Running Backs to keep tabs on in the offseason

In this edition, we cover some impressive running backs that you should keep an eye on and ones that will be risers during the season    Filipe has a good frame and overall size. He is a patient runner behind the line, displays good vision, anticipates the hole, and has good quickness and lateral movement to press the line, ride that wave, and get through the first line. Filipe blends physicality and power as a runner with good speed to outrun defenders. As a receiver, he has soft, natural hands and doesn't fight with the ball. He quickly gets upfield and has little to no wasted movement in his game. Filipe is an excellent blocker, excels in the red and green zones, and has a nose for the end zone. He's a high-upside player and his recruiting should pick up steam with another strong year showcasing his traits.     Esplin has an excellent frame and size for the position. He is a well-rounded and complete back who is a patient runner, with good vision and contact balance. Esplin will run between the tackles and he showcases good lateral quickness to make defenders miss in the open field and he has the speed to get to the edge. The athletic playmaker will line up out wide, run actual routes, and create mismatches. Esplin has natural hands and easily catches outside of his frame and he is a weapon and a space creator. He is in line for an increased usage and should see his recruitment heat up. He's a player that will be recruited regionally and has a good upside.     Afu has good size for the position and his frame will allow him to add on additional weight and get to 200 lbs. He showcases good vision and quick through the hole and consistently gets to the second level. Afu is a physical runner with elusiveness and displays good contact balance. He moves well laterally and finds ways to fall forward. Afu shows good hands and can be used in the passing game. He is a willing blocker and understands his assignment in pass protection, which will carry weight with the trust of the coaching staff. Afu is a physical back with the upside of getting regionally recruited.     Fonua is an athletic running back with the elusiveness to make guys miss with good vision. He is a patient runner with excellent wiggle and lateral movement. Fonua has good speed and shows physicality in his game. He is a willing between-the-tackles runner who will work for the tough yards and he showcases good bursts to get to the edge and hit the runway. Fonua is a complete back who will line up out wide and run routes. He showcases good hands and vision as a receiver. Fonua is an interesting prospect in the recruiting circle and with another big year should see regional offers coming in.     Murdock is an undersized back with good physicality for his size. He will work between the tackles and he displays good vision and shows patience as a runner. Murdock has a quick burst, showcases good hands, and is a player who will catch outside of his frame. He's a two-way player who isn't afraid of contact and physicality. Should be primed for a good season.    Those were five running backs that you need to watch for and will be risers and be playmakers under those Friday night lights.

In this edition, we cover some impressive running backs that you should keep an eye on and ones that will be risers during the season