Running Backs with the best Dual-Threat Potential

Versatility as a running back is something that I don't think is talked about enough. Just look to last year's NFL Draft, where Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick. Although he was unanimously not as skilled of a north-south runner as Bijan Robinson, Brad Holmes cited Jahmyr's athleticism and versatility in the passing game, calling him a "weapon" and not a running back. It's that added layer of versatility that allows guys like Jahmyr Gibbs, Alvin Kamara, and Chrisitan McCaffrey to shine in ways that Derrick Henry doesn't. Today, I'll be headlining five running backs that would fit that famed "weapon" classification.   [player_tooltip player_id='602282' first='AJ' last='Hill'] | Davison | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14752289/AJ-Hill">Hudl</a>   AJ is a pure weapon on the football field. I've seen a few live games of his, and he's always bound to make a big play. I've seen the games momentum completely shift because of an explosive play that he makes. As a between-the-tackles runner, AJ does a great job at hitting the second level with great vision and explosiveness. He's able to explode through the hole, improvise a little, then be off to the races. He's also big in the pass game, being a big time speed-in-space player. Eventually, I expect to see AJ making plays in the receiving game at the D1 college level.    [player_tooltip player_id='604131' first='Ronny' last='Johnson'] | Dexter | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19916308/Ronny-Johnson">Hudl</a>   I'd classify Ronny mainly as a between-the-tackles running back, but he has some great film in the pass game, too. He brings the same tenacity in pass plays as he does run plays. Donny has a hard running style that helps him run north-south but he's not inept as an athlete in the open field. His receptions help him showcase his open-field running a bit more, and I think there's a lot of potential in the receiving game for him.    [player_tooltip player_id='603737' first='Donald' last='Adams'] | Harper Woods | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16256905/Donald-Adams">Hudl</a>   I was surprised by how good Donald is in the open field. He's quite efficient in both outside runs and screen passes. He runs extremely hard just as he does in his inside runs. Plus he has a subtle juke in the open field that's effective. His speed also allows him to outrun just about anyone who's even slightly flat-footed. He also works very hard to turn up field on his outside runs, and does not sit in place hardly at all.    [player_tooltip player_id='905876' first='Garlands' last='Randolph'] | H.H. Dow | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17962424/Garlands-Randolph/about">Hudl</a>   Garlands is a very hard runner with great contact balance. Several plays that you'll see below demonstrate that. He's a phenomenal between the tackles runner at the high school level and there's no debate in that. He doesn't have much if any receiving film on Hudl, but I saw the potential at our Prep Redzone Stock-Up showcase a few months ago. Once he catches the ball, he's quick to turn upfield and he showed some good athleticism during drills. He needs to work on his hands if he's going to be a solid contributor as a receiver at the next level but once he gets his reps there, I think he'll be great.    [player_tooltip player_id='324060' first='Hayden' last='Hendrickson'] | Eaton Rapids | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16134764/Hayden-Hendrickson/about">Hudl</a>   Hayden is a unique entry to this list because he lines up in the slot quite a bit. As a result, he has a lot of open-field opportunities, especially in the middle of the field. Hayden could improve his athleticism and contact balance, but as it stands now, he as the vision and burst to make some legit plays. His foundation is excellent, and his Junior season will be critical in his trajectory.

Versatility as a running back is something that I don't think is talked about enough. Just look to last year's NFL Draft, where Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick. Although he was unanimously not as skilled of a north-south runner as Bijan Robinson, Brad Holmes cited Jahmyr's athleticism and versatility in the passing game, calling him a "weapon" and not a running back. It's that added layer of versatility that allows guys like Jahmyr Gibbs, Alvin Kamara, and Chrisitan McCaffrey to shine in ways that Derrick Henry doesn't. Today, I'll be headlining five running backs that would fit that famed "weapon" classification.