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<p>Middle school football is a proving ground for future stars, and this group of running backs is no exception. With explosive athleticism, refined skills, and standout performances, these athletes are already demonstrating the traits of elite playmakers. The following scouting reports highlight their agility, ball-handling, and versatility, showcasing why they are names to watch as they progress through their football journeys. </p>
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<p>These young running backs have laid the groundwork for promising careers with their standout performances in drills and scrimmages. Their skills, athleticism, and work ethic set them apart as elite prospects to watch in the coming years. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Hezekiah Thomas is a compact and explosive running back with exceptional burst through the line of scrimmage. His bag and agility drills showcased quick feet, fluid hips, and the ability to make sharp cuts without losing speed. Thomas demonstrated reliable hands during passing drills, consistently securing catches away from his body and transitioning smoothly into running after the catch. His vision and ability to read blocks were evident in live scrimmages, where he displayed patience before accelerating through gaps. Defensively aware, Thomas also showed promise as a pass protector, using leverage and technique to keep defenders at bay. With a strong work ethic and natural talent, he has the foundation to develop into a dominant offensive weapon.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1305217' first='David' last='Knowles'] impressed with his combination of size, strength, and agility, making him a tough matchup for defenders. During bag drills, he maintained low pad level and balance, allowing him to power through contact while keeping his feet moving. Knowles showcased soft hands and an ability to adjust to passes in traffic, highlighting his potential as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His lateral quickness and deceptive speed stood out during agility drills, enabling him to evade defenders in tight spaces. Knowles also excelled in blitz pickup, showing great awareness and effort to protect his quarterback. With his size and skill set, he has the tools to become a versatile, every-down back.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1589021' first='Kevin' last='Caldwell Jr'] brings elite quickness and field vision to the position, making him a constant big-play threat. He stood out in agility drills, displaying impressive acceleration and sharp cuts that leave defenders grasping at air. Caldwell's pass-catching ability was a highlight, as he ran crisp routes and demonstrated strong hands to secure passes in stride. His ball security and decision-making in traffic were evident during contact drills, where he consistently held onto the ball under pressure. Caldwell also showed excellent stamina, maintaining his explosiveness throughout multiple reps. His ability to shift gears and create separation makes him a dynamic playmaker with a high ceiling.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1274727' first='Jaxon' last='Hunter'] combines length and agility, offering a versatile skill set that fits both power and finesse running styles. His performance in bag drills highlighted strong footwork and controlled balance, allowing him to navigate tight spaces effectively. Hunter's catching ability was polished, as he displayed focus and body control when tracking down passes. He showcased strong lateral movements and field awareness, making him a dangerous open-field runner. Hunter also impressed with his ability to handle contact, using leverage and upper-body strength to shed tacklers. With continued development, he has the potential to be a dynamic offensive weapon at the next level.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Kruise brings a rare blend of power and agility to the position, making him a standout performer. He excelled in bag drills, demonstrating quick feet and explosive power through each rep. His soft hands and ability to secure contested catches add versatility to his game, making him an option in both the run and pass game. Kruise's physicality was evident during contact drills, where he consistently broke tackles and finished runs with authority. He also showcased strong blocking fundamentals, providing reliable protection in passing situations. With his size, strength, and skill set, Kruise is poised to be a dominant force in the backfield moving forward.</p>
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Middle school football is a proving ground for future stars, and this group of running backs is no exception. With explosive athleticism, refined skills, and standout performances, these athletes are already demonstrating the traits of elite playmakers. The following scouting reports highlight their agility, ball-handling, and versatility, showcasing why they are names to watch as they progress through their football journeys.
HEIGHT
5'3"
WEIGHT
135
POS
RB
CLASS
2030
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HEIGHT
5'8"
WEIGHT
170
POS
RB/LB
CLASS
2030
State:
Tennessee
School:
The Baylor School
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HEIGHT
5'7"
WEIGHT
160
POS
LB/RB
CLASS
2030
State:
Tennessee
School:
Kirkwood Middle School
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HEIGHT
5'8"
WEIGHT
140
POS
RB/DB
CLASS
2029
State:
Tennessee
School:
Richland
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HEIGHT
5'5"
WEIGHT
183
POS
RB
CLASS
2029
State:
Tennessee
School:
Knoxville Catholic
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