Class of 2022 preview: Running Back

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Overview:</strong></span><strong> </strong>The class of 2022 has several impressive running backs ready to dominate the ground game this year. The following is a break down of some potential standouts in the class. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id="90606" first="Stefan" last="Egbe"], 6’0", 205, McDonough, 2022, JR</strong></span> After watching Stefan’s tape, the number one attribute I have to mention is his strength. Stefan is a true power back who plays the type of game that wears down a defense. Stefan demonstrates the ability to run in between and outside of the tackles but seems to excel running through the middle of the defense. Stefan exhibits what it takes to gain the tough yards, whether it be running through the arms of would-be tacklers or continuing his leg drive through contact to carry defenders for an extra two to three yards, Stefan is determined to finish every run. Stefan also demonstrates the ability to pair short sidesteps and physical stiff-arms with his bruising running style to make the occasional defender miss and extend his runs. As Stefan continues to develop his speed and explosiveness, I believe he will become a very good college prospect and a prime target for colleges with an inside zone or power/counter-focused run-first offense. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id="90609" first="Julius" last="Saunders"], 5’9", 185, Long Reach, 2022, JR</strong></span> Julius is a running back that displays tremendous balance and body control. His ability to stay on his feet after being tripped or slung by defenders is truly impressive to watch. Julius also demonstrates the ability to hit the hole explosively and burst through to the second level, making it difficult for linebackers and other second-level defenders to react quickly enough to stop explosive plays. Although Julius often uses his twitchiness and speed to avoid defenders, he definitely doesn’t shy away from contact. Julius also displays his strength by running through arm tackles and forcing his way to a score when his team is in the low red zone. In all, my biggest takeaway is that Julius is a running back that displays several impressive attributes with the ball in his hands. I believe that gives him the ability to execute a diverse range of running plays and schemes at the next level, making him a valuable college prospect. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id="90598" first="Garrison" last="Williams"], 5’10", 175, Bullis, 2022, JR</strong></span> While watching Garrison’s film, I noticed the most impressive attribute was his ability to accelerate in the open field. When given space, Garrison can make the defense pay with a burst of speed, which they can only watch as he takes it 50 yards to the end zone. Garrison is also a willing blocker that has no issue putting his body on the line. Garrison can even be seen laying huge blocks on the kick return to help set up his offense with great field position. Although not on the offensive side of the ball, I feel like it is also important to mention Garrisons ability to catch <span style="font-size: 1rem;">the ball. On the defensive side of the ball where he also plays the safety position, Garrison demonstrates his pass-catching ability by tracking the ball and coming up with interceptions, which I think can also be used on the offensive end as a receiver out of the backfield. As a tough home run hitter, Garrison displays qualities every college team needs, making him a quality college prospect.</span> [caption id="attachment_103811" align="alignright" width="233"]<img class="wp-image-103811" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/Micah-Robinson-225x300.png" alt="" width="233" height="310" /> [player_tooltip player_id="90605" first="Micah" last="Robinson"][/caption]<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id="90605" first="Micah" last="Robinson"], 5’9", 170, Loyola, 2022, JR</strong></span> My two favorite attributes Micah displays in his film are his speed and the versatility that speed gives him. Micah is an athlete that seem<span style="font-size: 1rem;">s to be running at his top speed all the time and can easily be pointed out as the fastest kid on the field every play. Micah’s coaches do a great job of taking advantage of his speed by getting him the ball in various ways, especially</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> on the edge </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">of the defense where speed is king. For example, on direct runs, Micah excels at executing stretch and toss plays by using his speed to beat defenders to the edge, leading to explosive plays on the sideline. Micah is also a proven threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Not only has Micah shown the ability to execute common running back routes such as wheels and swings, but he has also demonstrated the ability to navigate the open field on both screens from the backfield and receiver screens out wide. A versatile player like Micah is the perfect fit for the creative</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> offensive coordinators of today’s game, making him an exciting college prospect to watch.</span>