2027 Rankings Release: Running Back Preview
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Want 30% off of your subscription? Use promo code PaulG30 at checkout! Eli Dukes CA #65 RB #4 HEIGHT 5'10" WEIGHT 165 POS RB CLASS 2027 View Profile Eli Dukes State: California School: Palma Dukes checks into our rankings as a top…
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Dukes checks into our rankings as a top five overall back in his class within the state, and had an impressive Freshman campaign for the State Champion Palma squad. He was truly one of the top rushers in all of northern California, regardless of section and will be one of the premier players across the region for the next three seasons. In his first ever season playing football, Dukes rushed for over 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns, while averaging over 7 YPC and is in line for a monster Sophomore campaign. He has elite speed in the clear, is a true north and south runner that can get vertical in a hurry and shows good contact balance and a strong lower half while able to break arm and ankle tackles in tight windows as well. Dukes has enough speed to gain the outside, and his ability to take 15+ carries per game and get better as the game goes on is very impressive, especially as a first year prep player.
Wilson checks into our rankings as the number two overall back in his class, and just inside the top 40 overall within California. He is a still growing and developing player physically, but showed some short area wiggle and true downfield speed in his first prep season. On tape, he flashes a nice initial burst through the first level, can make defenders miss in the hole and runs hard for his size showing terrific contact balance and leg drive through contact to gain the extra yards. He also flashes good vision in tight windows, while able to run in zone and gap schemes, and will only continue to improve upon his stellar freshmen campaign.
Flores was part of an absolutely loaded under-classmen group of players at SA last season that went toe to toe at one of the highest levels in the entire state. He manned the backfield for the Saints and had a very productive season both rushing and catching the ball out of the backfield with ease. He is very explosive with the ball in his hands and has multiple gears in space while showing quick start/stop abilities and has short area quickness and lateral agility in tight spaces, while able to make people miss in the hole. He is a well put together kid for his age with a strong lower half, and should be a very nice addition to the Cathedral Catholic backfield in 2024.