What are the characteristics of a successful running back? They have vision, speed, durability, burst, instincts, agility, and will. They are nimble, elusive, explosive, dynamic, slippery, balanced, and strong. The ball carriers below incorporate a lot in their game that lead to dominant performance and production. Check out some of Iowa’s best when it comes to toting the rock.
Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Des Moines Lincoln | 2022 State IA , Lincoln, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’0, 185
Jenkins is a very talented athlete that has tremendous breakaway speed, functional strength, and elusive moves. He is capable of reaching that extra gear and leaving defenders in his dust with top notch speed off tackle, but what impresses most is his between the tackles running. Jenkins is a violent, angry runner who breaks tackle after tackle and is exceedingly difficult to take down. Jenkins bursts into the A and B gaps, if there is any traffic in the backfield he avoids it, then plows through his opponents. Anything but a well-executed form tackle will not be sufficient and, even then, it usually isn’t enough. Jenkins’ is shifty as he gets vertical, keeping contact from being clean, and often creates a lot of daylight for him to run to. He has a knack for disappearing into a heap of bodies near the line of scrimmage and magically popping out cleanly for huge gains. Jenkins is a complete back; he has sure hands and can lead block.
Marcus Beatty Marcus Beatty 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Independence | 2022 State IA , Independence, hudl, Twitter
RB, 5’10, 200
Beatty is a top tier all-purpose back who sees the field as well as anyone and has elite balance and motor skills. Beatty is patient in the backfield and allows the play to develop and blocks to set up. From there it is one move and gone; he is deceptively fast and can accelerate quickly to separate from defenders. Beatty really shines, though, when he has to work for extra yards after contact. Beatty is nimble and makes it difficult for defenders to square him up and make clean hits. This allows him to absorb a lot of contact and keep moving. Beatty’s ability to keep his feet, when many others would go down, sets him apart from the crowd. He has a strong center of gravity that keeps his hips square and knees driving. Off of contact Beatty makes quick cuts into space showing off his field vision. Beatty’s style of running the ball is frustrating for defenders; you think you have him, but he doesn’t go down or you miss altogether.
Jahsiah Galvan, West Liberty, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’2, 185
Galvan will not be caught when he gets into the open field; he possesses elite speed that is eye-opening. He is a nightmare off tackle because he is going to beat safeties and outside linebackers to where the play hits; he often doesn’t need to cut or juke. If the playside corner or defensive end can’t get off their blocks quickly to help out Galvan is going to, at least, move the sticks. Galvan is a legitimate threat on designed plays that get him to the edge to take it all the way at any time. If he needs to make a move he has an excellent jump cut and maintains speed through changes of direction. His speed is just as threatening between the tackles when his offensive line opens up space to get him to the second level untouched, but he doesn’t need great blocking to create daylight and be off to the races; Galvan is not just a speed back. He can and will lower the shoulder, cut, and spin through contact to earn long runs the hard way.
Kjuan Owens Kjuan Owens 6'0" | 240 lbs | RB Waterloo East | 2022 IA , Waterloo East, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’0, 240
While Owens has very impressive top-tier speed and agility, he doesn’t need it, because he is going to run right through the heart of a defense and take a handful of tacklers for a ride. He knows how to operate within his frame athletically and is a juggernaut when it comes to functional strength. Owens is the definition of a powerback. The velocity with which he moves from the backfield is exceptional for his size. Even on off tackle plays, like a quick toss, he gets north-south right away and has the upper hand. If there is traffic in the backfield, Owens has impressive lateral movement, and can make defenders miss. Once he gets a head of steam built he is going to drop some jaws. If a tackler goes above the waist you can see Owens’ moment go right through his opponent; he is rarely even slowed on first contact. If they try to tackle Owens low his massive legs, with active feet and knee drive, puts them in the ground.
Blake McAlister, South Central Calhoun, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’0, 165
McAlister is a big time playmaker that offers his team a lot of versatility as he can dominate out of the backfield, from the wing, or as a slot. This allows for the offense to really open up the playbook and dial up his number in creative ways. Regardless of how he gets the ball, McAlister shines and shows off elite athleticism; he is shifty and slippery, has balance and power, and quick and subtle moves. From the backfield or at the wing McAlister does a very fine job of following his blocks and getting small behind them to stay clean through the line of scrimmage. From there he accelerates rapidly into the second level showing a lot of shimmy and shake to elude defenders in space. As a ball carrier McAlister plays with no fear and will lower the boom on a defender to pick up tough yards. Out of the slot McAlister runs precise routes and has soft hands; he also presents the threat of jet sweeps and reverses.
Rhett Bentley Rhett Bentley 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Riverside | 2022 IA , Riverside, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’0, 190
Bentley shows tremendous patience as he takes handoffs from the pistol and utilizes the extra time it gives him to take advantage of undisciplined defensive linemen and linebackers who get upfield or out of their gap. His ability to make the correct decisions on zone runs impresses. Bentley shows off great instincts and a sixth sense as he can feel the presence of defenders and avoid them through high traffic areas. He displays impressive agility and quickness as he maneuvers through limited space, within his frame, to limit contact and pick up tough yards. Bentley sees the field very well and remains disciplined on his runs to maximize yardage gained. When he sees daylight he takes it and accelerates rapidly into the open field; Bentley has high end speed to break away from defenders. Bentley is a complete player that excels in all areas; his ability to catch passes out of the backfield or stay in on pass pro is apparent.
