Mid-Season Film Room: #TN2024 RB’s
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Back in the lab, looking over senior film, here we dive into the Running Backs. This crop of runners have depth but could be lacking the star power at the top, however you could easily find some hidden gems, including…
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Continue ReadingBack in the lab, looking over senior film, here we dive into the Running Backs. This crop of runners have depth but could be lacking the star power at the top, however you could easily find some hidden gems, including these guys below!
#TN2024 Senior Running Backs
A powerful runner with athleticism and great vision, McMahan is having a breakout senior year that has placed him on the recruiting map. The Blue Tornado running back has taken over the lead role at McCallie and seized that opportunity by running around and over opponents while showing desire and passion when carrying the football. This guy runs hard and when he gets steam behind his pads, McMahan is very tough to bring down on first contact. He’s not just a power runner either, the Chattanooga area offensive talent also shows excellent burst within his senior clips as well as the ability to work well in small spaces, among the mesh. McMahan is a finisher too, meaning he is strong in short yardage as well as dangerous near the end zone. UT-Martin has already offered and I expect several others to get involved very soon with this Blue Tornado talent. Current Stats: 146 carr. for 916 yds & 14 TD’s (6.3 ypc)
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Buzz had already been building for Dozier going into the Fall season and he is backing it up as this East TN back has rushed for over 600 yards thus far while also being a key playmaker on offense for a current 5-1 Oak Ridge squad. If my scouting is on point, Dozier should become one of the more sought after offensive recruits over the next few months as this 5’10 back can play and I think his best football is ahead of him. The Wildcats senior back is strong and well balanced with quick feet and excellent vision. Dozier also leans out when he runs, so he is always falling forward when taking on contact. His speed has increased as well, so when looking over current senior film, Dozier looks to have the full compliments of skills to make it into the college game.Current Stats: 104 carr. for 604 yds & 9 TD’s (6.4 ypc)
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Little film sits out there right now on Goins but I’ve seen enough clips as well as talked to opposing coaches about this East TN back to know the word is, he’s legit! A big back with good speed and natural athletic abilities, Goins brings tons of tools of the field that translate well to the next level along with the upside to become a #1 back in the college game. Besides being a downhill runner with good feet, Goins is also an excellent pass catcher that makes receiver-like moves in the open field. If the Dragons senior back can continue developing his pass blocking, Goins will have all three major traits that coaches like in a running back. His value is strong for the college game, so if this East TN back can continue to grow and mature, his future on the next level could be bright.
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A bigger back with tremendous natural athletic abilities, Williams is a talented young man that can do a variety of things on the football field that college coaches would enjoy developing. Playing this year with Melrose, Williams has stepped into a key role for the Golden Wildcats as a 1-2 punch with a junior at running back while also contributing out wide at receiver. Williams is that kind of talent with natural football abilities running through his veins. His best position for college will be running back but his ability to run routes and catch the ball makes Williams a valuable prospect for the college game. He will need to continue developing his body and learning the game but the talent is certainly there. Put this guy on the field and let his athletic abilities take over but as he matures and grows into himself, I think the best football could be ahead of him, so watch out!
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Going into the 2023 Fall football season, Perry was a prospect that could be recruited to college at either running back or linebacker and after looking over some senior clips, I feel this West TN talent is an offensive player with a bright future ahead carrying the football. Perry is a big dude with broad shoulders that will only get bigger as he continues to mature but he isn’t just power as this Owls runner brings athleticism and speed to the table as well. His combination of power and speed is something that presents problems for opposing defenses as he is tough to bring down, especially when he gains steam and gets into the open field. Perry can also catch out of the backfield but will need to continue developing his pass blocking on the next level. Overall, this is a good player that can become a featured back down the field with continued development and work.
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Don’t let this guy being at a D2-Class A private school make you think Wilson can’t play because he can and I personally think he can contribute on the Division 1 level due to his natural athletic abilities, feel for the game and speed seen on his current senior clips. This Murfreesboro area offensive playmaker brings a lot of strong traits to the backfield that can develop further on the next level as well as be used in a variety of ways. Wilson is a versatile prospect that could line up in the slot or even develop at safety if needed but I feel his upside sits best at running back where he can use his natural running abilities and speed to his advantage. He will need to continue adding weight as he moves forward but I think Wilson could be a guy to take a flier on and watch it pay off because the guy simply knows how to play football!Current Stats: (6 GMS) 65 carr. for 982 yds & 16 TD’s (15.1 ypc)
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Saleem has taken full advantage of his senior year up to this point as he sits as one of the top rushers in the greater Memphis area right now as well as boosted his recruiting stock. The Saints senior back is put on good weight and it shows on film. Saleem is tough to corral due to his lower base strength while also sporting quick feet and good speed to make him elusive from defenders. His ability to work well in small spaces then explode into the open field makes his running skills appealing. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield that will continue to develop that aspect of his game on the next level. Saleem also shows the upside and willingness to pass block, which is a valued trait by collegiate coaches. It will be curious to see where his recruitment goes over the next few months because I see upside in this back that could grow into a stud college player. Current Stats: 99 carr., 604 yds/4 rec. 51 yds, 8 total TD’s
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Sporting great size along with speed to get into the open field quickly, Cleaves is one of the more underrated backs still available from our #TN2024 class and someone that will rise in our next updated rankings. Going into his senior season, Cleaves was a guy who needed a big Fall season to boost his stock and so far, he is doing just that. Looking over his early senior clips, Cleaves displays excellent speed into the open field along with a powerful lower base that allows him to run through tackles. Once he finds a hole and open space, Cleaves doesn’t hesitate as he runs hard behind his pads, providing a big dude with the ball in his hands that defenders may not want to tackle. The Burros senior back does need to continue developing his skill set further, including catching the ball as well as his pass blocking. Purely running the ball is something Cleaves does well and if he continues to perform at a high level, more college coaches will look to get involved.
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One of the more hidden gems at running back for the #TN2024 class is this Nashville area prospect that brings several high quality athletic traits to his position that can be developed further by collegiate coaches. The first thing you recognize when looking over clips is his quick 1st step and burst out of the backfield. Mayernick can get to the second level quickly and once he breaks into the open field, he is tough to catch up with. He is more than just speed as Mayernick has good strength as well, especially in his lower base. The Lions senior runner can run through tackles while continuing to lean forward, so between his speed and power, Mayernick is an interesting talent worth taking a longer look into. Watching his progression the rest of the way will be intriguing to follow.
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A hidden gem from the greater Maury County area, McCoy is a multi talented back that brings several skills and traits to his position that translate well to the next level. First thing I notice when watching his senior clips is the balance McCoy brings to the field. He is a tad undersized but well built, so he is tough to grasp onto for defenders while sporting quick feet and a burst that makes him hard to slow down. McCoy is also a good receiver out of the backfield that can create yards after the catch. He will need to continue working on his pass blocking while also getting bigger but McCoy is an interesting talent that does everything efficiently, so I can see college upside residing in him. Current Stats: 118 carr. for 1,038 yds & 17 TD’s
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Other Ranking Risers: Tyler Wilson Tyler Wilson 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Lausanne | 2024 State TN – Lausanne, Dominick Hollis Dominick Hollis 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Summit | 2024 State TN – Summit, Carter Pace Carter Pace 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Ravenwood | 2024 TN – Ravenwood, Tyson Wolcott Tyson Wolcott 5'7" | 165 lbs | RB Friendship Christian | 2024 TN – FCS, D.J. Young D.J. Young 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Rossview | 2024 TN – Rossview, Sean Heath Sean Heath 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Lebanon | 2024 TN – Lebanon