Looking at Pennsylvania’s Top 2023 Running Backs

In our class of 2023 positional previews, we move to the running back group in the Keystone State. Running backs have always been a strength for the state and that continues in 2023 with our top five running backs all projecting to be potential impact players at the FBS level. In case you missed it, you can see our top 2023 quarterback preview, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/02/looking-at-pennsylvanias-top-2023-quarterbacks/">here</a>. <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="27732" first="Marquese" last="Williams"] - Bishop McDevitt</strong> Our top-ranked running back is Bishop McDevitt's, [player_tooltip player_id="27732" first="Marquese" last="Williams"]. Williams is a true game-changer at running back for the Crusaders and in his high school career already has totaled 378 carries for 2,964-yards (7.8 avg) and 44 touchdowns. He also has 338 career receiving yards and six touchdowns. A quick look at the 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back the tape and it's easy to see why he's our top-ranked running back. Williams shows great vision and an initial burst that allows him to hit holes quickly and often untouched. He shows a strong ability to be elusive both in tight quarters and in the open field, often making defenders miss, he's not the type of running back you want to go 1-on-1 within the second and third levels of the field. As we said, he's a true game-changer for Bishop McDevitt and projects to be a lead back at the next level as well. <strong>Projection: </strong>Power Five <strong>HUDL: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12814523/6166f07e3df58205402dcfdd">Full Season Highlights</a> <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="87079" first="Jahiem" last="White"] - William Penn </strong> The West Virginia commit is another really exciting back in the 2023 class that we think fits the Mountaineers offensive especially well and could he see him being a dynamic consistent playmaking threat for over his career in Morgantown. He'll be used greatly both in the run and passing attacks. A smaller back at 5-foot-9, 195-pounds, White runs a sub 4.5 forty-yard dash and that's visible throughout all of his highlights. White hasn't uploaded a full 2021 season highlights video yet but his But by watching any of his other highlight videos, you can see that White has tremendous explosion when taking the ball that allows him to hit holes and beat any defensive lineman looking to stop, he uses every bit of his smaller size and speed to be an elusive back, making it hard for even the quickest linebackers and defensive backs to stop him. One of the most exciting players in the state to watch live, we're looking forward to seeing what White does as a senior for William Penn. <strong>Projection: </strong>Power Five <strong>HUDL: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13442797/Jahiem-White/highlights">Profile</a> <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="248673" first="London" last="Montgomery"] - Scranton Prep</strong> Montgomery is a running back who has really blown up on the recruiting trail over the last few months and will be a big riser in our next rankings. The Scranton Prep running back was dynamite this past season, racking up 2,356-yards and 36 touchdowns on 194 carries. A more stand-up style runner, Montgomery has a nice combination of both size and speed, making him extremely difficult to bring down. He can really beat you in a multitude of ways thanks to that size and speed as well. With his size, he often powers through would-be tacklers while once he hits the second and third levels of opposing defenses, it's game over. He'll take it to the house more times than not in those situations. <strong>Projection: </strong>Power Five <strong>HUDL: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12891119/61c8f957bee12203e0b5233e">Junior Highlights</a> <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="66052" first="Eryck" last="Moore-Watkins"] - Plum</strong> The Plum area running back comes in as our No.4 tailback in the class of 2023. Moore is an incredibly tough runner who is possibly among the toughest players in the entire state to bring down. At 6-foot-0 and 180-pounds, he uses every bit of his size to his advantage. While he doesn't have game-breaking speed, he shows the quality speed that allows him to beat most linebackers he goes up against. <strong>Projection: </strong>Group of Five <strong>HUDL</strong>: <strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="140027" first="Cyncir" last="Bowers"] - Bishop McDevitt</strong> You're not reading that wrong,  Bishop McDevitt has two of our top five running backs in the class of 2023, giving them the best backfield duo in the state heading into next season. Bowers is coming off a career-high in 2021 with 86 carries for 1,002-yards (11.7 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. Bowers possess quality size at 5-foot-10 and 180-pounds combining it with a great burst and acceleration much like his teammate in Williams. Once Bowers gets into the open field, opposing defenses don't stand much of a chance at stopping him as he is able to often find another gear. He has great vision and anticipation as well, allowing him often go quite a few yards before being touched. <strong>Projection: </strong>Group of Five <strong>HUDL: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12844360/61698b367bdd400b0842093c">Jr Season Highlights</a> &nbsp;