Class of ’27: WNY RBs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best of the Best</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778700"],"_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-67eec3e794d86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kimble is undoubtedly the #1 RB prospect in not just WNY but the entire State. He has all the measurables needed to be a premier RB and he continues to get recognition from several Power 5 schools. He has ran for almost 4,000 yards in his first two varsity seasons against top tier competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202404"],"_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-67eec3e794dfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clark is a solid sized back with tremendous power and breakaway speed. He has been a force for opposing Class B teams since his freshman season and his momentum is not slowing down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["707562"],"_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-67eec3e794e45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dom is an overall fantastic athlete with excellent vision and great mechanics. He is one of the most sound prospects in WNY, technique wise. While he is a viable option at RB, Cook is also an exceptional Safety. His transfer to St. Francis this offseason will tell a little more on which side of the ball his future lies. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1371662"],"_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-67eec3e794e8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Platt's contributions have increased season to season. He broke out as a freshman and then last season, he played a great complimentary RB. He is a strong, tough between the tackles runner with fantastic awareness. Isaac will also make noise from the defensive backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513348"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1273827,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67eec3e794eef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zach is a player that can be listed as a top RB or LB. He possesses a great jump step and cuts extremely well. Bridenbaker has solid vision and can break off long gains at will. He averaged over 7 yards per carry last season. His next two High School seasons will prove if he will be a RB prospect or LB. Either way, he will get a lot of collegiate recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rising the Ranks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1811603' first='Thandon' last='Bensink'] from Chautauqua Lake was the biggest sophomore breakout star in Section VI, running for almost 1,000 yards and scoring 5 TDs in the Eagles pass first approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salamanca's Quinten Brown is a RB I really liked heading into 2024. But the emergence of Xavier Peters put Brown in a backup role where his ability to follow his blockers and good vision helped the Warriors clinch a Section VI title. Peters is graduating this year so I expect Brown to take the lead in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch in 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were several new names to me that were brought up in the last couple months</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1513361' first='Markel' last='Davis'] is a speedy runner for Fredonia that can be used in several different packages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1811630' first='Glen' last='Echeverria'] is a shifty RB that is transferring to St. Joe's this season. Echeverria displayed solid awareness and is very elusive in open space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1467335' first='CeeJay' last='Pratt'] is a big, bull dozer of a RB from Amherst. The Tigers as a team don't get a lot of recognition but this is a player that could be a factor next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Eden/North Collins' passing attack made a lot of headlines, [player_tooltip player_id='1513359' first='Michael' last='Keen'] was the player the lead the ground game. He showed some potential and could be a name to look out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1811617' first='Victor' last='Collins'] (Starpoint) and [player_tooltip player_id='1811623' first='Nasir' last='Spencer'] (Newfane) were players I saw at a local high school combine and both showed explosiveness and will have the opportunity to be playmakers at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->