Top Running Backs of 2023….so far

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines, Iowa – </strong>As we have two games left of the regular season there have been very impressive running backs throughout the state. The position is still very valuable and important to the game and many of these RBs have shown why. Today's article will present a list of the top Running Backs in the state so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*<em> List is subject to players from all classes and isn't in any particular order</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> *<em>List only includes players WHO are primarily running backs. 2-way and ATH will have separate lists.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='247944' first='Cason' last='Stevenson']</span></strong> - Nevada (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>123 carries, 9.3 yards per carry, 1143 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 1156 all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads 3A in rushing yards &amp; 2nd in APY</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sturdy back who runs with power and knows how to deliver contact </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One cut-type back that can be used as a bell-cow </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Understands O-line leverage </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Tyler Allgeier</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14862169/Cason-Stevenson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14862169/Cason-Stevenson</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='1123309' first='Javon' last='Sanders']</span></strong> - DSM Lincoln (Junior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>128 carries, 9.3 YPC, 1194 rushing yards,15 rushing touchdowns, 1213 all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads 5A in rushing yards, 2nd in touchdowns &amp; 3rd in all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explosive playmaking back </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Exceptional balance and body control when absorbing hits</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Threatening speed once he breaks the LOS</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ball carrier vision </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Arian Foster </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://wew.hudl.com/profile/18557356/Javon-Sanders">https://wew.hudl.com/profile/18557356/Javon-Sanders</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Ra'Shawd Davis</strong></span> - Dowling Catholic (Junior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>175 carries, 5.9 YPC, 1194 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 1266 all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gadget/Feature back</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dangerous in open space </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can be a factor in the passing game </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Patient runner who uses his blockers </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crafty athlete who knows how to be a playmaker </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Giovanni Bernard</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16180138/RaShawd-Davis">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16180138/RaShawd-Davis</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='320767' first='Brennan' last='Hayes']</span></strong> - Creston (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>119 carries, 8.8 YPC, 1042 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 653 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns, 1695 all-purpose yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads 3A in APY, 3rd in rushing yards &amp; 4th in receiving </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Swiss Army Knife type of player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Built enough to run between the tackles but has dangerous second-level speed </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Game changer in the passing game </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Aaron Jones</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13496522/Brennan-Hayes">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13496522/Brennan-Hayes</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='320866' first='Ben' last='Gordon']</span></strong> - Van Meter (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>118 carries, 9.3 YPC, 1099 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 1545 all-purpose yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2nd in 2A in both APY and rushing yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Feature back/Every down </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explosive - Bruiser-type runner who can outrun &amp; run through defenders but also make them miss</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A patient-instinctive runner who is a big play waiting to happen </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: David Montgomery </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14812855/Ben-Gordon">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14812855/Ben-Gordon</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Elijah Porter</span></strong> - Ankeny Centennial (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>89 carries, 9.0 YPC, 896 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, 928 all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>All-Around Back who can pretty much do anything </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has electrifying speed, change of direction, and brings his pads when he runs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Runs like he shot out of a cannon (Explosive Acceleration) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elusive when he gets into the perimeter or open space </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Kenneth Walker</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14876946/Elijah-Porter">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14876946/Elijah-Porter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='252235' first='Adrien' last='Robbins']</span></strong> - PCM (Junior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>184 carries, 8.0 YPC, 1472 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 1719 all-purpose yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads 2A in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, and rushing touchdowns. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elusive - Open Field back </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Works well in open field with exceptional change of direction </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shifty back who also possesses good speed that can change gears </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Tyjae Spears</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16625012/adrien-robbins">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16625012/adrien-robbins</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Grant Glausser </span></strong>- Western Dubuque (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>158 carries, 9.2 YPC, 1455 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 1672 all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Every down/Feature back who can change gears quickly </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ball carrier vision is exceptional</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Threat in the passing game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explosive Runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Tony Pollard</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16588882/Grant-Glausser">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16588882/Grant-Glausser</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Miles Parlet </span></strong>- Iowa City High (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>138 carries, 7.5 YPC, 1035 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 1172 all-purpose yards </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sturdy built back with exceptional speed</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Very patient within blocks </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A back who can carry the workload </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bruiser runner when need be </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3rd down back tendencies </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Javonte Williams</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14965253/Miles-Parlet">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14965253/Miles-Parlet</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Casey Kelley</strong></span> - Prarie (Senior)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>131 carries, 6.9 YPC, 909 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 1270 all-purpose yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads 5A in all-purpose yards </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scat-Back with open-field elusiveness </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Possesses good change of direction and can run away from defenders </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Vision and patience are exceptional </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Willing runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Playstyle: Miles Sanders </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14834426/Casey-Kelley">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14834426/Casey-Kelley</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Jaylon Brooks</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Urbandale</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16337662/Jaylon-Brooks">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16337662/Jaylon-Brooks</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='247943' first='CJ' last='Phillip'] </td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Southeast Polk</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Senior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12808768/Claude-Phillip">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12808768/Claude-Phillip</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1278885' first='Caden' last='Henkes']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ankeny </td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16518312/caden-henkes">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16518312/caden-henkes</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='401669' first='Daniel' last='Larmie']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ankeny</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sophomore</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16582940/Daniel-Larmie">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16582940/Daniel-Larmie</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1361107' first='Titan' last='Schmitt']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Clear Lake</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12790488/Titan-Schmitt">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12790488/Titan-Schmitt</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1286448' first='Michael' last='Bormann']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Walhert Catholic</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16029920/michael-bormann">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16029920/michael-bormann</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dakota Johnson</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Decorah</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Senior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14220663/Dakota-Johnson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14220663/Dakota-Johnson</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='247947' first='Eli' last='Rouse']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ballard</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Senior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14967861/Eli-Rouse">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14967861/Eli-Rouse</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='247950' first='Ty' last='Cozad']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Muscatine</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Senior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14761871/Ty-Cozad">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14761871/Ty-Cozad</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1278364' first='Jordan' last='Tate']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Davenport West</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16140988/Jordan-Tate">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16140988/Jordan-Tate</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Quinn Breitbach</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dubuque Hempstead</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16557791/quinn-breitbach">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16557791/quinn-breitbach</a></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1360057' first='Brody' last='Patlan']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lewis Central</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Junior</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18956896/brody-patlan">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18956896/brody-patlan</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table -->