New Names, New Games: 11 Running Backs Enter 2024 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final whistle has blown on the high school football fields for the class of 2024, and what a year it was for them. The 2023 season, now etched in history, was a remarkable display of talent across the state. For many seniors, the end of high school football isn't the end of their journey but rather a transition as they look to secure opportunities to play at the next level. Now is the moment for these athletes to shine, highlighting their accomplishments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At PrepRedzone, we've been busy too, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/updated-2024-arizona-rankings-6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">updating our class of 2024 rankings</a> with fresh faces and rising stars. Join us as we explore the latest additions at the running back position, where grit meets talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Take a moment to watch Khameron Athy on the field, and you'll understand why the saying u0022speed killsu0022 is common in football. Athy isn't just fast; he's a step ahead, constantly pulling from deep in his bag of skill moves to wow anyone watching, even defenders. After he makes the moves to get by them, he ends up pulling away from defenders as if they're standing still. When someone does manage to get in his way that he can't shake, Athy's response is to outmuscle him, showcasing a physicality that really complements his agility. His high-level cuts and moves aren't just for show; they require an impressive combination of quickness and balance — something Athy seems to have in bunches. It's his ability to pull off these incredible feats while maintaining his footing that makes him so exciting to watch. With every play, he's making decisions that are as sharp as his execution.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1116135"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116135' first='Bridger' last='French'] has a great mix of power, balance, and vision as a running back. His ability to stay upright and bounce off defenders is a massive part of his playing style. French isn't easy to bring down, a quality that turns each of his runs into a potential highlight. His speed is more than just a tool; it's a weapon, paired brilliantly with his knack for finding seams and cutbacks that most would miss. When he does decide to change direction, it's with a quickness and decisiveness that often leaves defenders grasping at air. He isn't just looking for the open field; he's actively creating his path, using his vision and power to navigate through the chaos and emerge on the other side, often with a hefty gain. With the way he can pinball off defenders and stay on his feet, he's always a threat for an explosive play.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1116226"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116226' first='Nathan' last='Bayus'] is a force to be reckoned with in the backfield. His speed isn't just for show, allowing him to dart past even the quickest players in the secondary. He has a unique ability to spot and exploit the smallest of running lanes, turning what should be modest gains into big yardage. He has a great ability to make himself small and slip through the cracks of the trenches. As a receiving back, his hands are as reliable as they come, making him a dual threat in both traditional and modern offensive schemes. When it comes to running between the tackles, Bayus is both powerful and explosive, breaking through the first level of defense and shifting gears to outpace the second. His shifty nature makes him hard to bring down, but when the situation calls for it, he knows how to lower his shoulder and bulldoze his way through for those hard-fought yards. Bayus is the kind of player who brings both the thunder and the lightning to keep defenses on their toes.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1116251"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116251' first='Jay' last='Martin'] is the epitome of a workhorse back. Every time he's handed the ball, expect him to push the pile and grind out extra yards with his impressively strong legs that seem to never stop churning. His speed is deceptive; give him an opening, and he'll take it all the way, showcasing a burst that can change a game in an instant. Martin's approach is direct and efficient, always trying to get running north-south to get every opportunity to advance the ball. He's an aggressive runner, but it's his situational awareness that truly sets him apart. Martin always knows where the first down marker is, ensuring that each carry or catch isn't just about gaining yards but moving the chains and maintaining possession.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1116387"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116387' first='Kaleb' last='Heyer'] is a master of evasion on the field, with a running style that's as shifty as it is smart. His ability to make sharp, decisive cuts paired with his exceptional lateral quickness leaves defenders in the dust as he jumps-cuts his way to freedom. Heyer isn't just about finesse, though; he embraces contact, barreling through tackles with a physicality that's nearly as impressive as his agility. As a runner, his intelligence shines through every decision. He knows how to leverage the open field to his advantage and control the space when he has it. Heyer's extremely effective in the passing game as well, catching the ball out of the backfield with reliable hands that make him a versatile threat. He still contributes without the ball in his hands; his pass blocking skills showcase his ability to be an every-down back.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1116463"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116463' first='Deondre' last='Collier'] is a spectacle when he hits the open field. His ability to combine long, powerful strides with good agility makes him a nightmare for defenders. His vision is a key component of his success, always keyed into where the hole will open up and ready to attack it. Collier's repertoire of skill moves is nothing short of impressive, each one showing the kind of agility that makes even the quickest defenders look sluggish. His spin move, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser, often leaving would-be tacklers tackling air. As if his running the ball weren't enough, Collier also shines as a receiver, using his speed to create separation with really crisp routes for a running back, it's as good as his. His dual-threat capability makes him a valuable and dynamic asset.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1116472"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116472' first='Jantzen' last='Ginger']'s quickness is the first thing you'll notice, but it's far from the only weapon in his arsenal. He's extremely elusive, making defenders miss with an ease that's almost insulting. It's not just his agility that's impressive; it's the burst of speed he unleashes after making a cut, bursting past defenders when it looks like he has no way out. It's like he's got this sixth sense for spotting defenders, making them stumble and miss with every cut. Ginger's vision allows him to spot the gaps and attack aggressively, ensuring that every touch has the potential for a big play.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1116474"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116474' first='Silas' last='Kaye'] might not be the biggest back on the field or the fastest, but he brings something just as valuable: an almost supernatural slipperiness and a mature approach to the game. His ability to evade tackles and slip out of defenders' grasps is like watching an artist at work, turning would-be losses into gains with a twist, a turn, or a patient pause. Kaye's playstyle is beyond his years with the intelligence and toughness he shows. He understands the value of patience, often waiting just a beat longer behind his blockers to ensure he gets the most out of each carry. His approach isn't about flashy moves; it's about consistent, reliable production. Every time Kaye gets the ball, it's a lesson in efficiency and effectiveness, a reminder that in football, sometimes the smartest play is the simplest one.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1116489"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116489' first='Don' last='Tinsley'] isn't just a running back; he's a pure weapon offensively. One of the more versatile players in the entire state, his ability to double as a running back and a receiver is uncanny. When he runs routes on the outside, it's with a precision and grace that make him a favorite target for his quarterback. His hands are like magnets, reliably pulling in passes that come his way. But it's when the ball is handed off to him that Tinsley truly shines. He's tough, unyielding, and determined with every carry, refusing to go down without making the defenders work for it. His footwork is a thing of beauty, dancing around opponents before bursting upfield with an elegance that defies his strength. Tinsley's versatility is a key asset, proving time and again that he's not just a player — he's a game-changer.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1116458"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116458' first='Rylan' last='Bass'] has the kind of top-end speed that leaves defenders putting their arms up wondering what they could've done differently. He's a constant threat in any game he plays. But Bass isn't just fast; he's shifty, with a knack for pulling off carries that leave defenders guessing. When running routes, his hands are great for a running back, making him a reliable receiving option out of the backfield. As a downfield threat, Bass is undeniable, turning every catch into a potential score. While he might not fit the mold of a traditional power back, he knows how to use his speed like a battering ram, turning momentum into force.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1116468"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1116468' first='Tayt' last='Ford'] continues to define what it means to be a determined and relentless runner. His style is more than just running; it's an assertion of will, a refusal to be brought down. Ford's balance is extraordinary, navigating through hits and tackles with a grace that seems almost impossible. His ability to bounce off defenders and keep going is reminiscent of a pinball, while his power and drive liken him to a bowling ball crashing through pins. Ford's talent isn't just in his physical abilities; it's in his mental game, always protecting the football and maintaining a toughness that defenders just can't match.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65873febd6c71"} /-->