Next Up: Baltimore's Top Running Backs Climbing the Rankings

<p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='648230' first='Sa'Nir' last='Brooks'] has separated himself as the premier running back to come out of the Baltimore area with a college-ready skill set. Brooks is a well-rounded back who brings breakaway speed to stress defenses on the perimeter while also running with power and edge between the tackles. He plays with a visible chip on his shoulder, consistently breaking through arm tackles and dragging defenders for extra yardage to finish runs. That blend of explosiveness and toughness has made him one of the most sought-after backs in the region, leading to his verbal commitment to Syracuse over national programs such as Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Washington. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrooksNir/status/2015192262703997090 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1971955' first='David' last='Akinsuroju'] established himself as one of Eastern Tech's most consistent big-play weapons this season, finishing his junior season with 16 touchdowns. Akinsuroju runs with patience behind his blocks, allowing lanes to develop before exploding through the crease. Once he reaches the second level, his speed shows up, as he has the ability to beat defenders to the edge and turn routine carries into chunk plays. His blend of vision, acceleration, and scoring production makes him a dynamic offensive threat and a player defenses must account for on every snap.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/slxckdavv/status/1991871532814254461 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1511379' first='Dylan' last='Eaton'] put together a productive season, rushing for 788 yards and eight touchdowns, while consistently showing traits that translate to the next level. His size and tackle-breaking ability jump off the film, as he routinely runs through arm tackles and finishes runs with authority. What separates Eaton from being just a power back is his lateral agility, he shows the ability to make defenders miss in one-on-one situations in the open field, creating extra yards when plays appear bottled up. Eaton's combination of physicality and movement skills makes him a tough matchup for defenders and a back who can wear down a defense over the course of a game.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dylaneaton2027/status/1861600098351767846 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='944360' first='De'Onte' last='Ross'] is a well-rounded running back with the versatility to impact the game both between the tackles and on the perimeter. Now measuring 5'10”, 190 pounds, Ross has added the physical build needed to handle an expanded workload and run with authority. Ross also brings value on passing downs, standing out as a willing and effective pass protector who initiates contact and holds his ground to keep his quarterback clean. With the departure of a starting senior running back, Ross is poised for a significant uptick in carries, giving him the opportunity to showcase his full skill set as a featured back next season.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/imthedeonteross/status/1995172435273134522 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1128028' first='Brandon' last='Rattet'] put together a productive season, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while establishing himself as a tough, reliable ball carrier. He runs with patience and vision, allowing blocks to develop before planting his foot and changing direction abruptly to exploit creases in the defense. Rattet's grit stands out on film, he consistently fights through contact, maintains strong balance through tackles, and finishes runs falling forward to squeeze out extra yardage. His physical running style and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces make him a dependable option in both early-down and situational work as he continues to develop.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrandonRattet/status/1992763139675308400 </div></figure>