Stars on the Horizon: Houston’s Top 2024 Running Backs
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As we prepare for the upcoming season in the next few months, the attention is on the players who can and will make impacts on the field, and ones we consider rising stars in the class of 2024. In this…
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Continue ReadingAs we prepare for the upcoming season in the next few months, the attention is on the players who can and will make impacts on the field, and ones we consider rising stars in the class of 2024. In this article we will be taking a look at some running backs in the area who fit that mold of rising stars and will have players who are already in that star tier. The players listed have their own thing that make them stand out, but one thing that they have in common is the ability to be game changers. The dudes can ball and we expect to see them shine even more for the senior years. These are just a few names to keep marked and ready to watch heading into the season.
Noah Allen-Cuellar
Noah Allen-Cuellar
Allen-Cuellar is a reliable back and one who excels in the zone running scheme. He finds and accelerates through the fits and is strong enough to fight through arm tackles. He knows how to get up the field and get the yards needed to keep the chains moving. Allen-Cuellar has the ability to break off big runs but does damage in getting 5-6 yards a pop and wearing a defense down. He will be looked to be a focal part of the Bridgeland offense once again and provide even more for next season.
A player who is excellent at accelerating and reaching another gear when hitting the second level and reaching the open field, Payne has shown to be a game changing back. The TCU commit has an effortless stride on his way to the end zone and is an overall talented athlete. Payne has the ability to stick one foot into the ground and is off to the races in a flash. He can make defenders miss in tight spaces and make them pay with his speed and quickness. When watching him, you will see what makes him a special player. Good things happen with the ball in his possession and it showed last season where he ran for 1,326 yards and 19 touchdowns. Payne has that “it” factor and a player you do not want to miss watching play.
Highlights
Avant was not only one of the best rushers in the area, but in the state. Avant ran for 1,794 yards and 27 touchdowns last season on 190 carries. He showed incredible explosion and burst into the open field combined with great vision and agility to free himself from defenders. Avant was patient in letting his blocks develop and was too strong to be taken down by a single defender. He possesses the break away speed to take it to the house which happened often and showed that he could take a game over and will his team to a win in clutch situations. The Golden Hurricane commit is a top name to follow for his senior year.
Jaylon Bell
Jaylon Bell
Bell is a do it all back who can be placed at any position and be effective. He is an agile back who shows great elusiveness in the open field and a player who knows how to navigate through his blocks. Bell is shifty and can surprise you with his strength. Near the goal line he will lower those pads and run through defenders. Bell is a dangerous player in space where he can make defenders look foolish grabbing at him. He has the awareness to know to make one move, and continue up the field to get the most yards possible. Bell’s ability to get free is something that makes him a player to continuously have eyes on. He’s a good back who can pop at any moment, and we expect to see much of it next season.
Tylik Burton
Tylik Burton
Burton knows how to put on a show when he has the ball in his possession. A quick, agile back who breaks tackles left and right, and knows how to maintain his balance on the way to big gains. Burton locates his running lanes and accelerates to the open field in a blink of an eye. Once he sees green grass in front of him, it is off to the races which usually ends up with 6 points on the board. Burton shows great vision and lets his skills do the rest of the talking. His ability to break through tackles, stay up, and reaccelerate makes him a game changer. It is a challenge to bring him down and the film shows it. Burton is primed for a great senior season and we will be watching.