The Shape of Sprint:RB

Bruisers

These running backs specialize in inflicting punishment upon defenses. Their bulldozer north and south running style wears on defenders as the game goes on. These guys demand two or three defenders to be at the point of contact if you want to have a chance of bringing them down. Some are faster, some are bigger, but these running backs all have something in common. The don’t shy away from contact, they embrace it.

(MSFL) Bellarmine (active) RB Brenden Reid 1705rushing yards 17TD

Reid has been a sensational player for the Knights since his very first game as a freshman. He has a freight train running style that chips away at the will of a defense. He routinely brushes of defenders like they’re not even there on his way to the endzone. Reid has the juice to hit the home run type of run as well. He is dangerous in the redzone and he can be the bell cow that’s used to keep the drive alive by get first downs again and again. You don’t have to watch a Bellarmine game for very long before you see Reid some spectacular.

(CSFL) Navy 19-22 RB Alex Totta 1722rushing yards 28TD

If Reid is a bulldozer, then Totta is a missile. He was just as likely to run by you as through you. He could be a bell cow turning out yards with tough runs as his team marched down the field. He could take a team’s will by slicing through the entire defense on his way to the endzone. Even though he had speed like some of the faster guys in league history, the name of his game was physicality. Totta always kept his legs turning no matter the situation. This resulted in some of the best runs I have ever seen in the history of the league. Totta is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in sprint football history.

(CSFL) Mansfield 16-19 RB David Butler 1301rushing yards 15TD

Butler could best be described bowling ball on the football field. His short, stout, and strong frame was a perfect complement to his physical running style. Butler made a habit of shrugging defenders off as he barreled down the field. Despite his frame Butler has surprising speed as well. After bouncing off a defender or two he could turn up to another gear and get to the endzone. Butler was a nightmare in short yardage situations and the redzone. Butler is another great example of the physical bruising type of running back.

(MSFL) CCSJ (active) RB Jamall Warnell 594rushing yards 10TD

Warnell is another bruising back that resembles a bowling ball when he is carrying the rock. A powerful lower body and a low center of gravity allow Warnell to bounce off defenders or barrel through them. Once Warnell gets past the first wave of defenders he has the juice to take it to the house. Where Warnell really shines is in the redzone. He always keeps his legs moving and often pushes his way into the endzone even when he gets hit a few yards before the goal line. Warnell plays on a team with a run first philosophy so it wont be a surprise when he continues to climb up the running back record books.

(MSFL) Quincy (active) CJ Jackson 937rushing yards 13TD

Jackson had been a great back that has displayed elite speed, vision, and power throughout his career. The Hawks have benefited from Jackson’s ability to score from anywhere on the field. Jackson uses his great vision to wait for openings or to hit the whole at the first sight of day light. One defender isn’t enough to bring Jackson down. In fact if that first defender doesn’t even slow Jackson down then there is a good chance he can take it to the house. Jackson can do all of these things even when he is catching the ball out of the backfield. With another year remaining Jackson has the chance to leave a strong final mark on the game.