Ahead of the Curve: Freshmen Running Backs to Watch For

Jake Lemming

October 15, 2024 @ 10:10 AM

Playing on varsity as a freshman is no easy task and the group listed here today has done so. They all have different skill sets, but have all impressed me on tape early on in their careers. Look for them to only get better throughout this season and beyond & look for their workload to continue to grow as well. Some of the prospects on this list could end up being big-time recruits for the next level so keep an eye on them.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1576270' first='Sean' last='Simon'], 5'10" 185, La Porte   Simon has a burly lower-half that he uses to muscle through arm tackle attempts, he's got impressive contact balance that allows defenders to pinball off of him, and has enough speed to run away from the defense. His feet never stop churning through contact, he runs with good forward body lean and has a nasty side that will come out from time to time.   RB: CJ Chizer, 5'8" 160, Dekaney   CJ has good speed, fluid change of direction, and the vision to bounce a run to the perimeter if given a soft edge. He's pretty strong for a smaller back, shows instant burst, he can make defenders miss 1 on 1 and has slick footwork between the tackles.   RB: Dorian Vaughn, 5'10" 180, Lebanon Trail   Vaughn is a dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield that can make something happen in the open, he runs with purpose and consistently caps off runs falling forward. He's a durable north and south runner who glides through his cuts and runs with a wide base through tacklers.   RB: [player_tooltip player_id='602466' first='Taylen' last='Strange'], 5'7" 180, Forney   Strange is willing to do the dirty work & block for his teammates, he's a sudden back that explodes out of his cuts and can make defenders look silly in the open. He reads blocking angles well & knows when to stick his foot in the dirt and get vertical. He's tough and has some subtle, yet effective shake.   RB/WR: James Cook Jr., 5'8" 175, Cleveland   Cook can generate explosive plays carrying the football or catching it, he's a highly productive receiver when split out and can force missed tackles on the outside. He's a natural hands catcher who gets vertical following a reception, he's got a strong upper body that he uses to swipe tacklers by and will use his jump cut against defenders over pursuing.

Playing on varsity as a freshman is no easy task and the group listed here today has done so. They all have different skill sets, but have all impressed me on tape early on in their careers. Look for them to only get better throughout this season and beyond & look for their workload to continue to grow as well. Some of the prospects on this list could end up being big-time recruits for the next level so keep an eye on them.