RB’s That Showed Out This Year
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Running backs play a crucial role in the success of their teams. They are responsible for carrying the ball and gaining yards on the ground, as well as contributing to the passing game through blocking and receiving. Each year, there…
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Continue ReadingRunning backs play a crucial role in the success of their teams. They are responsible for carrying the ball and gaining yards on the ground, as well as contributing to the passing game through blocking and receiving. Each year, there are several standout running backs who showcase their skills and leave a lasting impression on scouts and fans alike. In this scouting report, we will discuss some high school running backs who showed out this year, highlighting their strengths and overall potential.
High-energy back who gets up to speed quickly, with good acceleration and very quick feet. Has a no-nonsense approach to minimize losses, and makes good decisions with the ball. Shows good flexibility; runs with good knee bend and a low pad level. Gets behind his pads and barrels ahead for solid, consistent gains between the tackles. Recognizes chances to bounce runs outside, but generally executes the play as called. Can hide behind the line and shuffle to find open lanes.
Jacob Cornejo
Jacob Cornejo
No-nonsense, north-south power back who executes the play as called and grinds out tough yardage between the tackles; not going to improvise and try to bounce many runs outside. Power kicks in even when he’s near the line of scrimmage. Gets behind his pads and really finishes his runs with authority to wear down defenders. Shows excellent leg drive after contact. Easily bounces off of glancing blows and shows impressive contact balance. Not bothered by arm tackles. Actually has a bit of creativity when he gets to the second level; can anticipate and hurdle defenders who go low.
Runs with good knee-bend. Patient runner with the type of vision you might expect given his experience; recognizes cutback lanes effectively. Has relatively sharp cuts and shows some elusiveness when weaving through the defense. Clean footwork and lateral quickness. Bounces off of arm tackles easily, with impressive contact balance. Gets low and shows good leg drive to finish his runs by grinding out an extra yard or two. Frame and style make him an effective goal line back.
Plays the game with physicality and intelligence. Sound decision-maker who executes the play as called. Has nimble feet for his size, showing the ability to make the first man miss relatively consistently, even in the backfield. Has pretty good lateral quickness to shuffle and elude defenders. Shows adequate burst when he finds a lane. Runs through arm tackles easily. Can overwhelm smaller second-level defenders with his raw size. Gets low and finishes runs with authority. Offers a reliable pair of hands as a receiver.
Seemingly at his most effective as a one-cut runner out of shotgun formations. Good decision-maker with the patience and vision to wait for and identify developing lanes between the tackles. Makes sharp, clean cuts in the backfield, and is able to make the first man miss at times when faced with early penetration. Nice lateral quickness/footwork to shuffle and get into an open lane. Knows when to put his head down and barrel ahead for what he can get between the tackles, but also has the ability to bounce runs outside and beat defenders to the edge.