My Top 5 RB Performers Of 2023
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In this series I’m going to highlight 5 players at each position I got to see this season. This installment is going to be focusing on the running backs I witnessed this season, and who stood out as some of…
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Continue ReadingIn this series I’m going to highlight 5 players at each position I got to see this season. This installment is going to be focusing on the running backs I witnessed this season, and who stood out as some of the top performers.
Kellen is an absolutely electric back who by all accounts is a student of the game. Whenever the team needed to put the game away he was a reliable source of yardage to pick up first down after first down. He has great balance, and doesn’t go down on first contact. He’s a natural runner who has a low center of gravity and a great burst of speed. He has gone to town in the weight room and it has shown up on the field in a big way! I’m very excited to see what he can do at Grand Valley because I think he has the potential to be one of the best backs in the GLIAC in a hurry.
Highlights
AJ is a major home run hitter. Any carry he gets could go the distance. I really like the ability to catch the ball or run the ball. Anything you want to do to get him touches, he’s there for it. He’s super shifty and athletic, with a burst to the second level that is nearly unmatched. When he gets out in space, this dude is as good as it gets. His sudden change in direction is amazing, and stresses the defense out. If defenses don’t stay home, AJ makes them pay pretty consistently. He’s a can’t miss talent that will inevitably be a stud at the D1 level.
Adams had one of the best performances of the weekend during state finals. Going for 175 was crazy enough, but the way in which he did it just made it even better. This dude was running through and around defenders all day, averaging nearly 10 YPC. He runs angry, he’s extremely physical, and falls forward on every carry. I’m expecting him to really take off as one of the best backs in the state next season if this year is any indication.
Eli Graves
Eli Graves
Eli really showed out and put himself on the map during the state finals. He ran for a whopping 210 yards and scored 4 touchdowns, and ended up taking 3 2P conversions in, which tied a state record of 30 points by a single player in a state title game. He was physical, and was just straight up wearing on the defense. By no means was he the most naturally gifted back, but his performance when the lights were the brightest firmly put him on this list. I think he would shine brightest at the D3 level right now, but transferring up would not be out of the realm of possibility if he keeps working.
Kadale put up an incredible 275 yards in the state championship game which lifted his squad to a title. Another guy with great contact balance, he bounces off defenders and keeps his feet moving even when he’s wrapped up to fall forward for extra yardage. He hits the hole hard, and has great vision to find the gaps. Keep this guy on your radar next year as he could have some historic numbers.