Sizing up the Tier 1 C/O 2024 Running Backs

<p>The top 6 Running Backs in the Class of 2024 are quite clear to me. These 6 backs have successfully proven to everyone that they are the elite backs in this class and that just about every one of these guys should play D1 ball. My evaluations on some of these guys are quite close, and these are six guys with very different playstyles. Enjoy the analysis! </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='253269' first='Billy' last='Roberson II'] | Lake Orion | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15104131/Billy-Roberson-II/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 10 Games | 167 rushes | 1265 Rush Yds | 7.6YPC | 126.5 YPG | 15TDs</p>   <p>Billy dominated the brutally difficult OAA Red last season, sporting his ability as a great bellcow running back. He's the best, most balanced running back in this class. His ability to shake defenders at the second level, outrun DBs in the open field, and fight for extra yards during contact is stellar. For comparison, Donovan Edwards totaled 125.2 rush yards/game through 12 games playing in the same OAA Red. Although Billy lacks a lot of truly elite traits, I don't think he has any clear weaknesses, which paints a great picture for the road ahead. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='667472' first='Brock' last='Townsend'] | Caledonia | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14514281/Brock-Townsend/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 14 Games | 1469 AP Yards | 6.9YPC | 104.9 YPG | 23TDs </p>   <p>Brock was a phenomenal player for Caledonia last season, and he's a notorious offseason grinder. He's an all-around back who's proven to be a great elusive back in 1st/2nd and long situations while catching the ball out of the backfield pretty well. In my view, Brock could also be a borderline D1 safety as well, as he posted 5 interceptions last Fall. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nakai Amacchree | Haslett | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14485786/Nakai-Amachree/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 10 Games | 1668 AP Yds | 920 Rush Yds | 203 Rec Yds | 545 Return Yds | 21 total TDs </p>   <p>This was a player who exploded into the D1 recruiting scene just under a year ago after his excellent kick-returning performance against DeWitt. He's proven to be one of if not the best elusive "speedy" RB in this class. Though, he's surely proven he's the best return man. As you can probably guess from his stats, Nakai is an elite return man. As for his running, I love the speed though I do think he can improve on his vision and open-field ability, specifically when running out of the backfield. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='241282' first='Jake' last='Price'] | Muskegon | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15282156/Jakob-Price/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 14 Games | 1051 Yds | 7 YPC | 16 TDs </p>   <p>Straight up- Jake is the most athletic RB I've seen in person from this class. He's a D'Andre Swift-type RB with insane athleticism. I've seen Jake on multiple occasions, but the two that stand out were at the 2022 State Championship against King and last week at the Ferris St. prospect camp. Last week at camp, he looked very focused during agility drills where he had to think on his feet. In addition, he won every 1v1 rep I watched. Very fast-twitch guy who should be poised for a great 2023 season with a creative scheme and elite O-Line. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='368031' first='Devon' last='Pettus'] | Canton | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14863078/Devon-Pettus/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 9 Games | 1045 Yds | 7.6YPC | 9TDs</p>   <p>I've heard Devon's name from time to time for quite a while now, but it was just a few months ago I really looked into him. What I can tell from his film is that he's going to give you his all on every single down. He runs angry, determined, and relatively under control. Once he's in the open field, he can make guys miss. He's actually insanely athletic for his 6'1 225lb frame. A few Division II schools have offered such as GVSU, and Central Michigan sent over a PWO. I personally think Devon should be a MAC lock, and if he does end up going DII, he'll be incredible. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='533709' first='Kellen' last='Russell-Dixon'] | GR Catholic Central | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14434569/Kellen-RussellDixon/about">Hudl</a></h2>   <p>STATS: 13 Games | 1633 Yds | 9.6 YPC | 17TDs</p>   <p>A week ago I would've said Kellen is the most underrated back in the 2024 class, but he's since received offers from Butler and Ferris St. Kellen absolutely dominates the competition that CC faces. He's another guy that I can't pinpoint any true weaknesses for, as he's solid at everything he's asked to do. He hits his holes hard, sports good vision, keeps his feet moving through all contact, and runs clean routes. Kellen has true D1 upside and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can continue to do in CC's high-powered offense. </p>

The top 6 Running Backs in the Class of 2024 are quite clear to me. These 6 backs have successfully proven to everyone that they are the elite backs in this class and that just about every one of these guys should play D1 ball. My evaluations on some of these guys are quite close, and these are six guys with very different playstyles. Enjoy the analysis!