Joseph Yearby is one of the top running backs for the class of 2014. Out of Miami (Fla.) Central High School, Yearby stands only 5’9 but weighs in at a solid 190 pounds. He is a four-star recruit according to 247sports, Rivals and Scout, and is on the ESPN Watch List.
Joseph Yearby 2014 recruit scouting report: a natural running back
Yearby is a treat to watch.
Yearby committed to Florida State in the late summer of 2012, but verbal commitments are non-binding, and he also claims offers from Miami, Florida State, West Virginia and UCF.
Twitter: You can find Yearby on Twitter @joe_yearby.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: The first thing that jumps out about Yearby is his body control. He is able to make excellent cuts off of either leg, which is difficult to do. He accomplishes this by having great balance and a low center of gravity. With that low center of gravity, body control and balance, Yearby is able to make cuts at full speed, leaving defenders grasping at air.
The ability to cut at full speed is truly a special one, and for Yearby it is particularly important because he is more quick than fast. That’s not to say that he is slow -- he’s not by any measure, but he’s also not likely to join a college track team any time soon.
The other thing that makes Yearby dangerous is his vision. He sees running lanes opening up much earlier than other backs, if they even see them at all. And with his ability to make great cuts on either leg, he gets to them at full speed.
It is that combination of attributes that makes Yearby work better inside the tackles and in tight spaces than you’d expect a smaller back to be able to do.
Yearby also has the ability to catch the football over his shoulder, though I would like to see him used more as a receiver in space.
Perhaps the greatest testament to Yearby’s ability is his place on Central’s depth chart. His teammate is Dalvin Cook, an excellent running back recruit who is probably more impressive physically, being bigger and perhaps also faster. But Yearby is the better player and the more natural runner, and because of that, he starts.
Yearby was named to the Florida Class 6A All-State First Team.
Yearby is an excellent running back recruit, and should blossom into a multi-year starter at the major college level. How much playing time he receives early on will likely depend on the depth chart and his ability to pick up the offensive scheme, including the pass protection assignments.
Look through SB Nation’s many excellent college football blogs to find your team’s community.
