2025 In-Season Update: NEW ADDITION Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our in-season Class of 2025 Rankings Update is here! This update retools the rankings from top to bottom. Updated rankings based on opinion and recruiting, plus over 45 New Additions. In this article, I'll share my evaluations of six running backs new to the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1248327"],"_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-670f1bebaebbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matteo is a workhorse for Rochester Adams. He fits within this Veer offense flawlessly as their main between-the-tackles "first read" running back. I've watched two games this season where Matteo took on a large workload and consistently made the most of his carries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a pure power back. That said, Matteo isn't extraordinarily agile and isn't a major threat to break explosive runs. He will do his job, and he will do it very well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113032"],"_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-670f1bebaeb38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a LONG overdue inclusion for [player_tooltip player_id='1113032' first='Bryce' last='Hurley']. The IKE Athlete has been on a tear this season, being utilized as one of the most productive speed-in-space players in Michigan. I saw firsthand on Friday how Bryce can navigate through tight traffic. Get him out in open space, and you can bet Bryce will win just about any 1-on-1 with a defender. Even against a multiple defenders, I've seen Bryce work his magic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is someone you gameplan for early in the week as an opposing defensive coordinator. Can't wait to see what he's able to do for GV!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1529707"],"_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-670f1bebaeb7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tyus is another recent discovery. Just like others in the Tyus family, Vaughnzell has that big-play ability. At his best, he's an amazing between-the-tackles runner. Like any great back, Tyus consistently breaks arm tackles and explodes into the open field. His vision is pretty inconsistent and I haven't seen a ton of film on him. The best highlights of him look like a Division 2 prospect, but the recruiting attention just hasn't been there. This could be a major riser in the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Week's Highlights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13495172/670d758be91e1f998e138e3f">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13495172/670d758be91e1f998e138e3f</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1471022"],"_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-670f1bebaebfe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='1471022' first='Billy' last='Collins'] a couple of weeks ago as ND Prep blew out Grand Rapids Catholic Central. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love how varied and balanced the ND Prep offense is, and Billy is a huge part of that. First off, Billy is one of the better receiving backs in the state. Routes in the flat, wheel, screens, you name it- Billy is a phenomenal receiving threat. Billy can also run between the tackles as good as anyone. He doesn't have top-end athleticism, but his vision and burst are enough to do damage against just about any Division 5 school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In terms of recruiting, my gut says Billy is a fringe D3 prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467685"],"_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-670f1bebaec3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ashton is a new addition that I've had in the chamber since week 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rooney had an incredible first half against Southgate Anderson (W1). Throughout the season, Ashton has continued to find success. Just last week against Allen Park, Ashton took off for a<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16404643/670bb29f202b8296d0337449"> 47-yard run</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I like most about Ashton's game is his explosiveness. Taller RBs are usually much slower in the open field, but Ashton is an exception. Ashton is able to force missed tackles in the open field via a jumpcut or flat-out hard running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashton is ranked #321, meaning I view him as a lower-tier D3 prospect. I love his game at the high school level, but he's too tall and a bit skinny for a lot of colleges. Still, he's a baller and a leader. I hope Ashton earns an opportunity because I know he can succeed at the college level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1471037"],"_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-670f1bebaec7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ian is a big bright spot on an underperforming Allendale team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pure, elusive back, Ian does his best work either in the open field or during well-blocked inside runs. When everything is blocked well, Ian can explode through his hole and burn a secondary. However, his highlight tape is a bit one-dimensional, not showing much contact balance or open-field elusiveness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From a recruiting standpoint, I view Ian as a developmental NAIA prospect. He has a great athletic foundation and solid size but simply does not have the top-tier highlights against good competition. Still, Ian is a phenomenal high school football player!! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->