Stars of the West: Week 2: Backs in the Backfield

[TuscanSota]

Welcome to Week 2 of our Stars of the West Series! Last week we went over some of the best QBs in the country West Coast. Today, we are going to take a look at some of the talent at both the RB and FB positions.

 

Runningbacks

 

 

Unfortunately, the West Coast does not have the top-caliber talent at the RB position; it does, however, have diamonds in the rough. The top RB from California is Duke Nido, 4* Runningback from La Mesa, California. Nido's team is not the most competitive from its high school section, but don't mistake Nido. Despite having an amicable offensive line, Nido rushed for over 220 yards average in both of his high school games this year. The kid's been able to make inside plays and find holes between opposing tackles. When running the option, Nido is doing a stellar job working with the QB when the plays turn out successful. UCLA and UNLV have both offered full-ride scholarships to the running back, but Nido is apparently keeping all options open for the time being.

 

 

The next stellar RB in the West is from Banks, Oregon. Just northwest of Portland, Joaquin Centeno has been watching the Ducks since he was a kid. The Banks High School football team has utilized schemes that play to Centeno's strengths; which is powering through offenses and trucking linebackers. This strategy has paid off, and just last year Banks High School made it all the way to the semifinals for the Oregon State championship. Centeno received an offer from the nearby Oregon Ducks, and Centeno is very much considering the offer, as it is close to home.

 

 

The final RB in this list is from Seattle, Washington, Franklin Riggins. Riggins has already broken records his junior year for most 100yd games in a season, and meanwhile was breaking 100m and 200m records in Track and Field. Despite his stature at 5'6" and 195 pounds, Franklin Riggins has shaken up the Seattle football scene and is one of the most sought out RBs in the country. Schools from across the nation such as Boise, Tulane, and UW have already sent offers to the runningback; of those three, Huskies football coach Caesari has publicly stated they are very much interested in Riggins.

 

Fullbacks

 

There are three fullbacks that make this list as Stars of the West, and they again are along the west coast.

 

 

From Selah, Washington is star fullback, Jeremy Allen. A back that's trained under Selah Highschool's wishbone system, Jeremy Allen has taken handoffs at the running back, power back, and fullback position. Of those three, fullback is Allen's been most comfortable with. Although not the top rusher on his team, Allen nevertheless is the kind of fullback that not only can make blocks to protect the QB, but offers a 1-2 punch for any team looking to add talent to their backfield.

 

 

While most fullbacks are making blocks and inside runs, Sam Ward from Santa Fe Spring, California is a back that has kept defenses guessing. The fullback has done everything -- block edge rushers, taken options, and even caught passes from screenplays. His junior year alone, Ward had a record 40yds after the catch per game, while rushing for 1200 yards in the season. The back has not attracted much attention yet in the season but has received an offer from the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

 

 

The final back on our list is none other than Buster Irving of Stockdale High school in Bakersfield, California. Although the fullback has not received offers, he has been scouted as one of the most flexible fullbacks in the country. Last season, Buster rushed for over 850 yards before a minor injury in the quarterfinals, which eventually folded into the Stockdale Mustangs early exit. Since then, Irving has recovered and is at 100%. In the mustang's two wins, Irving has rushed over 95 yards average, including a 40-yard breakaway run off a power run. The fullback has thrived in the Mustang's option game, and has won at least 75% of his run blocking assignments and 90% of his pass block assignments. Whether Buster's skillset can carry into the college game remains to be seen; there's no question about the fullback's talent. After all, Buster is known for busting through the line of scrimmage like it's no big deal.

 

 

 

Thank you again for joining us for another week of Stars in the West. Next week, we will be going over some of the best receivers in the Western United States!