The Growth Factor: The Season-Long Journey of Six Standout RBs

When a running back takes over a game, everyone watching can see the kind of impact they've had. What's harder to do is put that impact into one clean, statistical number. That's where the Running Back Rating (RBR) comes in.   RBR is my attempt to create a statistic that's as versatile and meaningful for running backs as passer rating is for quarterbacks. It's a way to show the full picture of a running back's performance, balancing total production, scoring impact, and efficiency. Whether a player racked up 200 yards, found the end zone three times, or averaged an eye-popping 12 yards per carry, RBR rolls it all into a single, easy-to-compare number.   The formula for RBR is:   RBR = ((Yards/225) * 0.55 + (TDs/3) * 0.25 + (YPC/10) * 0.20) * 100   This calculation balances rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry to provide a single score. It rewards players who excel across all three areas, scaling dynamically with their performances.   In this article, I'll walk you through the six standout running backs who steadily improved over the 2024 season. Each of these players grew week after week, proving how consistency and growth can truly define a great running back. You'll see who surged when, who brought consistency, and who had those jaw-dropping moments that pushed their scores through the roof.   Spoiler: not all greatness looks the same. Some players hit their stride with big, game-breaking performances, while others steadily climbed the ladder of dominance with each game. Let's dive in.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Six-RBs-RBR-Trendline-2024-AZ-Final.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1600963" /></figure>    When you talk about [player_tooltip player_id='992823' first='Jacob' last='Brown'], you start with his size — 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds — and then you quickly realize he moves like someone much lighter. Sure, he has impressive speed for a bigger back, but it's his power that makes him special. Brown doesn't just run through defenders; he plows through them with an almost effortless force, keeping his feet under him and showing incredible balance in the process. It's the kind of power that makes defenders hesitate, even when they're in perfect position. Not only is Brown a threat as a runner, but he also shines as a blocker. With his strong base and knack for staying in front of defenders, Brown gives his quarterback that extra bit of time to make plays; a skill not every running back brings to the table. This season, he was a force for Hamilton, churning out big games and showing consistent improvement week after week. Whether he was grinding out tough yards or breaking loose for game-changing plays, he brought the same energy every time he stepped on the field. His breakout performances (like his 205-yard, 8.5 YPC effort in the playoffs) were the perfect culmination of a season where he just kept getting better.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/J.-Brown-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1601087" /></figure>    Josiah Thornwell didn't just lead Mica Mountain to a perfect 14-0 season and their first-ever 4A state championship — he embodied everything that made the Thunderbolts special. At 6-foot and 215 pounds, Thornwell was a nightmare for defenders all season long, and his numbers back it up. In the state championship game, he rushed for 175 yards on just 17 carries, scoring four touchdowns to seal the Thunderbolts' 42-13 victory over Arizona College Prep. Thornwell possesses a devastating stiff arm that most running backs would love to have in their repertoire. It's the kind of move that makes defenders second-guess their decision to tackle him. Once he sheds those initial would-be tacklers, his footwork takes over. Thornwell is a master at finding seams behind the linebackers, wasting no time cutting and accelerating into open space. His determination makes him almost impossible to bring down on first contact. Thornwell's relentless style and ability to provide a spark was just what Mica Mountain needed to cap off its historic season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/J.-Thornwell-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="J. Thornwell Weekly RBR" class="wp-image-1601106" /></figure>    Kylin Jackson turned heads all season with his ability to combine power, speed, and effort into every play. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Jackson had the kind of size that naturally made him tough to bring down, but it was his top-end speed that added a dangerous element to his game. Once he got through the trenches and hit the second level, Jackson's stride and vision made him a constant big-play threat. He wasn't just a runner, though — Jackson's effort as a blocker made him invaluable to Bradshaw Mountain's offense, consistently buying his quarterback more time to work. The 2024 season was filled with standout performances for Jackson, including a 175-yard, four-touchdown game against Lee Williams, where he averaged over 13 yards per carry. Even in tough losses, like the playoff game against Thunderbird, Jackson proved his worth with 103 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a 50-yard dash that highlighted his explosiveness. His ability to consistently gain tough yards, deliver big plays, and dominate as a blocker made him a true all-around weapon for the Bears.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/K.-Jackson-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="K. Jackson Weekly RBR" class="wp-image-1601156" /></figure>    Murray Crump put on a show during the 2024 season, consistently providing an edge to Cmaelback's offense. Standing at 5'11" and 180 pounds, Crump's blend of acceleration, agility, and awareness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to stop on a dime and change direction faster than most defenders can react is top-tier. If Crump doesn't cut back during a run, it's rare — and when he does, it's incredibly effective. His spatial awareness allows him to spot seams and exploit them with ease, often leaving defenders grasping at air. Crump really broke out in a 165-yard, three-touchdown effort against Trevor G. Browne in early October, where he carried the offense on his back. Ending his high school football career on a high note in a against Central High, he rushed for 154 yards on just 18 carries, averaging an impressive 8.6 yards per attempt. Throughout the season, Crump was a model of consistency, surpassing 110 rushing yards in each of his last five games. Crump's unique blend of slipperiness and explosiveness makes him a player who's not just hard to tackle but impossible to ignore.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/M.-Crump-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="M. Crump Weekly RBR" class="wp-image-1601181" /></figure>    Nick Horrocks was the heart of Mountain View Marana's offense in 2024, combining great footwork with a physicality that made him a challenge for any defense. At 6-foot and 195 pounds, Horrocks has the speed to break away and the toughness to grind out the tough yards in the red zone. Once he hit the edge, defenders were often left trailing behind, and his ability to lower his shoulder in short-yardage situations made him the go-to option in those moments. What made Horrocks stand out wasn't just his straight-line speed but his ability to use it in multiple facets of the game. His speed translated into crisp, sharp routes, making him a potential dual threat, though he wasn't used extensively in the passing game. When the ball was in his hands, he was always a threat to break a big play. In a 34-27 win over Ironwood Ridge, he was given the ball 26 times and finished with 153 yards while finding the endzone twice. Horrocks's ability to combine finesse with physicality made him a truly dynamic weapon for the Mountain Lions. Whether he was breaking free on the outside or fighting for extra yards up the middle, he gave his all on every play, leaving no doubt about his impact.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/N.-Horrocks-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="N. Horrocks Weekly RBR" class="wp-image-1601186" /></figure>    Trent Tall embodied toughness and determination for Monument Valley during the 2024 season, consistently setting the tone for the Mustangs' offense. At 6 feet and 175 pounds, Tall refused to go down on first contact. Whether he was bouncing off defenders or running through them while keeping his feet moving, he consistently added yards after contact. What sets Tall apart is his versatility. As a receiver, he showcased soft hands and excellent after-the-catch ability, making him a dual threat that kept defenses guessing. In Monument Valley's close win over Ganado, he rushed 17 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, grinding out tough yards and leading his team to a 16-6 victory. Throughout the season, Tall's relentless play style earned him recognition as the Region Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his impact on both sides of the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/T.-Tall-Weekly-RBR.png?w=1024" alt="T. Tall Weekly RBR" class="wp-image-1601187" /></figure>

When a running back takes over a game, everyone watching can see the kind of impact they've had. What's harder to do is put that impact into one clean, statistical number. That's where the Running Back Rating (RBR) comes in.