Indiana All-State Top 50 Team: Running Backs
The running back position is evolving. Now more than ever, running backs are asked to be the focal point of the entire offense. Not only are they tasked with being dominant on the ground, but today’s top running backs are…
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Continue ReadingThe running back position is evolving. Now more than ever, running backs are asked to be the focal point of the entire offense. Not only are they tasked with being dominant on the ground, but today’s top running backs are great receiving threats and solid blockers. The All-State Top 50 team includes four running backs who are the versatile playmakers that any coach would want. The quartet have what it takes to pace a collegiate offense.
Micah Houser Micah Houser 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Westfield | 2022 State IN , 5’10, 180 pounds, Westfield, Senior
So many times, throughout the season, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Micah Hauser came up with big plays when needed most. At running back, Houser uses great bursts of speed to get through the hole and into the second level. Once he gets in the open field, he is so difficult to stop, not just because of speed, but because of the way that he can elude tacklers. Houser can make a move to get around them or he can just go right through the defender. He is outstanding in short yardage and goal-to-go situations. When playing free safety, Houser is a ball-hawk. He is tremendous at reading the eyes of the quarterback and either breaking up a deep throw or making the interception. Houser does well at coming down to make tackles. For the season, Houser carried the ball 188 times for 1,280 yards with an extremely impressive average of almost seven yards per carry. He averaged over 90 rushing yards per game this past season. Houser getting into the endzone was a regular occurrence this past fall as he ran for 26 TDs. Houser was also a viable receiving option. He recorded 13 receptions for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively Houser was a force when it came to creating turnovers. He snatched three interceptions to go along with three passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
Lavarion Logan Lavarion Logan 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Merrillville | 2022 State IN , 5’11, 205 pounds, Merrillville, Senior
In his senior season with the Merrillville Pirates, Lavarion Logan Lavarion Logan 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Merrillville | 2022 State IN was a big play machine. Logan’s yards per carry average was astounding this past season as he managed to garner, nearly, eight yards per pop. He was a workhorse back for the Pirates as his total of 288 carries would suggest. Logan piled up 2,256 yards on the ground this year while averaging over 173 rushing yards per contest. Logan made his mark in the passing game as well. He had 20 catches for 312 yards and three touchdown receptions. Lavarion Logan Lavarion Logan 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Merrillville | 2022 State IN is the prospect who can energize an entire team with the plays that he creates.
Colin Price Colin Price 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Zionsville Community | 2022 State IN , 6’1, 195 pounds, Zionsville Community, Senior
Collin Price is a physical, downhill runner who played a huge role in the deep playoff run that Zionsville put together this season. Price gets north and south quickly, and he puts the defense under pressure. He does a good job of running through first contact. His highlight tape features multiple instances where more than one defender made contact but was unable to get him on the ground. Price runs with good balance, and he plays behind his pads. As a receiver, Price can do well not just running routes out of the backfield, but when he is split out as well. He posted 1,698 yards on 237 carries with an average of 7.2 yards per carry and 130.6 rushing yards per game. Price ran for over 100 yards in a game six times this season and scored 22 touchdowns. Price caught 30 passes for 268 yards and three receiving touchdowns. On top of his offensive attributes, Colin Price Colin Price 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Zionsville Community | 2022 State IN was a big contributor in the kickoff return-game as well. He returned 16 for 375 yards and one touchdown.
Drew Wheat Drew Wheat 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Center Grove | 2023 State IN , 5’10, 160 pounds, Center Grove, Junior
The Center Grove offense was led by Taven Jackson, but an outstanding ground-game that featured Drew Wheat Drew Wheat 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Center Grove | 2023 State IN was instrumental in allowing the offense to run at the efficiency that it did. Wheat carried the ball 130 times for the Trojans, gaining 1,003 yards in route to winning a state title. Wheat averaged close to eight yards per carry with over 71 rushing yards per outing. He scored 13 touchdowns on the ground. Wheat was an asset for Jackson in the passing-game. He caught nine passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Drew Wheat Drew Wheat 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Center Grove | 2023 State IN still has another season to continue to improve. Look for Wheat to be one of the top prospects in the Class of 2023.