Breakout Candidates: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many players next season are going to have much bigger roles with players graduating and players improving their skills over the off season. Here are a handful of running backs who are breakout season candidates for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1563419' first='Cole' last='Brooke']</em></strong> - 2025 - Bothell HS - Cole had a very good junior season, having some big time games for his team. He hits the holes hard, exploding through the first level each time he touches the ball. He's agile and athletic with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss easily with his agility. Brooke catches the ball out of the backfield effectively too, being able to make big plays that way as well. His senior year is going to be even bigger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='348180' first='Titan' last='Brody']</em></strong> - 2025 - Camas HS - Titan had a solid season last year, gaining 630 yards on the ground with 6 touchdowns on 90 carries for the season. He made big impactful plays for his team, hitting the holes hard and going full speed at defenders with no hesitation, while being efficient with his touches. Brody could be in line for more touches on the offensive side of the ball, which will only lead to good things for this Camas team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1136400' first='Hollis' last='Owen']</em></strong> - 2025 - Lynden Christian HS - Hollis is obviously a breakout candidate if you have watched his film. He is a monster on the football field with the ball in his arms. He easily plows over opposing players, pushing to get as much extra yardage as he can. His strong, bulky frame allows for him to run over opposing players but his athleticism gives him an advantage in a foot race if he sees open field in front of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1165381' first='Reylen' last='Witherspoon'] </em></strong>- 2026 - O'Dea HS - Reylen is a phenomenal athlete, being able to do so much for his team on the field. His sophomore year was productive, making the most of each touch he had. Witherspoon displays elite footwork and agility, being hard to take down when weaving his way through the defense. If theres green field in front of him, there aren't many players who would be able to catch him due to his elite speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='957347' first='Landen' last='Downey'] </em></strong>- 2025 - Meridian HS - Downey is poised for a bigger role on the offensive side of the ball with RB Joshtyn Elmer graduating. He was still able to produce good numbers as the back-up running back, having 572 yards and 7 touchdowns just on the ground. He also had 428 yards receiving and 4 more touchdowns. I think he can get close to 900/1,000 yards rushing next season, if he steps into that bigger role as the main RB for the Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->