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| USC commit Stephen Carr hasn't slowed down this offseason. He's put together a strong tournament season as he prepares for his senior year of high school (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). |
They may not
be hitting the open holes created by their linemen or stepping in and picking blitzes
up right now, but most running backs still use this time of year to work on
another key trait to their game: receiving.
And five
backfield stars – two of them already highly recruited – have shown their hands
and big play capabilities during the tournament season.
Who has
stood out to me? Here’s the five who have caught my attention during this
spring season.
Disclaimer:
Much like my last post regarding quarterbacks, once again this list is based
off of who has stood out in my own eyes. I’m sure there has been some other
solid running back performers, but to reiterate, I don’t always have the luxury
to watch everyone. If anyone was left off this list, it’s nothing against you.
Onward:
Stephen
Carr, Fontana (Calif.) Summit
At a sinewy 190-pounds,
Carr looks like someone who stepped out of a photo shoot with Muscle &
Fitness Magazine. The USC commit is more than a chiseled frame, though. Carr –
offered recently by Miami, LSU, Nebraska and Michigan - was the top receiving
and running threat for his team Ground Zero Panoramic during the Passing Down
Southern California Regional on March 20 in Fontana. Carr has made his hands
softer and more reliable in the passing game during this period. He also has shown
an elusiveness and second gear after the catch.
T.J.
Pledger, West Hills-Chaminade
The Class of
2018 prospect was explosive on wheel and out routes during his appearance at PD’s
March 20 Fontana regional. Like Carr, Pledger came equipped with some open
field moves and hands. National powers USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Washington
are currently making an early dash at him on the recruiting trail.
Jullen Ison,
Hayward-Moreau Catholic
He’s got to
be the biggest sleeper back in the Golden State. In shoulder pads, Ison
accelerated to over 3,000 yards rushing last season. In shirts and shorts, Ison
has displayed excellent body control with his catches and can make some
ridiculous one-handed grabs in traffic. Ison is currently offer-less during
this recruiting period.
Chuck Wick,
Ventura-St.Bonaventure
Wick has
been Team Green and Gold’s [an all-St. Bonaventure squad] top security blanket
and dynamic playmaker during the tourney run. Wick gets good separation against
his defenders, then shows a wicked burst after the catch that makes him look
like a 100-meter dash sprinter coming off the blocks. Wick is yet to report his
first offer but says he’s been in contact with Wyoming and Texas A&M.
Josh Boone,
San Francisco-Riodan
Like Ison,
the 5-foot-8 Boone is another sleeper back in the Bay Area. Boone has shown
consistent hands, an ankle-breaking juke move after the catch and a
never-get-tired attitude. Along with his admirable offensive game, Boone has
excelled as a slot cover cornerback as well. He’s not only waiting on his first
offer, but his first letter from a university.
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