Breaking Down The Breakout Running Backs

Every season, there are players who take their game to another level and put themselves on the radar with their early-season performances. Our new Breakout Players series will take a closer look at the athletes who are making an impact, stepping into bigger roles, and showing why they deserve more attention.   From under-the-radar prospects making their first big splash to established players elevating their game, we will highlight the performances, traits, and moments that have caught our attention. These are players who are making plays on Friday nights and giving us plenty of reasons to keep watching as the season unfolds.   [player_tooltip player_id='1837353' first='Ben' last='Rogers'] - 2027 RB - Newcastle   The best player on this breakdown might be Newcastle's newest marquee running back, [player_tooltip player_id='1837353' first='Ben' last='Rogers']. He has been waiting for his opportunity to become the featured back in the Racers' offense, and he has taken the ball and run with it. He has good vision, balance, and the ability to avoid the first tackle, making him difficult to bring down on initial contact. He can start a run in one direction and make a cutback all the way across the field, showing the vision and footwork to create something when the initial lane isn't there. He is comfortable running in tight spaces but can also make plays when he gets into the open field. His speed is another part of his game, with unverified times of 10.5 in the 100 meters and 4.41 in the 40-yard dash on his Hudl videos he posted. Those numbers have not been verified, but his speed shows up on film. He picked up his first Division I offer last week, and the interest continues to rise. After waiting for his opportunity, he has made the most of it, and he is quickly becoming one of the players we are watching closely as the season continues.   [player_tooltip player_id='1659242' first='Darrius' last='Johnson'] - 2027 RB - Tuttle   New to Tuttle after transferring in from Edmond, running back [player_tooltip player_id='1659242' first='Darrius' last='Johnson'] has looked impressive through the first few games of the season. In Tuttle's two toughest matchups so far against Elgin and Newcastle, Johnson carried the ball 68 times for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns so far. Tuttle needed a new workhorse at running back, and it looks like they have found their guy in Johnson. Johnson shows good vision and burst through the hole while also displaying patience as a runner. He allows the play to develop, but once he sees the opening, he hits it with purpose and attacks the second level. He also has the ability to make the first defender miss in space, giving him another way to create yards once he gets into the open field. Johnson has quickly established himself as a key piece of the Tuttle offense and is a player we will continue to keep an eye on as the season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='1838145' first='Josiah' last='Hardy'] - 2028 RB - Millwood   After coming over to Millwood from Southeast, [player_tooltip player_id='1838145' first='Josiah' last='Hardy'], running back was absolutely dominant in the Falcons' win over Newkirk. It could be a sign of what's to come as Millwood moves deeper into district play after navigating a tough non-district schedule. His film shows an exciting running back with plenty of potential and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He has a good frame and shows a nice combination of speed, quickness, and balance. He gets in and out of his breaks well and has the burst to hit the hole and get into space. One thing that really stands out is his ability to avoid the first defender and continue making plays after contact. He has the type of running style that can make him difficult to bring down, and his combination of movement skills and physical ability makes him a player to watch as Millwood heads into the heart of district play.   [player_tooltip player_id='2370840' first='Max' last='Madrid'] - 2029 RB - Lincoln Christian   In the 2027 class, Lincoln Christian running back [player_tooltip player_id='2370840' first='Max' last='Madrid'] has stepped into a bigger role and has made the most of his opportunity early this season. Madrid has rushed for 317 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.53 yards per carry, providing the Bulldogs with a productive option out of the backfield. Lincoln Christian had some questions at the running back position after losing players to transfers, creating an opportunity for someone to step up. Madrid has answered that call and has given the Bulldogs solid production on both sides of the football. As a runner, he shows good footwork, sees the hole well, and does a nice job getting through the line of scrimmage. His balance allows him to stay on his feet and continue working for additional yards. Madrid has taken advantage of his opportunity and is emerging as a player to keep an eye on as the season continues.   [player_tooltip player_id='1655387' first='Tylir' last='Simmons'] - 2028 RB - Carl Albert   Carl Albert has been without star running back [player_tooltip player_id='693905' first='Delijah' last='Matthews'] over the last two weeks, and [player_tooltip player_id='1655387' first='Tylir' last='Simmons'] has stepped into a much bigger role for the Titans. After recording just 16 carries through the first three games, Simmons has taken on 57 carries over the last two games alone while also making an impact as a return specialist. I had the opportunity to watch Simmons in person against Del City, and after a slow first half for the Carl Albert offense, he and the offense found their rhythm after halftime. Simmons finished the night with more than 140 rushing yards and was a big part of the second-half turnaround. What stood out to me was his vision, balance, and overall movement as a runner. He does a good job finding running lanes and has the ability to make the most of his opportunities. With the increased workload, Simmons has shown that he is ready to step into a bigger role and contribute for Carl Albert.

Every season, there are players who take their game to another level and put themselves on the radar with their early-season performances. Our new Breakout Players series will take a closer look at the athletes who are making an impact, stepping into bigger roles, and showing why they deserve more attention.