2025 Watch List Spotlight: RBs (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Rankings were updated to 125 total players ranked in the class back in January but many more are on the Watch List. These Watch List players will eventually enter the rankings in the future and are names we will be watching closely next season. Here are some RBs not currently in the rankings who you should keep an eye on in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1125967"],"_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":"An under-the-radar 2025 running back to know at one of the biggest schools in WV is Parkersburg's [player_tooltip player_id='1125967' first='Jakel' last='Shelton']. Shelton split time in the Big Reds' backfield last season but should be their main back in 2024. He rushed for 417 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior on a 4.7 yards per carry average. Shelton also can catch the ball out of the backfield in the screen game where he hauled in 20 passes for 172 yards and another score. He has a nice burst and is light on his feet with the ability to cut on a dime and redirect his running path quickly. Shelton has some twitch that can make defenders miss and allows him to find open running lanes showcasing quality vision too. His stop-and-start ability is quick as well which paired with his cutting ability can make defenders uncomfortable, especially in space. If Shelton takes the reigns as their #1 back next season he has the opportunity to place inside our 2025 Top 100 and should receive some D2/D3 college interest.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1014121"],"_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":"One of the more underrated 2025 prospects in the state is Ripley's [player_tooltip player_id='1014121' first='Noah' last='Casto']. Casto was one of their bright spots during a tough season for the Vikings leading them in all-purpose yards with 755 and rushing for 500 and 5 touchdowns. He's a bit of an unconventional running back for their power run sets at 5'10 155 but Casto plays well above his size. He has the versatility to line up in the slot when they spread it out too, and he finished second on the team in receiving with 229 yards and two touchdowns. Casto can also play outside linebacker even at a smaller size and could be considered an ATH because of how positionally versatile he is. He's a very tough and fun player to watch and a name small colleges should be all over next season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["870659"],"_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='870659' first='Chaz' last='Collier'] made the move over to Hedgesville from Martinsburg last season and was productive for the Eagles during his junior campaign. The 5'9 175 running back posted his first offer from D2 Concord earlier this month and is someone small colleges should be looking at next season. Collier is a tough runner between tackles for a running back with his size but also has the athletic versatility to bounce it outside the tackles with quality speed as well. He fights through contact well and will get extra yards after initial contact. Collier can also be a valuable special teams player covering kicks or blocking on punt and kickoff teams. Although there was a limited sample size with just a midseason highlights video available, Collier flashed enough potential to warrant listing him as a 2025 Watch List player to keep an eye on next season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1126350"],"_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":"The Magnolia Blue Eagles saw the early stages of turning their program back around last season under new head coach Craig Mason and largely in part due to junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1126350' first='Hunter' last='Oates']. Oates had a very productive junior campaign in 2023 rushing for 1,200 yards and scoring 14 total touchdowns. He saw himself earn several accolades for his efforts including Class A Honorable Mention All-State, First Team All-OVAC, and All-County honors. The 5'8 165 scatback was a homerun hitter last season showcasing the ability to turn the corner and separate from defenders while on his way to the end zone. While Oates is on the smaller side, he's spent ample time in the weight room and that translates to his running style on the field. He can beat teams with his speed but also isn't afraid to fight through traffic, and he plays with an edge and toughness. Oates' work on defense and special teams should also be noted and he could play safety in college too. He'll be one of the better Class A 2025 running backs next season and a name to watch for at the small school level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1185705"],"_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":"Cabell Midland has had a great run of talented running backs through recent years and will need some new ones to step up in 2024. [player_tooltip player_id='1185705' first='Logan' last='Hobbs'] has waited his turn and will be ready to contribute more to the cause as a RB/FB for his senior year. The 6'0 180 junior has the versatility to be used as your traditional running back or can pave the way for a teammate when he lines up as a fullback. Hobbs certainly doesn't have traditional fullback size but he also doesn't move like your classic FB either. When he got his chance to carry the ball last season, Hobbs flashed a nice burst of quickness out of the backfield with the speed to turn the corner. He has all of the toughness and power that a fullback has too although in a smaller package. Hobbs will also help out the Knights' defense next season as a DE/OLB pass rusher who will be a nuisance with his speed and quickness coming off the edge when they need him to. His unselfishness in waiting his turn through the years has also made him a valuable special teams player. While Hobbs may not have the size and athletic ability as past Cabell Midland running backs, I expect him to scrap his way into more playing time and a bigger role in 2024.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d26f80174a7"} /-->