2025 Rankings Update: Top Watch List Running Backs

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183032"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ad13540e6f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is one of the most explosive backs across Southern California and has been flying under the radar for most of the off-season but has recently seen a uptick in his recruiting hauling in offers from UC Davis and Georgetown after being previously offered by Washington State earlier this Spring. The rising three-star recruit had a stellar Junior season where he rushed for 15+ touchdowns and showed he is a downhill runner that gets vertical quickly, has good vision in tight windows with cutback abilities and can make defenders miss in the hole. He looks for contact in the open field, keeps his legs driving through tackles and shows contact balance and runs behind his pads. Jackson is one of the top uncommitted players across the San Diego region and is a name to watch as we get closer to National Signing Day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204763"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ad13540e760"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hitchens enters into our WL ranks and is one of the better two-way players across the region heading into the 2024 season. Hitchens is a patient downhill runner that reads his blocks quickly, has cutback abilities and shows a nice initial burst through the hole with open field speed and forces defenders to take bad angles with sneaky speed. Defensively, he is a very fluid outside linebacker that can set the edge, is comfortable in space and provides a pass rush off the edge. Hitchens is a next level player at the D3+ level on either side of the ball and currently does not hold any offers, but should see opportunities come his way as he progresses through his Senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189380"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ad13540e7a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Although a bit undersized, the rising Senior back has tremendous short area quickness/lateral movement abilities and can run through small creases while showing outstanding start/stop abilities in traffic. He shows he can run through arm and ankle tackles with good leg drive and contact balance, consistently bouncing off tacklers and gaining the tough yards while also having the speed to gain the edge and bounce it outside when needed. Gutierrez also displays pass catching abilities out of the backfield and is tough to bring down in the open field and has big play abilities after the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->