Class of 2027 Running Back Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm currently hard at work trying to release a big, quality update to the 2027 rankings. So far, we've got just under 100 new additions on deck. Here, I'll share my initial thoughts on five running backs who will make their way to the Rankings or Watch List. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1679634"],"_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-68379eed5244b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long 8-minute highlight tape from the 1000-yard rusher. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of Ian's highlights come inside the tackles. 0:52 is a great example. Ian patiently waits for the counter run to develop and explodes through the opening. He then tries to win the edge and gets forced out of bounds by the corner. 1:14 is similar- an off-tackle run, some patience, and big yardage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ian is a high-volume running back who had an excellent sophomore season. Generally, Ian shows great flashes of vision. More than a few excellent, patient runs. In order to reach the next step, Ian should work on his speed. Faster plus an ounce better contact balance would transform Ian into a college prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19895396/674e6ee481389f62eddae997' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68379eed52600"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1679658"],"_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-68379eed5264f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riverview is one of those teams that is constantly cycling great running backs. Next year, Jayden could be a nice varsity contributor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shorter highlight tape, but some promising moments. His first highlight is a perfectly blocked run up the middle. Nice job following the blocks, finding the second-level hole up the middle of the field, and scoring. Next play, another great inside run. Follows his blocks, and fights for a couple of extra yards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Same with Ian, Jayden should work on his speed and contact balance. A full offseason in the weight room would go a long way!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19559718/68001b114975fb283195db7a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68379eed52674"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1679623"],"_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-68379eed526b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">0:47 - Daps up ref</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A mini Cam Skattebo! Robert isn't the fastest or most agile running back, but dang, does he run tough. 0:56 shows exactly what I'm talking about. Robert runs up the giant hole and breaks four tackles on his way to 8 yards after contact. 1:12 is much of the same- Robert displays more good vision, then more extremely hard running, and 24 yards after contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will nitpick Roberts speed and athleticism- get better in these areas, and Robert has real college upside (gut says GLIAC). Though, that contact balance and hard running is extremely rare. Robert has an elite trait! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19906406/6789dd6e013538ec04cd2f39' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68379eed526d2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680005"],"_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-68379eed5270d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Only a couple of highlights from Rylen, but a couple of promsing traits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First, Rylan has above-average speed. His two highlights at 0:30 and 0:54 show efficient north-south running. He finds the gap, hits it, and doesn't waste time accelerating toward the endzone. The second highlight shows solid contact balance, but that should still be an area in which Rylen improves on heading into next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A shorter eval. Not a ton of tape to go off of, but looks to be fast, or at the very least, he doesn't waste time going East-West. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18500025/66e81aab4e30adbe7f40b1ff' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68379eed5272c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1613647"],"_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-6837cbc2af020"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I last wrote about Darrione late last year, and, in short, I'm still a fan of his game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I preach speed and contact balance a ton, and Darrione has both. Running the Wing-T, Darrione primarily takes handoffs between the tackles. He does his job- exploding through his hole, and keeping his legs moving through contact. Darrione's first highlight showcases excellent explosiveness up the gut, followed by about 25 yards after contact. He's not the shiftiest RB, but is able to slash his way through the teeth of the defense, commonly sidestepping linebackers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great sophomore season, and gearing up for an improved Junior season without a doubt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19542700/67282c2b947b63ba2a5c554e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837cbc2af1e1"} /-->