Running Backs Breaking Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So far we are seeing some impressive ground attacks at all levels and in all divisions. I have been surprised by the amount of backs that I hadn't heard of or expected to put up numbers that are tearing it up so far! This article is going to highlight some of the running backs that have not been highlighted much yet that are starting to put themselves firmly on the radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kyler Maiorana</strong>, <em>Parkway Christian- </em>Closing in on 1,000 yards already, and sitting at 14 TDs, Kyler has put on a clinic so far this season. He's a super steady back with good vision and the important ability to keep his pad level low and runs hard always. You don't have to worry about him finishing his runs, as that seems like a key trait of his. Kyler changes direction with ease and finds any seam he can to churn out yards. Keep an eye on him to continue this tear well into the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braden Elison, </strong><em>Columbia Central-</em> Braden is a speedy back with an impressive burst through the hole. At nearly 800 yards already, he is averaging 9.6 YPC already, and has broken double digits for TDs. He's a pure runner, and his ability to change direction is nice to see. He's well rounded, being able to run between the tackles or break outside. Hopefully colleges start really paying attention, since this isn't typically a heavily recruited school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620757' first='Brayden' last='Florian']</strong>, <em>Chesaning-</em> One of the biggest surprises of the season so far has been the emergence of Chesaning this season. A lot of the success this season can be tracked back to the way Brayden has been playing. Over 800 yards already this season, and tacking on 9 TDs, he has been fun to keep track of this season. He's a really versatile back. A lot of his highlights have shown the ability to make guys miss, and put his shoulder down and fight for yardage, sometimes in the same play. He is a little more of an improviser than some others on this list, but he really makes it work. Typically he isn't retreating, he's usually always getting downhill, but has the ability to make something happen when the play breaks down. He's one of my favorite backs that people aren't talking much about. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Doucette,</strong><em> Saugatuck- </em>Will is a really unique back compared to some of the others in this article, as it seems like a pure power RB/FB. He does most of his damage between the tackles in "The T" formation, and running some "Power I" fullback. He doesn't have blazing breakaway speed by any means, but he still has decent speed and agility, and runs like an ox. His highlights really showcase these traits, but also highlight a big piece of the pie as far as fullbacks go- he is a thumping blocker! I think he would be a nice piece at the next level for power runs and protection for the QB on dropbacks. Will needs more college attention, because he is definitely putting on a show this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1003301' first='Jacob' last='Bartlett']</strong>, <em>Standish Sterling Central-</em> Jacob is another interesting kid flying under the radar a little bit. I got to see him live this year in their loss to Ithaca, and Jacob was really the X- Factor for SSC even being in contention in that game. He just finds a way to gain yards, bounce off tackles, and find the end zone. The rest of his film looks like that performance is the norm, not an anomaly. He has a really good build for the next level at 6'0 and about 195. I could definitely see him catching on with someone at the next level so I really hope someone gives him that opportunity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->