Scouting the Maryland 2027 class: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a fresh look at some of the top returning running backs from a statistical standpoint to watch out for this upcoming season. A couple of these players are already in our updated Class of 2027 rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1628790"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1642336,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67db3f2e62373"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bah is a highly productive and elusive running back with an outstanding sophomore season. He rushed for 1,299 yards on 143 carries (9.1 ypc) and 21 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Bah's best traits is his ability to read blocks and anticipate running lanes. He sets up defenders well and has the patience to let plays develop before he cuts. Bah's highlights show his impressive short-area quickness and his ability to change direction fluidly. While not a power back, Bah keeps his feet moving through contact. He consistently breaks tackles and maintains balance after initial hits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, speed is at the top of the list regarding his strengths. Bah accelerates to top speed, allowing him to hit the hole fast and separate from defenders at the second level. I saw him at a 7v7 a couple of weeks ago, which solidified my thoughts about him being more than a capable receiver out of the backfield. He's a true homerun hitter with multiple runs of 50-plus yards in his highlights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">From a recruiting standpoint, the only knock on him is his size, which he can't control. However, if we're talking about him at the high school level, his size doesn't mean a thing. Bah produces on the field and will continue to build on this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631062"],"_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-67db52de8d1bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dylan James isn't the biggest guy on the field, but the moment he touches the ball, he becomes one of the hardest to bring down. Using his&nbsp;quickness, vision, and elusiveness, James routinely makes&nbsp;defenders look foolish. Last season, he&nbsp;rushed for 1,017 yards on just 106 carries, averaging an explosive&nbsp;9.6 yards per attempt&nbsp;and finding the end zone&nbsp;nine times&nbsp;in 11 games. His ability to break off big plays, often from anywhere on the field, makes him a nightmare for defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James' biggest strength is his&nbsp;vision—he sees things before they happen. He's already thinking one or two moves ahead. James' &nbsp;patience behind the line of scrimmage&nbsp;allows him to wait for his blockers before making a decisive cut. Once he finds a crease, he's gone. James&nbsp;changes direction effortlessly&nbsp;while keeping his balance. On multiple occasions in his highlights, he&nbsp;ran through arm tackles&nbsp;and left defenders reaching for air. His size works in his favor. He can&nbsp;hide behind his linemen before bursting through the hole, making getting a hold of him tougher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">James' frame raises some questions about&nbsp;durability at the next level. But for now, he's tough and knows how to absorb hits while keeping his legs moving. James is a&nbsp;playmaker&nbsp;who can turn a simple handoff into a highlight-reel touchdown. Put the ball in his hands, and good things happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jazir Dickerson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Colonel Richardson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67db52de8d395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jazir Dickerson is a&nbsp;versatile playmaker&nbsp;who is both a runner and a receiver. During the 2024 season, he carried the ball&nbsp;90 times for 856 yards and 12 touchdowns&nbsp;over eight games, averaging a solid&nbsp;9.5 yards per carry. He also displayed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, recording&nbsp;five receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out most about Dickerson's game is his&nbsp;versatility and patience. He operates in a&nbsp;wing-T style offense, which allows him to attack defenses in unconventional ways. This scheme matches his strengths by&nbsp;getting him the ball in space&nbsp;through&nbsp;handoffs, screens, or wheel routes. While he isn't explosive off the line, his&nbsp;stride length helps him cover ground quickly once he hits the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dickerson's patience is another asset. In several plays, he demonstrates calmness by&nbsp;letting his blockers set up before cutting and accelerating through lanes. Dickerson shows good vision, especially on outside runs, following his blockers and picking his spots well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, there are areas of his game that can be improved. While his stride helps him in the open field, his&nbsp;overall speed can improve.&nbsp;Improving his&nbsp;top-end speed&nbsp;would help Dickerson's game tremendously. His&nbsp;lateral quickness and agility could also use improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite those things, Dickerson's ability to&nbsp;contribute as both a runner and a receiver&nbsp;makes him valuable in any offensive scheme. He's a&nbsp;natural playmaker with room to grow, particularly if he can&nbsp;improve his agility and explosiveness. For now, he's a talented athlete who makes the most of his touches and finds ways to impact the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1128028"],"_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-67db52de8d453"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1128028' first='Brandon' last='Rattet'] is the definition of a tough, hard-nosed running back. Standing at&nbsp;5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, Rattet may not be the biggest or fastest player on the field, but he more than makes up for it with his&nbsp;physicality and determination.&nbsp;Despite his team struggling through a challenging season, Rattet remained a workhorse, carrying the ball&nbsp;171 times for 724 yards and three touchdowns&nbsp;over 10 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What's most impressive about Rattet's game is his&nbsp;north-south running style. He's a no-nonsense runner who&nbsp;hits the hole hard and keeps his legs churning, always falling forward for extra yards. Rattet's best attribute is his&nbsp;physicality, as he's more than willing to&nbsp;lower his shoulder and run through tacklers&nbsp;rather than dance around them. He's proven he can&nbsp;break tackles and maintain his balance after contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right now, Rattet&nbsp;lacks elite speed and quickness, making it difficult for him to outrun defenders consistently. His&nbsp;initial burst off the line is average, and he doesn't possess the breakaway speed to leave defensive backs behind once he's in the open field. Improving his&nbsp;top-end speed and explosiveness&nbsp;will make him a better running back prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite these weaknesses, Rattet's&nbsp;determination, physical running style, and ability to absorb contact&nbsp;make him a dependable, between-the-tackles runner. He's the player who will fight for every yard and leave it all on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zhaykahrii Platter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"172","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Great Mills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67db5ef1a8592"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zhaykahrii Platter is a&nbsp;patient, physical runner&nbsp;with a knack for turning straightforward runs into productive gains. The&nbsp;5-foot-9, 172-pound back&nbsp;put together a solid 2024 season,&nbsp;rushing for 715 yards on 103 carries and scoring eight touchdowns&nbsp;over 11 games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Platter's biggest strength is his&nbsp;physicality and patience. He's the runner who doesn't panic when the initial hole isn't there. Instead, Platter&nbsp;waits for blocks to develop&nbsp;and then explodes through the gap with a powerful leg drive. Even when the run doesn't result in a huge gain, he always falls forward, squeezing every yardage he can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's shown flashes of being a&nbsp;home-run hitter, particularly on his&nbsp;77-yard and 60-plus-yard touchdown runs&nbsp;where he&nbsp;cleared the hole untouched and sprinted past the secondary. His&nbsp;long speed is decent, but it's not elite. While he can create separation, he will not consistently leave defenders in the dust once he hits the open field.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where Platter shines most is his&nbsp;willingness to finish runs with authority. He's not afraid to&nbsp;lower his shoulder and run through contact, and his strength helps him churn out extra yards after the initial hit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he runs with power, Platter's&nbsp;lateral quickness is average, which limits his ability to make sharp cuts and create something out of nothing. He's more of a&nbsp;downhill runner, and while his patience is an asset, he could benefit from working on his&nbsp;elusiveness and ability to avoid tackles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">That said, Platter's ability to absorb contact and grind out tough yards makes him a reliable option in the backfield.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other articles to read</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland&nbsp; 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-playmakers-at-the-skill-positions-pt-2/">Meet some of the IAC's playmakers at the skill positions – Pt . 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/scouting-the-iac-skill-position-players-part-3/">Scouting the IAC Skill Position Players - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-2/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-3/"><strong>Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 3</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-1/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-2/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-3/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-1/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-2/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouting-the-ranked-2026-maryland-prospects-running-backs/">Scouting the ranked 2026 Maryland prospects: Running Backs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-marylands-top-2026-running-back-prospects-part-2/">Evaluating the ranked 2026 running backs: Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-evaluating-wrs-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: Evaluating WR's in the MD 2026 Rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-new-edge-defenders-in-the-md-2026-rankings/"><strong>The New Editions: New edge defenders in the MD 2026 rankings</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-the-newcomers-to-the-md-2026-rankings-quarterbacks/">Evaluating Quarterbacks in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-tight-ends-in-the-updated-maryland-2026-rankings/">Evaluating Tight Ends in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-3a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 3A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-2a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 2A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-1a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 1A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-1/"><strong>DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-2/">DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/marylands-class-of-2027-in-depth-analysis-of-the-top-5/">Maryland's Class of 2027: In-Depth Analysis of the Top 5</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/evaluating-the-ranked-2026-md-linebackers-in-the-top-10/">Evaluating the ranked 2026 MD linebackers in the Top 10</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/wcac-ranked-as-a-top-10-toughest-high-school-football-leagues/">WCAC ranked as a Top 10 toughest high school football league</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/scouting-the-maryland-2027-class-running-backs/">&nbsp;Scouting the Maryland 2027 class: Running Backs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->