Best I Scouted 2024: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The RB position is super deep in the state of Michigan! Below are some of the best RBs I got a chance to see this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1148720"],"_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-6750b5118f1e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lukas had a truly standout performance when I got a chance to see him week 9. He threw all of his skills at the defense that night. He was catching passes out of the backfield, he was running wild between the tackles and bouncing runs outside and getting down the sideline. He was also a selfless blocker who had no issue blazing a path for anyone running behind him. Lukas has been rewarded with a D1 offer from Eastern Michigan since then and I will be surprised if a few more D1 offers don't float his way after this huge season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602282"],"_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-6750b5118f244"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">AJ is an absolute dude at the RB position. His vision and ability to start and stop on a dime makes him an elusive back on every snap. Even though it sounds like he was playing injured, he still showed a few times just why he was such a highly recruited kid. His bag of tricks between his vision, lateral movement and breakaway speed are something you just don't see at this level. I have no doubt that this dude will make a big time impact at Ferris State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226338"],"_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-6750b5118f288"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The converted running back has taken to his new role nicely! He was a steady yards getter for King all season long, and both times I saw him play he showed a ton of potential that projects to the next level. He runs with his pads down, typically blowing right through arm tackles and out of position defenders. Once he hit the second level, he had no issues turning on the jets and outrunning some angles and getting extra yardage or busting for a big touchdown. Dukes is going to be one of the best returning RBs in the entire state and it will be interesting to see what other college interest he is able to draw. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587870"],"_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-6750b5118f2c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The MSU signee still had a good game despite the loss in the semifinals. Byron Center did all they could to stop him, but you still saw glimpses of the high D1 prospect he is. Even in confined spaces and small gaps he was able to put moves on defenders and get by them for extra yardage. His change of direction and change of pace was really extraordinary and his balance allowed him to make defenders miss with ease. I am looking forward to what Jace can accomplish in East Lansing! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["568050"],"_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-6750b5118f304"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jakoby is another returning back that I think is in for a monster senior season. Jakoby has the energy and motor to go all game long, and I love his bag of moves, great vision and ability to get up field in a hurry. He had 81 yards and a TD in the state finals despite his other back getting a majority of the carries. Jakoby has special talent and is going to really blow some people away next season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["601038"],"_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-6750b5118f33f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I saw Kadale play 2 times this season, and in those games he went for a combined 514 yards and 11 touchdowns. It doesn't get much more absurd than that. You've heard us harp on him for years now, but it cannot be overstated just how special this kid is. </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-6750b5118f37b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Billy was a workhorse all season long for the Irish. He's a compact kid who has a low center of gravity that makes him incredibly hard to bring down on first contact. On top of the balance, he also has quick feet and a great burst through the hole and will kill you in the open field. His breakaway speed is well above average and will break multiple long ones per game. All of that being said, he's also just a great kid. I've had a number of interactions with Billy and he shows he is a confident leader, a hard worker and one of the most respectful kids you'll run across. Billy absolutely deserves a shot at the next level! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899556"],"_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-6750b5118f3b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryson brings the energy wherever he goes! Getting to see him in the state title game, he ended up with over 100 yards rushing and 2 TDs. He moves incredibly smooth, has the clear athleticism and speed to hurt you on the outside and can flat out wear a defense out trying to chase him down. I am curious to see what his role is at Michigan State, but I know no matter what his role is I know he will be a massive weapon for the Spartans! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602102"],"_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-6750b5118f3f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The other half of the OLSM running tandem is [player_tooltip player_id='602102' first='Darrin' last='Jones Jr']. He had himself a MASSIVE game in the D2 title game, going for over 180 yards on the ground and 2 TDs. He's incredibly powerful, runs behind his pads and finishes every run. He constantly fell forward for extra yardage and lunged for the first down and you could tell it was frustrating the defense. In my opinion he has a D1 ceiling, and I'd love to see him get that opportunity! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290838"],"_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-6750b5118f42c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was lucky enough to be there to see Keaton shatter the state title record with 6 touchdowns in the D3 title game! 3 on the ground, 3 through the air, there was nothing Keaton could do wrong! He played phenomenal within the offense, did a great job of maximizing every run and showing some solid hands and ability to run after the catch. Whoever lands him at the next level is going to be getting a great competitor who can do a little bit of everything! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->