The Ideal Prospect Series: Running Back

While people come in all different shapes and sizes, specific football positions have ideal traits. Each position has a range of size and specific tools evaluators key on. However, nothing is set in stone and different systems require different type of players. This series of articles is going to focus on what we look for in an ideal prospect while trying to remain as generic as possible. We always love feedback so be sure to include some things that are important to you.

Position: Running Back

Size: 5’10 - 6’2 (no true ideal size)

Weight: 210lbs- 230lbs (needs the bulk to be durable)

Speed and Quicks: A running backs 40 time is a highly overrated stat as you want to see him play fast not just run fast. The running back needs to be a 2 stepper with the ability to quickly get up to full speed and press the hole. That initial quickness is crucial to hitting the hole before it is plugged by a defender. It also allows the back to out run the angles of the defense and reach the edge. The ideal running back will combine his initial quickness with a good 2nd gear which allows him to be a home run threat. Overall, its all about getting off the ball quick and being able to hit a 2nd gear.

Breaking Tackles: There are two main ways to break a tackle which are making you miss and powering through. Both types require good balance and determination. To be a power runner, you must run behind your pads exposing as little of you body as possible. Having a non stop and powerful leg drive helps the running back get free after the initial contact. It is essential to keep his pad level low which helps him remain balanced and giving the ability to run through arm tackles. If a running back runs straight up and down he exposes to much of his body and is unbalanced resulting in easy tackles for the defense.

The make you miss ability is directly tied to having good lateral quickness. The ability to start and stop on a dime helps the running back react to the defenders. He should also be able to make seamless cuts and not have to gear down. The more elusive a running back is the more successful he will be.

Receiving: A running back does not have to be an elite receiver only a dependable target. You want a running back to use his hands to pluck the ball out of the air. He should also have the ability to create in space and be a threat to score quickly.

Blocking: The ability to block has a lot to do with willingness and determination. A running back needs to unafraid to sacrifice himself and get in front of a charging defender. Ideally, he has a good strong anchor and can absorb the initial contact.

Vision: This is maybe the most important attribute for a successful running back. He needs to be able to processes the post snap information quickly and find the open hole. Any hesitation could lead to a loss of yardage. This is something that a player either has or doesn’t and can not be learned over time.