Upcoming Arizona Running Backs To Know Early

The Running Back position has no shortage of upcoming stars in the state of Arizona. Game-changing speed and power, the ability to catch out of the backfield and playmaking ability is everywhere. Here's a look at some 2029 and 2030 Running Backs to know for the future.    Despite suffering a knee injury at AYF Nationals that will keep him on the sidelines for a little while, Montana spent the 2024 season being a weapon all over the field for the Future U program. Notably at the Running Back position, he used a combination of power and straight-line speed that delivered a ton of production. A one cut and go type of player, he ran with short, powerful strides. On top of his play in the backfield, he also returned kicks and punts, in addition to playing Outside Linebacker and Strong Safety.     Loved watching Juma on film this season. He's listed at 5-foot-10 and 142-pounds as of December 2024 and certainly looks to be very close to that size. A longer, leaner Running Back compared to some of the others in this write up. Does a great job of getting to the edge and maintaining full speed while changing directions. Runs with great balance on the boundary. I could easily see a transition to the Wide Receiver position depending on how he grows, but right now he looks like a natural carrying the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, he's an athletic Outside Linebacker that covers a ton of ground and can hit in the box. He also drops into coverage a lot better than than most do at this point.     A Running Back with at least one more year of youth football left, he's going to be one of the best 'Backs in Arizona next season. Loved watching him play at AYF Nationals in December 2024, as one of the major weapons on the AZ Champions 12U squad this year. With Cadogan serving as RB1, the Champs reached the AYD D2 12U National Championship game before coming up a little bit short. A very tough runner, he often breaks the first attempted tackle. Also possesses excellent feet and understands running angles and lanes.     One of the top Running Backs I've seen thus far coming out of the Pop Warner teams in Arizona. Not the biggest RB by any stretch of the imagination as of December 2024, but he's very quick. On film Pereda needed only a small crease and he would be through the line of scrimmage and up to the second and third level(s). Despite an apparent lack of size, Pereda packed a wallop at the point of contact. He has a decent build on him and looks to be on the track for a promising next few years.     With a good mixture of size up front and plenty of skill in the backfield and on the outside, the AZ Suns team reached the AYF 13U D2 National Championship Game, but fell just short. One of the biggest reasons they made it to the finals was the play of Athlete/Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='1586677' first='Dionte' last='Thompson']. A dynamic prospect that lined up primarily in the backfield, he had a ton of wiggle throughout the week at AYF Nationals. Broke a ton of tackles, ran significantly harder than his frame lended itself too. Had sprinter speed when he got loose. He's going to be a prospect to know in Arizona for years to come.

The Running Back position has no shortage of upcoming stars in the state of Arizona. Game-changing speed and power, the ability to catch out of the backfield and playmaking ability is everywhere. Here's a look at some 2029 and 2030 Running Backs to know for the future.