Early Season Standouts: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few weeks into the 2024 season and some RBs are off to flying starts. Raking up the yards and TDs and putting their names on the map. Below are a few of the RBs dominating so far, some I have been able to see live already this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1430513,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-66e0763439d04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was at Milford's game vs Oakdale this past Friday, MMA won 41-13 and Michael had some impactful plays. He may not have racked up a ton of rushing yardage, but his versatile play style allowed him to be a key player in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michael had 85 total yards spread out between rushing/receiving/KR, proving he is a threat in multiple ways on the field. He averaged 4.2 ypc and 18 yp catch on the day which are impressive averages which would lead to a big year if he kept those numbers up. Michael's TD on the day came from motioning out of the backfield and taking a quick screen pass, made a sharp juke making a defender miss &amp; then running through arm tackles for the score. An explosive 2026 all purpose RB, I expect Michael to keep making impact plays all season long and be a prospect gaining college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/2talkk_/status/1792240881090637885","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/2talkk_/status/1792240881090637885 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1430514,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1611529' first='Antonio' last='Ledbetter']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Archbishop Spalding","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e0763439dcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A player I have seen a few times already this season, Ledbetter has really popped and been an early surprise at how impactful he's been for a 3-0 Spalding team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So far on the season Antonio has had 290yds rushing on 53carries for an average of 5.47 ypc - which is an impressive number. He has also had one score on the ground and added a receiving TD as well. What I've like the most from watching Antonio is how tough of a RB he is. Runs behind his pads, fights for extra yards while showing great vision. With a strong, muscled up compact build and good speed to power - Antonio does not go down easily. He's a work horse who can run between the tackles, catch out of the backfield and strong in blitz pick-up. Antonio is on track to have a break out season and get his name on a lot of colleges boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TonioLedbetter6","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TonioLedbetter6 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1430519,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1574873' first='Devin' last='Cox'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"167","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westlake ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e0763439e56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hard to beat the week Devin had in which he totaled 282 yards on the ground, with an average of 9.7 ypc! Devin also added 5 total TDs on the day, with 4 rushing and 1 KR score in Westlake's 48-33 over Northern in what was possibly the game of the week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devin shows great burst, breaking multiple log runs pulling away from the defense. That makes sense as he has a laser record 11.6 100M, so he has speed for days. Devin shows quick feet and can stop on a dime, stick his foot in the ground and change direction making defenders miss. He is also well slapped together, good lower half and all muscle. With this combo of strength and twitch, Devin is able to run between the tackles, fight off tacklers, and make space for himself in tight spaces. A threat to burst out and make a house call every time he touches the ball, I expect Devin to have a huge senior season and see some college offers coming his way shortly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DevinCox_dc/status/1829918614696165471","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DevinCox_dc/status/1829918614696165471 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1146724"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1430525,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-66e0763439e9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The best week 1 comes from Da'Marques in his game against Liberty in which he went off for 350 rushing yards and 5 TDs! He gashed the Liberty defense, breaking off multiple long runs and shaking off tacklers. When Da'Marques hits the hole and goes, down hill one cut and go runner.With good burst and straight line speed, when he gets a crease he can take it to the house. Also displays good twitch and change of direction, making him a threat in the pass/return game as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ross is the main ball carrier for Walkersville this season, so expect him to continue to put up huge numbers and be a name on a lot of colleges radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/damarquesross4","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/damarquesross4 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1242708"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1430535,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-66e078792ae33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nadir has had a strong start the year with 250 yds, 2 TDs and a 5.6 ypc. A well put together athlete, muscled up and thick body player who runs hard with nice burst. Nadir runs behind his pads and will cut &amp; go. His best trait however is his shiftiness. Samuel is twitchy and quick with loose hips. Able to juke defenders out and create space for himself. Can start-stop, has nice COD, and makes strong cuts and dynamic when running the ball. High overall athlete that should be garnering some start college interest in the next few weeks. Expect Nadir to continue to be a problem for defenses the rest of this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NadirSamuel/status/1830251138563952818","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NadirSamuel/status/1830251138563952818 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["273748"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1430537,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-66e078792ae5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Daquan may be the best RB in DCIAA and in 2 games he has 438 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Very impressive numbers thru just two games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A scat back who can dance all over the field, Daquan has lightning quick feet and nice burst/acceleration. Can hit the hole and get up speed to break a long run. He can cut on a dime and make you miss in the phone booth with effective jukes and overall wiggle. Capable of running between the tackles and breaking through the mess, or can be quick to corner and speed down the sideline. With good size, muscled up frame and not afraid to be a physical runner...Daquan makes for a nice 3 down RB to go along with his elusiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently only holding a few D2/D3 offers, Daquan should be garnering a lot more attention from colleges. He is an under-recruited, sleeper of a prospect that will be a gem of a recruit for somebody.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/28problemz","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/28problemz </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->