2023 Kickoff Series: RB Preview

A look at five of the best returning RBs in the state before the 2023 season.   Continuing with the 2023 Kickoff Series we move onto the next position group that we'll be previewing before the 2023 season kicks-off - the running backs. While there are an incredible number of extremely gifted running backs in the state that will look to help their respective teams in pursuit of a state title, these were the five who I felt fans should focus on the most during the 2023 season. Let's get into it.   [player_tooltip player_id='251270' first='Xavier' last='Ramirez'], Roosevelt Roughriders (RB)(Sr.)(21) – Ramirez is, in my professional opinion, easily one of the top three RBs in the state and there is an argument to be made that he might be the best. While being the heartbeat of a Roosevelt offense that led the way to a 3A state championship in 2022, Ramirez accounted for a state-leading 2,124 yards rushing and 30 rushing touchdowns on 224 carries (9.5 YPC). Those are staggering numbers. Looking at the film from Ramirez's junior year, you can see Ramirez displays a combination of exceptional top-end foot speed, great change-of-direction, and good vision in the open field allow Ramirez to turn any carry into a touchdown or a big play. Extremely elusive runner in the open field that can find space quickly presenting a challenge for 2nd and 3rd level defenders to tackle in 1-on-1 situations in space. Displays good lateral agility when bouncing carries to the edge, making it difficult for slower defenders to set the edge. Shows a good ability as a receiver out of the back field, often creating a matchup problem with slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders because of his speed and change-of-direction. Ramirez is currently ranked the number 2 RB and the number 51 player overall in the class of 2024, which isn't surprising at all considering the type of season he had last year. Ramirez will look to have an even stronger year in his final season as a Roughrider in the team's pursuit of a second straight 3A state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='143632' first='Blake' last='Griffin'], Montrose Red Hawks (RB)(Sr.)(25) - For our first name that fans might not be familiar with; [player_tooltip player_id='143632' first='Blake' last='Griffin'], is a name that they should start following if they haven't already. During his junior season, Griffin was the only other tailback in the state whose production even came close to [player_tooltip player_id='251270' first='Xavier' last='Ramirez'], as he accounted for an eye-popping 2,061 yards rushing and 26 rushing touchdowns on 221 carries (9.33 YPC). Diving into the tape of Griffin's 2022 season, he immediately stands out as a well rounded back that can win against defenders in multiple ways. Displays great top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders in pursuit. Shows a highly explosive, one-cut running style that allows him to quickly race past the 2nd and 3rd levels of the defense if given enough space. Outstanding change-of-direction/lateral agility allow him to remain elusive in the open field when working against most defenders, while also allowing him to create yardage on plays that might otherwise be a loss. Displays good physicality on runs between the tackles and in situations that require him to drive his legs through contact to grind out tough yards. Excellent balance and lower body strength allow him to run through arm tackles and smaller defenders with little resistance. Displays great vision, consistently anticipating the running lanes that will be created as the play develops, allowing him to hit create chunk plays quickly if given daylight. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, routinely being a difficult cover for LBs and less athletic safeties in man coverage. Griffin is currently ranked the number 3 RB and the number 52 player overall for the class of 2022 which is certainly well-deserved given his tape, production, and frame (5'9, 190 lbs). After coming up short in the quarterfinal last year, Griffin will look to help the Hawks claim the 4A state title in 2023.   Isaiah Jones, Mesa Ridge Grizzlies (RB)(Sr.)(7) - Much like Griffin and Ramirez, Jones is a senior tailback who was the focal point of his team's offense in 2022. While Jones might not have had the incredibly dominant junior seasons that Ramirez and Griffin had, he was still easily one of the top tailbacks in the state as he accounted for 1,517 yards rushing and 16 rushing touchdowns on 209 carries (7.3 YPC). When you turn to the tape of Jones' 2022 season, you can see that Jones displays a highly physical and aggressive running style that doesn't shy away from contact and often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Big, strong, well-balanced ball carrier with a very strong core and lower body that allows him to power through smaller defenders and churn out tough yards in between the tackles with relative ease. Deceptively elusive and highly explosive ball carrier despite his larger frame (6'0, 205 lbs) that is a threat to take any carry the distance. Displays great overall athleticism and top-end foot speed, routinely pulling away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Shows good ability as a blocker in pass protection, consistently showing good force and the ability to anchor at the point-of-contact with a blitzing defender. Jones isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2024, which is pretty shocking considering the season he had last year on a very talented Mesa Ridge team. Jones has the frame, production, and tape that screams collegiate-level tailback and will look to make some more buzz on the recruiting trail in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='691219' first='Mason' last='Miller'], Pine Creek Eagles (RB/LB)(Sr.)(13) – Miller is another senior runner that will look to build on a strong junior season, but unlike the previous three tailbacks on this list, Miller is also a star on the defensive side of the football for the Eagles. However, for the sake of this piece, we'll just focus on his talents as a tailback. While helping lead Pine Creek to an appearance in the semifinals last year, he accounted for 1,311 yards rushing and 14 rushing touchdowns on 184 carries (7.1 YPC), cementing himself as the workhorse of the Eagles offense. Watching Miller's junior season on film, the first thing that jumps out to you is his size (6'2, 225 lbs), easily being the biggest player physically at the skill positions for the Eagles. His size compounding how incredibly physical he is as a ball carrier. Strong, powerful RB that often takes multiple defenders to bring him down, routinely pushing the pile for extra yards and being near impossible to tackle in 1-on-1 situations when he has a full head of steam. Strong lower body, core, upper body, and an ability to drive his legs through the run allow him to maintain force/momentum through the point-of-attack when making contact with the defender. Tough, downhill runner with a good, low pad level that gets the gotta-have-it plays in short yardage and goal-line situations. Tenacious, high-motor ball carrier that always seems to be falling forward after contact, showing outstanding balance and an ability to drive his legs to finish runs. Outstanding blocker out of the backfield in both pass and run-blocking situations, consistently being able to anchor against blitzing LBs when protecting the QB and moving defenders off the ball when serving as a lead blocker in the run game. Displays adequate top-end foot speed that allows him to outrun slower 2nd and 3rd-level defenders. Miller is currently ranked the number 3 athlete and the number 29 player overall in the class of 2024, which makes sense considering how dominant of a player he is on both sides of the ball and will look to continue being dominant in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='495439' first='Donavon' last='Vernon'], Grandview Wolves (RB)(Jr.)(35) – And finally, we close out our piece with the only junior tailback to take a spot on this list in [player_tooltip player_id='495439' first='Donavon' last='Vernon']. On an extremely talented Grandview team that made the playoffs in 2022, Vernon immediately established himself as a budding star and key contributor as only a sophomore, accounting for an impressive 1,123 yards rushing and 14 rushing touchdowns on 177 carries (6.3 YPC). When you look at the tape from Vernon's 2022 season, you can see he displays outstanding vision when running between the tackles or when working the boundary and finding running lanes at the 2nd and 3rd level of the defense. Strong lower body and a low center of gravity allow him to change direction on a dime and possess incredible lateral agility. Highly elusive ball carrier that is tough to get a hand on in the open field, routinely making multiple defenders miss when he's in space. Displays good explosiveness through the line and great top-end acceleration that make him a threat for a big play at almost any point in the game. Deceptively strong for his smaller stature (5'8, 180 lbs), routinely running through arm tackles on inside carries and holding his own when being asked to pass protect. Displays good top-end foot speed when he gets in space, consistently being able to outrun slower 2nd and 3rd-level defenders. Shows an aggressive running style with the ball, not shying away from contact with a defender and driving his legs through contact. Very smart RB that shows an understanding of how to set up blocks for his teammates, allowing him to gain more yards in space. Vernon is currently ranked the number 6 RB and the number 39 player overall for the class of 2025, with that ranking likely being higher with a strong junior season this year.

A look at five of the best returning RBs in the state before the 2023 season.