Twitter Film Study Pt. 3: Built for the Backfield

Time to give the ball carriers their shine. Part 3 of Twitter Film Study is all about the running backs — the ones making defenders miss, lowering the shoulder for extra yards, and doing the little things that don't always show up in the highlights.   I went through a bunch of film from Arizona backs, and what stood out most wasn't just the speed or big runs — it was the vision, the patience, the ability to read blocks and create something out of nothing. These are guys who bring real value to an offense, whether it's between the tackles or outside the numbers.    Courshawn's a big, long strider with natural strength and a frame that makes him tough to bring down once he gets going. He's built more like a linebacker than your typical back, and when he gets downhill, defenders aren't exactly eager to step in front of him. What really stood out, though, was how he performed at the ASU 7s. In a setting that doesn't exactly favor bigger backs — no pads, limited physicality — he still found ways to stand out. That says a lot about his feel for the game and how much more there is to his skill set than just raw power. He's not just a straight-line runner either. He showed he can be patient when needed, and he knows how to use his size without relying on it too much. The size-athleticism combo gives him a ton of flexibility in how he can be used. There's a lot to like already, and with more reps and refinement, he's only going to become more of a problem.       Mark's one of those backs who plays with a natural rhythm. He's got really nice vision and balance, and it shows in how he flows with the play instead of forcing things. He moves laterally with ease, but never loses his base — which is what lets him stay ready to plant and explode upfield at any moment. That mix of patience and burst is something you just don't see often at this level. He's also tough to bring down. Even when defenders get a clean shot, he's able to stay upright and keep churning out yards. He runs with a lot of control, doesn't get too eager, and always seems to know when to slow it down to let his blockers set the table. That kind of discipline is rare, especially in a young back. There's a maturity to how he approaches each carry, and it makes him a consistent weapon for his offense.      D'Mari's got decent speed once he hits the open field, but what really stood out on film is how he gets there in the first place. He's not dancing around in the backfield — he's decisive, physical, and wastes no time getting north and south. He's got a strong lower half and does a great job of keeping his legs churning through contact, which makes him really tough to bring down early in the play. He thrives in those gritty, between-the-tackles runs, showing the kind of toughness and balance you want in a workhorse back. It's not just about taking hits, either — he initiates them. He sets the tone by being the more physical player at the point of attack, and that makes defenders think twice about trying to arm-tackle him. He's not flashy, but he's efficient and reliable, and that makes a huge difference over the course of a game. With more touches and time to keep sharpening those instincts, he's got a chance to be a real difference-maker for Millennium's offense.      Gaige is a bit of a throwback in all the best ways. Being used as a true fullback in 2025 is rare enough, but the way Yuma Catholic puts him to work makes him an absolute difference-maker. He's got the mentality of a lineman but the foot speed to move like a ball carrier. When he's asked to lead block, it's like watching a pulling guard with way more athleticism — he gets out in front, finds his target, and drives through them. He's got great footwork for his size, and it shows every time he's navigating traffic or adjusting on the fly to find someone to block. And when his number is called to carry the ball himself, he doesn't hesitate. He hits the hole hard, keeps his pads low, and gets downhill fast. He's not looking to dance — he's looking to punish defenders and pick up tough yards. And on top of that, he's a really solid linebacker. Smart, physical, and instinctual — he's making plays on both sides of the ball and setting the tone for his team. Whether he's paving the way on offense or cleaning up on defense, Gaige is going to have his fingerprints all over every game he's in this fall.      Charles has the kind of frame and running style that immediately makes you take notice. He's got legit size for a high school back, and when he starts picking up speed, he's a load to deal with. What really stands out is how he runs through contact — not just absorbing hits, but delivering the blow and finishing runs forward. Even when it looks like he's bottled up, he finds a way to fall forward and squeeze out a couple extra yards. It's not flashy, but it's effective, and it wears defenses down. There's still some room for growth, especially when it comes to quickness in tight spaces. There are times when quicker defenders are able to close the gap before he can fully open it up. With some added work on that short-area burst and more experience navigating traffic, he could take a big step forward. He's already showing flashes of what he can be. Once the footwork catches up with the size and toughness, he could be a real force for Salpointe's offense.

Time to give the ball carriers their shine. Part 3 of Twitter Film Study is all about the running backs — the ones making defenders miss, lowering the shoulder for extra yards, and doing the little things that don't always show up in the highlights.