Closer Look At Top 2028 Ranked Delaware Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week the 2028 class rankings for Delaware was dropped and I want to take a closer look at the running backs mentioned. This is actually the first time this small state with big talent has been on the list for players to be ranked collectively. With that being said there is always limitations due to content provided and being able to attend games or events these prospects have attended. Al Pops is the leader with so much experience and connections, but did he get it right this time? He rarely, if ever misses. However, I'd like to give my two cents because I feel it's worth it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-size, maturity, potential development</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-scheme and competition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Film provided, in person scouting</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Most prepared for High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1239143"],"_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":"Arric DawkinsrnrnOverall Ranking #6  Position #1rnrnSo I like Dawkins a lot and remember watching him play last year in the post season. He is a solid two way football player with ball carrying ability for sure. His development physically is key in the next year or so to see where his home will be for the future, whether it's on the offense or defense side of the ball. This is a testament to his hard work and the potential of his frame. As a running back, I believe he is more of a threat in between the tackles and when he can keep his shoulders square. The mentality he plays with along side his balance is what separates him. With a little more speed and footwork in space he can make a splash in the high school arena without looking back.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1248215"],"_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":"EJ CottonrnrnOverall Ranking #9  Position #2rnrnIn my humble opinion. Ej is the #1 running back in this group. He is the most natural running back and is blessed with all the tangibles to be successful at this position. If you look at him, he's a back. I know he got skills at corner, but u0022he's a RB lol.u0022 The others on this list have options. Also, when the only real knock on him is his height, that tells you everything you need to know. Playing this position at the highest level and having coaches or scouts tell me along the way, that I was to small, is par for the course. Especially since he's still growing, who knows what will happen.  I will need another article to reference shorter backs that have gone on and did amazing things. Fast, quick, strong, balance, vision, ball skills, attitude all come with this young man. Haven't seen enough blocking, but that's something every young back needs to master at the next level. My man EJ will be just fine and I'm routing for him to keep that chip on his shoulder.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1241679"],"_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":"Javon ByrdrnrnOverall Ranking #13  Position #3rnrnByrd has a lot going for him in the athletic physique and potential department. As mentioned by Al Pops, u0022long torso and legs, his frame is going to allow some great things.u0022 I want to bookmark that statement because a lot of players get thrown in a box. Yes, Javon is longer but watch him fill out and that is a combination for trouble to a defense when you don't have to leave the backfield. Can he play receiver? Probably will the ball skills he has, however, I'm a fan of his vision in and out of the hole. On top of his sweet feet to make people miss, which ends up leading to big plays. I say do what comes natural young man and work this off-season on keep the pigskin glued to your ribs. That's  just a pet peeve of mine. Friday nights will be lit up really soon with announcers consistently calling out Javon Byrds name.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1248423"],"_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":"Jayven ChapmanrnrnOverall Ranking #31  Position #4rnrnChapman is a pure leader with the athletic ability to play where production is needed on the offensive side of the ball. I love how his gaze is always downfield and he is slippery. Good feet, coordination, runs low to the ground. Makes decisions quickly and shows off his football smarts in tough situations. He will find a way on the field early and often at the next level baring the scheme is wide open. Having linebacker experience just makes for a more complete ball carrier when you have the chance to make pre-snap reads and understand everyone's responsibility on the football field.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1248486"],"_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":"O'mar SaundersrnrnOverall Ranking #48  Position #5rnrnRight away you can see Saunders has good instincts and has faith in his ability. Not afraid of contact and bursts through seams when he trusts it. Not as affective when his feet slow down so I believe his comfort level is to play fast and make everyone else catch up. This can bite you sometimes if not under  control which will come with maturity the next four years. Broke a lot of tackles, but to be fair I would like to watch this young man live to give a better evaluation. Film doesn't lie, so being in a zone scheme offense would definitely benefit his style. Finally, when in doubt, feed O'mar because he's going to go 100% on each carry.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ac672a9b91"} /-->