Rize RB MVP and Top Performers

I just got back from the last event of the summer and it is safe to say RIZE may have been the best event of the entire year. I don't think I've ever seen so much "middle school" talent on one field. With players coming in from across the country, we got the chance to evaluate truly the best players at each position in the 2030 and 2031 classes. Starting off fresh with the RBs; this was one of the most active and energetic position groups of the day. You can make an argument for every RB today that they should be considered a top performer, however, we did have to narrow down the list, and here are the best running backs from today's Rize event.    If you are looking for the MVP of the RBs, you have come to the right place. [player_tooltip player_id='1196450' first='Carmelo' last='Foendoe'] solidified himself as one of the best backs in the country with the performance he put on today. A powerful, bigger framed running back, Carmelo runs with a physical presence while showing impressive lateral agility, making smooth, controlled cuts without sacrificing speed. Carmelo glides effortlessly across the field and consistently gets north-south with efficiency, making him a well deserving MVP selection.     A close second for MVP honors at the running back position, Blake Gibson showed the east coast the talent that is coming out of the midwest today. Built with a lean, sprinter type frame, Blake showcased the burst and acceleration to be a constant big play threat. Blake did an excellent job driving his foot into the ground, allowing him to explode upfield with very little wasted movement. Once he reaches the edge he is off to the races, making him especially dangerous when he turns the corner and gets to the sideline. Blake is an explosive RB that can make a game changing play at any moment.     New York's Danny Guerrera was a back that got better and better throughout the day, and by the end of it, was in the conversation for MVP honors as well. Danny's quick footwork and bouncy change of direction makes him elusive in space, allowing him to string moves together without sacrificing speed. While he is an effective ball carrier, his future may be even brighter as a slot receiver. Danny was the most polished route runner at the event out of the RBs, creating easy separation with crisp, sudden breaks that left linebackers stunned in place. If he continues to develop as a pass catcher, he has all the traits to become a dangerous weapon out of the slot.     New Jersey's own [player_tooltip player_id='2076846' first='Dimere' last='Britton'] held down the fort Saturday showing that the Garden State is highly equipped with superior talent at the running back position. What stood out to me first from Dimere is how he accelerates quickly, allowing him to reach top end speed in just a few strides. What separates him from most other backs is his ability to stop and restart, making him difficult to contain in open space. Although he slipped up during a few of the testing drills, he responded well by quickly regaining his balance and finishing each rep strong. Dimere's resilience and athleticism were evident all day, reinforcing the type of dynamic athlete he can be with the ball in his hands.     Another 2031 back making their way onto the Top Performers list, [player_tooltip player_id='2093941' first='Carl' last='Lomax'] has all the skills needed to make a huge impact on the field any time he steps on it. Carl is another RB who's true calling may be as a wide receiver, especially given how natural he looked as a pass catcher. He was at his most impressive working routes against both linebackers and defensive backs, consistently creating separation and making it an easy pitch and catch. Carl's large catch radius stands out, allowing him to extend and finish catches outside his frame with ease. Once the ball is in his hands, his long stride running style helps him eat up ground quickly and makes it difficult to track him down in the open field. Lomax is a versatile athlete that can thrive anywhere you need him.     I was very high on [player_tooltip player_id='2098507' first='Jorden' last='Orro'] heading into Rize, and he did not disappoint one bit. Another prospect that had votes for MVP honors, Jorden displayed excellence in every drill and test he went through. Jorden is an elusive runner who looked very comfortable throughout the day. Jorden moves with a natural smoothness with the ball in his hands, consistently navigating through the cones without looking rushed or mechanical. Jorden's 4.85 forty time was one of the fastest on the day, showing a clear burst and acceleration that not all backs have. Overall, he has the traits of a dependable runner and projects as a strong contender to be in the mix for MVP honors at every event he attends.     Making his way from Tennessee, David Knowles III made the trip worth it with a Top Performer effort on Saturday. David is a physical runner who consistently showed quick, choppy footwork paired with a strong lower-body build. Running with a noticeable forward lean, David runs with a relentless effort that you can tell comes in handy when he needs to fight for a few extra yards. What really stood out most was how much effort he put into each and every drill throughout the day, finishing every rep with intensity and the eagerness to compete with the best in the country.     Pennsylvania's own Emar Copeland was a lightning bolt across the field all Saturday long. One of the fastest running backs in attendance, Emar consistently stood out with his speed and overall athletic ability. He clocked a 4.87 in the 40-yard dash, an impressive mark for a middle school athlete, and carried that straight line speed onto the field. In the L-drill, he flowed through transitions with ease, showing smooth body control and efficient movement patterns. Emar's feet are extremely quick and light, barely seeming to touch the ground when he chops his feet. That quick twitch ability allows him to separate from defenders and create immediate distance once he plants and accelerates.

I just got back from the last event of the summer and it is safe to say RIZE may have been the best event of the entire year. I don't think I've ever seen so much "middle school" talent on one field. With players coming in from across the country, we got the chance to evaluate truly the best players at each position in the 2030 and 2031 classes. Starting off fresh with the RBs; this was one of the most active and energetic position groups of the day. You can make an argument for every RB today that they should be considered a top performer, however, we did have to narrow down the list, and here are the best running backs from today's Rize event.