Stat stuffers back for more – 1000 yard rushers III
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With four more under-classmen above the 1000-yard rushing line in 2023, this will wrap up our running back stat stuffers series. Most of these athletes do much more than run the ball; they are threats through the air, too. Mason…
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Continue ReadingWith four more under-classmen above the 1000-yard rushing line in 2023, this will wrap up our running back stat stuffers series. Most of these athletes do much more than run the ball; they are threats through the air, too.
Mason Boesl
Mason Boesl
1173 yards, 17 touchdownsrnI could not find any highlights for Boesl, but that is a shame because, looking at his stats, he had to have been one of the most explosive backs in the state. First, with nearly 1200 yards rushing, he needed to be on this list. Second, he went over 1100 yards on less than 100 carries. Boesl averaged over twelve yards a carry. With 17 total rushing touchdowns, nearly twenty percent of his carries went for touchdowns. The most carries he got in a game was fourteen, and with those fourteen carries, he racked up over 200 yards and scored two touchdowns. He was also involved in the passing game. Although he didn’t put up big yardage totals, he caught at least one pass every game.
1128 yards, 14 touchdownsrnWith the now long line of great Elks’ running backs, the first thing that stood out to me when watching Schmidt is how effective he is in the passing game. He comes out of the backfield more than any Elk River back I have seen in years. He is not just running into the flat; he is making plays – sometimes one-handed – well down the field. As great as that is, he didn’t get over 1000 yards by just being a receiver out of the backfield. The junior is a patient runner who uses his blockers well. He protects the ball, and he has good explosiveness through the hole once he finds a crease. He has good speed and can break tackles, but what stood out was his ability to bounce off tackles and continue churning his legs until he finds open space.
1113 yards, 14 touchdownsrnThe first thing defensive coaches need to be aware of is where Reiland is lined up. He could be lined up as the running back, the quarterback, or out wide. Although his skill running the ball is the highlight, Reiland is one of the more versatile offensive threats coming back next season. He has good speed and balance but is powerful enough to break tackles, even as a sophomore. His ability to make people miss in the open field also set him apart. As a receiver – like Schmidt – he is not just catching balls in the flat as a check-down. He makes plays in the passing game deep down the field.
Ephram Boucher
Ephram Boucher
1002 yards, 6 touchdownsrnTo sum up Boucher in just a few words, the kid runs hard. The junior has a great combination of size, power, and quickness. Most often running between the tackles, Boucher is quick to the hole, and because he runs angry and with a low center of gravity, he blows through arm tackles at the line of scrimmage and down the field. While he often looks to run through guys at the second level of the defense, he does a solid job putting his foot in the ground and making quick cuts to avoid contact. His forward-leaning running style allows him to rack up those hidden yards that can be the difference between fourth and short and a first down. He always falls forward – adding a valuable yard or two to almost every run.