2024 Running Backs on the Rise
Missouri boasts some talented skill players in its 2024 class. I wanted to take a look at several runners whose names should be near the top of coaches’ lists when combing through Missouri’s running back prospects. Elijah Stevens MO #95…
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Continue ReadingMissouri boasts some talented skill players in its 2024 class. I wanted to take a look at several runners whose names should be near the top of coaches’ lists when combing through Missouri’s running back prospects.
Elijah Stevens Elijah Stevens 5’10” | 200 lbs | ATH Rockwood Summit | 2024 State MO is a staple on Rockwood Summit’s talented offense. Elijah plays slot as well as running back for the Falcons. As a three-year starter, there will be no shortage of tape for college coaches to see Elijah’s offensive versatility.
Elijah’s next level vision shows navigating through a crowded box and finding creases on disrupted screen passes. Good strength and balance after contact shows earning extra yards up the middle. College coaches like Elijah’s soft hands and athleticism that shows extending at the catchpoint; Scoring touchdowns aligned as a slot receiver highlights Elijah’s value as an offensive playmaker.
Highlights
Landon Boston Landon Boston 5’10” | 170 lbs | RB Washington | 2024 State MO is a two-way starter for Washington High School. According to his Twitter account, Landon was invited to Central Missouri’s Junior Day. Expect his regional recruitment to gain steam from here on out.
Instincts and quickness show in his hesitation moves to avoid contact in the open field. Landon’s strength shows dragging defenders through the box, while his power shows stiff arming DBs with force. Coaches like that Landon’s size allows him to grind out tough yards up the middle, while his athleticism allows him to create on the edges.
Highlights
Leondre Davis
Leondre Davis
Leondre Davis is one of a few offensive playmakers for Lafayette High School. Leondre has had game day visits to Iowa State and Lindenwood. Keep an eye out for more regional teams to come calling as 2023 carries on.
Leondre’s top speed allows him to break off long runs after being forced to absorb contact in crowded areas near the line of scrimmage. Strength and toughness show in Leondre’s finish. Leondre’s value as a wide receiver gets highlighted in his comfortability with screens and fluid adjustments at the catchpoint.
Kylan Wallace Kylan Wallace 5’9″ | 165 lbs | RB Kirkwood | 2024 State MO is a two-way prospect for Kirkwood. Kylan has gone on an official visit to Kansas according to his Twitter account; I am surprised a local prospect with his level of productivity has not received more regional attention.
Kylan shows good patience setting up blocks on power runs, but coaches will like the decisiveness and acceleration he displays when he finally does attack the line of scrimmage. Power shows delivering contact, while Kylan’s strength allows him to drag defenders for extra yardage. Kylan’s toughness shows in the way he runs through people. However, coaches like seeing Kylan’s quickness and vision in the open field using a hesitation move to shake defenders.
Payton Brown Payton Brown 6’1″ | 215 lbs | LB Hillsboro | 2024 State MO is an intriguing prospect from Hillsboro High School who may be recruited at multiple positions. Payton went on a Junior Day visit to Ball State earlier this year. It will be interesting to see who recruits Payton and at what position as the year goes on.
Payton’s physical running style shows searching for contact and punishing defenders in the open field. Power shows as a lead blocker while Payton’s strength consistently shows in his finish. Solid hands, athleticism as an open field tackler and physicality as a lead blocker adds value to Payton’s recruitment as a collegiate hybrid TE.