting a crowded line of scrimmage in iso runs. Strength and balance show fighting through contact on crowded inside runs to turn average runs into chunk plays. Offensive coordinators will be impressed with Bleyne’s tracking ability and athleticism shown adjusting at the catchpoint. Long speed shows as a ball carrier but also blazing down the field on kickoff coverage.
Highlights
Aneyas Williams Aneyas Williams 5’10” | 195 lbs | ATH Hannibal | 2024 State MO is hands down the best running back in Missouri’s 2024 class. He has been committed to Notre Dame since December of 2022. As a nationally renowned running back, we will be sure to hear more about Aneyas as 2024 approaches. Expect his rushing dominance to continue this fall for Hannibal’s offense.
Aneyas’ size and speed shown separating from smaller defenders down the sidelines for rushing touchdowns highlights his RB1 projection. Aneyas’ balance and strength show consistently staying upright through contact as more than one defender fails to bring him down. A rare combination of quickness, power, and elusiveness gets displayed beating defenders in numerous ways in the open field. Route running experience, separation ability, and adjustment ability at the catchpoint highlight Aneyas’ pass-catching potential in college.