Deep Dive Into the ’25 RB Room

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The depth within the junior class of RBs is something special to see. Especially for college coaches to be aware of. We turn the spotlight to this group. A group with eight athletes in the Top 150 players in the Class of 2025. Athletes with power and balance, burst and agility, or a well rounded game that can make them future three down backs at the next level. Time to turn on the tape of these playmakers. We start with RB1...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245986"],"_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":"The 6' 210 lbs junior out of Milwaukee Academy of Science has been holding the #1 spot for a the last two rankings updates. What stands out most in in his recent film is his instincts with the ball in his hands. Every play he shows the ability to run to daylight and gain positive yards. He plays with no hesitation, quickly finds the lanes to attack, and is able to create something out of nothing. Josiah also stands out with his ruggedness. He is a tough runner who has no hesitation when he needs to get behind his pads and gain yards the hard way. Even out in space the junior shows off the toughness with a wicked stiff arm. Josiah's power doesn't just flash in those hard nosed situations. That power also flashes in his cuts, allowing him to instantly start/stop or juke away from defenders.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf0f49"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16341006/64fe35d206622c0bccfcbcab' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf0ff8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942613"],"_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":"As you can see in the overall rankings we have a tight race going on for RB1. Right on the heels at RB2 is Grafton's 6'2u0022 205 lbs junior [player_tooltip player_id='942613' first='Tommy' last='Lutz']. Tommy runs with an upright running style, which does give opponents more are to hit, but it didn't slowed him down much in 2023. Tommy is a patient runner, allowing his OL to get to their spots and get the leverage advantage. Then he shows off the long speed as he flies through those lanes for big gains. When the time comes Tommy does show that he will lower the shoulder to gain yards after contact. He does a great job of keeping his balance, churning his legs, and pushing the pile. Tommy's contact balance is his best trait play to play. Defenders wrap him up but can't get him off balance to bring him down. Tommy is a tone setter with his size, balance, and power. He also flashes solid hands as a receiver out of the backfield.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1059"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14485706/656e8a79a0237a0730b7d901' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1079"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180699"],"_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":"RB3 is the state's leading rusher from 2023. Without a doubt, Christian can handle the carries/workload. The 5'10u0022 200 lbs back brings a well rounded game to the table. He has strong instincts for finding daylight after his blocks set up. Once in the daylight he has a solid burst of acceleration and he doesn't shy away from working hard for his yards either. The compact RB has a low center of gravity that has allowed him to stiff arm or shake defenders off of him downfield. It is intriguing to watch him on one play be a back who can avoid defenders and make them miss in space and then on the next play punish defenders with violent running. Collins has the stamina, balance, power, and burst to play at the next level. Another big year is on the way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf10ce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18095668/65aac96d42102f1768ccc746' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf10ec"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["263018"],"_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":"Coming in at RB4 is a different type of back compared to the top 3, but Bradley is a mismatch in his own way. The 5'8u0022 175 lbs RB plays at a different speed than the rest of the field. Both long speed and in tight quarters. When in a crowd, Bradley demonstrates his explosive lateral agility and quick feet to be able to juke or cut around defenders and then accelerate to top speed so he can pull away in the open field. Jacobson also has the instincts and speed combination that allows him to find the running lane to green grass between the hash and sideline. Once out there we see the speed that doesn't get chased down by pursuit angles. His ability as a mismatch also shows up in the passing game where he is able to get the ball out in space and again be a nightmare to contain. Furthering his value, we see him make an impact on special teams. Undersized athletes need to find multiple ways to be an impact and Bradley is doing that. I'm excited to see him on Friday nights.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1148"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18848286/6560f9dad45eb80bfc4d2617' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1165"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383709"],"_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":"Dylan is a versatile athlete at 6' 205 lbs. His tape shows an athlete that could have a future as a three down back. One big reason is what we see early in the tape. Dylan is a reliable weapon in the passing game. So much so that we see him line up at receiver. The route running is impressive too. We see him open up separation with precise breaks. Plus he tracks the ball naturally while it is in flight. Along with the receiving threat, Dylan has solid speed of the next level. He hits gaps quickly and is able to beat defenders to the edge. As a runner between the tackles, Dylan brings the physicality needed to push piles and rip through arm tackles. Dylan is a one cut runner who is quick to get upfield and gain positive yards. Portz has a very well rounded game, and I expect to see him climb up the overall rankings this summer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf11b7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16217506/6546b66238636f0f7c33cf8c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf11d4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262068"],"_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":"When first finding th film of the 5'11 195 lbs back out of Ashwaubenon I expected to watch more of a power back because of that size. However, Gus excels more with speed and elusiveness in tight quarters. When attacking the edges, Gus is an efficient runner. Once he finds the seam he gets upfield and uses his pure speed to beat opponents. Between the tackles the junior shows off more of the burst to his game as he flies through gaps before LBs and safeties can collapse on him. Gus has solid instincts with the ball in his hands. The bonus is that the 195 lbs back will deliver the hit and run through contact when no other option is there. Don't sleep on him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1223"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16096506/6533faa55cb41007f0c2a415' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf123e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726392"],"_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":"Kyle is one of the more reliable workhorse backs in this class. He carried 215 times on the way to Aquinas' third straight State Championship. The 5'10u0022 190 lbs junior wins with contact balance and instincts. Kyle is a natural with the ball in his hands. He is patient, is quick to identify running seams, and can set up blocks. White flashes the make you miss ability when he is one on one with an LB in the hole. He also is someone who will finish every run by falling forward if he isn't able to run through the tackle attempt with his rugged and tough running style. I'm excited to see some testing numbers from him this summer. If he can show more long speed then we will see him make a leap in the rankings, and the film will be even more impressive this fall. Keep a close eye on the Aquinas lead back.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1291"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16260462/656e6fa27bd2da0bbc5db29b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf12ad"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["308945"],"_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":"We wrap up with a do it all type of athlete. Along with his work at RB, Lucas also plays LB and LS for Rice Lake. The 1,000 yard back put together a great season with 13 rushing TDs and equally as important, 0 fumbles. The 5'10u0022 190 lbs back was a key to Rice Lake winning a State Championship run. Lucas plays the FB role in their triple option attack and I love the traits it lets him show. He gets to attack downhill where he can run behind his pads and easily break through outstretched arms. We also get to see the burst he has, quickly getting to top speed and shooting through his gap. Peters also shows agile and very quick feet that give him the chance to make quick lateral cuts to avoid LBs and then get back to attacking upfield. Once in the open field he gets to open up and show he can run away from defenders. Lucas is a talented back who will continue his climb up these rankings and put together a great senior season if I had to make a prediction. Don't overlook the Northern WI standout.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf1302"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15163443/657900d3664bdf122414c217' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661492acf131e"} /-->