Midseason New Jersey Running Back of the Year Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With just over half the season past, it is time that we look at some of the top running back play from across our great, Garden State. Below you will breakout candidates and a brief case as to why they deserve to be the top player at their position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1454043"],"_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-67081b42596d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 152 carries, 1313 yards, 20 TD, 8.6 yards per carry; two, 300-yard games</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>32 carries, 353 yards, 6 TD @ Asbury Park</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>25 carries, 143 yards, 1 TD vs. Jackson Liberty</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leads state in yards and touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Workhorse. Accounts for 1519 total yardage, or 66% of their offensive output</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scorer. Has accounted for 21 of the team's 24 offensive touchdowns. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One-dimensional offense. Only attempted 14 passes this season to 258 carries.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Production and usage has declined over the past 3 games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Poor schedule. OSI of 35.33</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weak strength index of 39.64</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068948"],"_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-67081b4259740"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 109 carries, 1266 yards, 17 TD, 11.6 yards per carry, 2 kickoff returns for TD; one, 300-yard game; one, 200-yard game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>19 carries, 324 yards, 5 TD vs. Morristown-Beard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>22 carries, 184 yards, 1 TD vs. Garfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Second in the state in yardage and touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team is undefeated at 6-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid team. Strength Index of 65.19</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Personally accounts for 68% of team's total offensive yardage and 17 of 20 total offensive touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One-dimensional offense. Only attempted 14 passes this season to 258 carries.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mediocre schedule. OSI of 46.7. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One-dimensional offense. 159:61 carries-to-pass attempts, 1434:427 rushing-to-passing yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["990209"],"_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-67081b4259788"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 142 carries, 1240 yards, 10 TD, 8.7 yards per carry; one, 300-yard game; three, 200-yard game; 1 passing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game: </strong>23 carries, 304 yards, 3 TD @ Hackensack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>16 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD vs. Paterson Eastside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell cow running back, has accounted for 1240 of 1474 team rushing yards and 10 of 15 rushing scores</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Personally accounts for 71% of team's total offensive yardage and 10 of 17 total offensive touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weak schedule. OSI of 39.19</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Average Strength Index of 50.80</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mediocre schedule. OSI of 46.7. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1029743"],"_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-67081b42597f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 91 carries, 1170 yards, 13 TD, 12.9 yards per carry; 1 Int; one, 300-yard game, two, 200-yard games</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game:</strong> 13 carries, 323 yards, 5 TD vs. Mastery Camden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>14 carries, 96 yards @ Haddon Township</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell cow running back, has accounted for 1240 of 1474 team rushing yards and 10 of 15 rushing scores</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid team. Strength Index of 60.90</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Makes the most of his opportunities, plays in a timeshare. Three teammates have better than 35 carries.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Inconsistent performances week-to-week</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weak schedule. 34.34 OSI</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Group I school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One dimensional offense. 2385 team rushing yards vs. 130 team passing yards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032187"],"_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-67081b425986a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 93 carries, 1006 yards, 12 TD, 10.8 yards per carry; 38 tackles (23 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 Int; 1 kickoff return TD; three, 200-yard games</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game:</strong> 21 carries, 257 yards, 4 TD vs. Perth Amboy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>5 rushes, 21 yards at Cranford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Three-way player in all phases of the game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Above-average team. Strength Index of 57.87.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His 1207 total yardage accounts for 75% of his team's 1603 total offensive yardage output</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has scored 13 of his team's 15 total touchdowns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No-showed/injured in game against arguably toughest opponent on schedule</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Weak schedule. 37.57 OSI</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Outstanding performances against very weak opponents. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691039"],"_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-67081b42598b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Season Stats:</strong> 105 carries, 991 yards, 17 TD, 9.4 yards per carry; 9 receptions, 215 yards; 32 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss; 1 kickoff return TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Game:</strong> 15 carries, 223 yards, 4 TD; 3 receptions, 102 yards; 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack @ Holmdel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Worst Game: </strong>11 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 37 yards, 8 tackles vs. Middletown North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case For:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong team with a 69.4 Strength Index</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Performing well as a sophomore with a new head coach</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Very balanced offense with 126 pass attempts for 969 total yards and 134 rush attempts for 1265 total yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lead dog. Has 78% of his team's carries and rushing yardage. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scorer. Has scored 18 of his team's 26 total touchdowns. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Case Against:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Average schedule with a 51.85 OSI</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Currently on a 3-game losing streak</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Non-public school lost its multiplier status by losing to a public school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not much of a threat in the passing attack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->