Versatile 2025 Running Backs in the Spotlight

The stud running back has been a feature of high-octane offenses for as long as most of us can remember. They have been featured prominently in one-back sets, lumped in with other backs in the wishbone, split out as a hybrid receiver, brought in tight on the wing and bounced here, there and everywhere looking for the perfect mismatch to exploit.   The idea is to get your best runner and probably best athlete in open space in as many different, confusing ways as possible. And, as the passing game gets more sophisticated, it puts more emphasis on running backs being able to catch the ball out of the backfield. The offenses of today use the short-pass game as an extension of the running attack. It is about getting backs the ball in different, creative ways to build in as much initial separation as possible and enable them to show off their God-given talents in the open field.   But, we're not talking about just catching an occasional screen or a short flare out of the backfield. Today's running backs in the spread and other passing attacks have to be able to line up as wide receivers, in the slot and also be able to catch the wide variety of passes coming out of the backfield.   The versatile running backs of today are called on to do many things but the good ones still dazzle taking the handoff and carrying the rock. They are still bone-crushing blockers in protecting the quarterback or leading the way for teammates. They are still skilled in all the things we have traditionally expected, but now instead of just getting them the ball on a handoff, they are lining up all over the field and getting the football in any number of creative ways.   In this report, we will be focusing on five running backs who have established themselves as good runners and coming off excellent junior campaigns. These guys are racking up the usual yards as stud running backs, but they are also effectively supplementing their numbers by catching the ball out of the backfield or split out as a receiver. These versatile, hybrid backs are ready to help coordinators take their offensive schemes to the next level in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228455' first='Kole' last='Klaassen'], 6'1, 195, RB/LB, Remington, is not ranked. He is coming off a standout junior year when he rushed for 1,240 yards and caught passes for another 256 yards to give him just under 1,500 total yards. He also added 14 touchdowns. He was one of the few running backs in the state last year with over 1,000 yards rushing and over 250 yards receiving. He is a big, physical running back with great eyes and field vision. He is a strong runner who shucks off would-be tacklers and won't usually be brought down by one defender. He also has good wheels and demonstrated deceptive speed on his many long touchdown runs or when he hits the secondary. A versatile playmaker of a back, he has excellent hands and is comfortable moving around in the offense. He is going to light things up in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115487' first='Max' last='Armstrong'], 5'11, 195, RB/LB, Olathe South, is currently ranked #19. He is coming off an excellent junior season when he rushed for over a thousand yards and caught passes for just under 200 yards. Lining up primarily in a single back set he shows great patience letting his lineman set up blocks and then with an outstanding burst he blows through the hole and into open space. Once in the secondary he is elusive, with an effective stiff arm and a wide variety of spin moves. As a receiver he has soft hands and is comfortable catching the ball from different contorted positions and in attacking from different offensive sets. Get ready for this guy to show us what an apex-level playmaker he is in the coming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1316077' first='Jamon' last='Wilson'], 5'10, 175, ATH, Highland Park, is not ranked. As one of the more versatile running back/receivers on this list he is coming off a solid junior season where his versatility was on full display, rushing for 368 yards, receiving another 544 yards and adding just under 200 yards on kick returns. He averaged a glittering 10.2 yards per rush and 20.1 yards for every reception. Needless to say, he is a first-rate playmaker that can do it all. Once in the open you can expect him to use the entire field, as he is an elusive, gear-shifting, cutback artist who weaves in and out of defenders effortlessly. An excellent athlete, he catches the ball consistently in traffic and goes up to the highest point to bring it down. Get your popcorn when you watch him play - he is a lot of fun to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='570192' first='Ashton' last='Moore'], 6'0, 205, RB/LB, Louisburg, is ranked #42. A two-way stud that keeps popping up on my radar. I recently reviewed him as a ball-busting linebacker who flies all over the field, but he is also a versatile running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. Last year he ran and received passes for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns. As a versatile hybrid running back/receiver, he gets gets moved around in the Louisburg offensive scheme to get him the ball in different ways. He plays a tough, rugged old-school kind of game and excels in all aspects of running back play. He can hammer it up the middle or use his great instincts to pop outside and run to daylight. He is also a master-blaster of a blocker who locks in and destroys the defender. This guy is for real - get out and see him exceed expectations in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='571096' first='Westin' last='Rose'], 5'11, 185, RB/LB, Circle, is ranked #80. He is coming off a shortened season when he was off and running on an outstanding year. He was still able to rush for for over 800 yards and averaged 7.5 yards per carry. He also caught passes for 161 yards and was used in a variety of ways in the Circle scheme. A patient runner with good vision, he sets his blocks up well and then with a sudden burst he shoots the gap and is in the defensive backfield before you know it. Once in the secondary he is tough to bring down and will shake off arm-tackle attempts. He is a playmaker with great hands and is also an exciting return man. Get out and watch him excel - he will be motivated to show everyone what he is capable of in an entire season.   In conclusion, get ready to see these guys getting the ball in every conceivable way possible. They will definitely be causing some sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators. If anyone has comments, suggestions or want to recommend any players flying under the radar, feel free to DM me on X.

The stud running back has been a feature of high-octane offenses for as long as most of us can remember. They have been featured prominently in one-back sets, lumped in with other backs in the wishbone, split out as a hybrid receiver, brought in tight on the wing and bounced here, there and everywhere looking for the perfect mismatch to exploit.