Preseason Preview: 2031 RBs Hitting the Ground Running

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking for the most explosive athletes that will step onto the field this fall, then look no further. Previewing the 2031 RBs from NJ, we have some of the most exciting players that can make big play after big play this season. These are names you don't want to forget, so get familiar with them prior to the season. These are RBs you'll be hearing about quite often a few years from now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591304"],"_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-6a8adaabbdcea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591304' first='Malachi' last='Daniels'] is a running back who consistently brings an unmatched level of energy to the field. While he may be smaller than some of the competition, Malachi doesn't let that limit his approach, competing at full speed every rep earlier this year at Who's Next. That relentless motor gives him a physical presence that stands out beyond his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once Malachi gets into space, his quickness and instincts become major weapons. With his combination of effort, vision and natural playmaking ability, Malachi is a back I'm excited to see continue developing as he heads into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2098507"],"_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-6a8adaabbdd67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking back at [player_tooltip player_id='2098507' first='Jorden' last='Orro']'s performance at Rize, it's easy to see why he was in the conversation for MVP honors. He was impressive throughout the day, excelling across the drills and testing while showing off the burst that produced one of the fastest 40-yard times at the event. His 4.85 showed the acceleration he can bring once he finds a crease, while his smooth running style allowed him to consistently make plays without wasted movement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that performance now in the rearview, I'm excited to see how Jorden carries that momentum into the season. I'm interested to see how Jorden's skill set translates when he's competing between the tackles and in live-game situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627590"],"_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-6a8adaabbddb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1627590' first='Marcus' last='Young'] was on my list of players to watch heading into last season, and for good reason. Even then, he showed a level of vision, burst and physicality that separated him from many of his peers. Marcus has the ability to quickly recognize running lanes, make decisive cuts and get downhill, while his speed gives him another gear when he finds open space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, heading into another season, I'm especially interested to see how much Marcus has advanced since I first put him on my watch list. The foundation was already there a year ago, and continued physical development could make him an even more dangerous runner. Marcus is a back I'm looking forward to evaluating again this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1628691"],"_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-6a8adaabbde34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1628691' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'] was another running back I highlighted entering last season, and his physical style immediately made him a player worth watching. Jeremiah has always brought a downhill mentality to the position, consistently finishing runs through contact and fighting for every extra yard. His ability to keep his legs moving through contact allows him to turn difficult carries into positive plays. Jeremiah has the mentality of a tone-setting back, and I'm looking forward to seeing him put that on display this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087312"],"_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-6a8adaabbde9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2087486' first='Joey' last='Bellini'] was in attendance at Who's Next earlier this year, and while I didn't get the opportunity to evaluate him directly, I heard plenty of positive feedback from those who did. At 5'4", 120 pounds, he may not have the biggest frame on the field quite yet, but there is clearly plenty of excitement surrounding his potential and development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Joey heads into the season, I'm looking forward to getting a better look at what he can bring to the field. With the buzz coming out of Who's Next and plenty of time ahead of him to develop, I'm hoping to see some game tape this season and get a clearer picture of his long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->