Top 10 high school running backs for 2016 season
In the spread-offense age, the running back can be forgotten. But Arizona high schools have no shortage. There are quite a few ready to show how important the run game still is at the prep level.
Here are 10 I feel will take off during the 2016 football season.
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Top 10 running backs
No. 10 Kris Jackson, Mesa, 5-11, 200, Jr.
Strong between the tackles, Jackson has good cutback moves and outside speed that separates him from the pack. He will be a featured player for the Jackrabbits in their move back up to the highest level of competition. He is ready for a big year after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards as a sophomore.
No. 9 Tyler Vasko, Avondale Westview, 5-7, 191
Vasko will carry a bull’s eye into the 2016 season after rushing for 2,018 yards and 22 touchdowns in Westview’s Wing T offense. He is tough to tackle. Low to the ground, shifty, fast and powerful.
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No. 8 Kaleb Hardin, Mesa Skyline, 6-0, 195, Sr.
In a limited role last season, he ran for more than 1,000 yards on a team that went undefeated in the regular season. Now the featured back, Hardin, bigger, stronger, faster, is set to have a monster year for the Coyotes, who are hungry to make noise back in the highest conference.
No. 7 Tyrese Allen, Mesa Desert Ridge, 5-7, 170, Jr.
Had a tremendous spring, showing he's ready to emerge as a top-10 running back. Coach Jeremy Hathcock believes he might be a top-five back in the state. Quick, fast and versatile, he will be seen making big plays out of the backfield, either on handoffs and pitches or catching the ball.
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No. 6 Ryan Johnson, Chandler, 5-9, 170, Sr.
This move-in from Detroit is quick, fast and dynamic. Chandler coach Shaun Aguano will have fun with Johnson in the backfield with Green. He’ll be used in the slot and at tailback at times, giving the Wolves perhaps the state’s best one-two running punch.
No. 5 Noah Pittenger, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 5-9, 175
Pittenger showed as a sophomore how elusive he can be. Expect Pittenger to be the featured player in Brophy’s offense. Coach Scooter Molander will take advantage of Pittenger’s speed, quickness and moves to be the team’s big home-run hitter this season.
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No. 4 Roshaun Johnson, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-0, 220, Sr.
This is his fourth year on varsity. Every year Johnson has gotten bigger and stronger. He is built like a fullback and plays with reckless abandonment that makes him one of the more difficult backs in the state to bring down. He is a gifted linebacker, as well, who will be featured on defense against top opponents. Strong, versatile, durable and valuable in every facet of the game.
No. 3 Stone Matthews, Scottsdale Saguaro, 5-8, 180, Sr.
Not heavily recruited, but coach Jason Mohns wouldn’t trade him for anyone to carry the load. He showed what a beast he was in last year’s Division II state championship game, carrying the ball 39 times for 291 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Tempe Marcos de Niza. He is durable, tough, quick and doesn’t hesitate to hit the holes. With a big, strong line in front of him, watch for another 2,000-yard season from Matthews.
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No. 2 Jawhar Jordan, Chandler Hamilton, 5-10, 160, Jr.
One of the fastest athletes in the state, Jordan showed his many speeds and cutback moves on varsity last season, as well as flashes of greatness and things to come. With more speed, quickness and strength, he could be looking for a 2,000-yard season.
No. 1 T.J. Green, Chandler, 5-11, 190, Sr.
Green is cut from the Paul Perkins mold with power and moves. He had a big breakout season as a junior and will now become the go-to guy in one of the more versatile and dynamic offenses in the state. He showed off elite speed during the state track and field championships.
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