Top 10 running backs in the SGV ...
Gatorade, check. Oxygen, check. Smelling salts, check. Damon Kuklinski is playing running back, too!
If last year was the Year of the Quarterback in the SGV, then this year is the Year of the Running Back (that could be my lead for the football preview right there). I could go on and on with this list because the Valley is up to its eyes in talented ball carriers. Some teams even have multiple options at the position. I'm a little concerned about the fact that many teams may not have a good quarterback to go along with their stud running back, meaning it won't take much to derail the seasons of several of the names on this list by stacking up against the run. Wasn't it Mr. Miyagi who once said balance is the most important thing in life. Ahh, something like that. Anyway, here we go ... I'm pretty rock solid on this list, but as always I'm open to a little spirited jousting where opinions may vary.
1. Bryce McBride, Los Altos - If LA doesn't find a QB, then what should be a great season for McBride could be only just OK. It won't take Charter Oak, Damien or South Hills long to figure out what they need to do to beat Los Altos. And you could see the blue visor go flying if LA isn't capable of keeping the heat off with a little play action here or there. But the positives pointing toward McBride having one of the best seasons around is the fact that he should simply run away from many of the opponents on LA's docket. Then there's the advantage of having guys like Nick Longoria and even tight end Ray Rodriguez clearing the way for him. Conqs coach Greg Gano is savvy enough to get McBride the ball in every which way and even tailor an offense around him if the QB situation doesn't get better.
2. Chris Harris, Duarte - Harris led the SGV in rushing last year as a junior. Granted, much of that was against inferior competition, but he did rack up 166 yards against Glendora, 241 against La Canada and 189 against Santa Clara. Even the 95 yards against Verbum Dei looks respectable. Don't expect the numbers to change much this year and they could get slightly better even though tackle Mike Harris is now at UCLA. The presence of QB Austin Goldsmith means that teams can't just gang up on Harris without facing the prospect of getting beat deep. Harris also figures to move forward physically and the speed is already there to turn a crease into a breakaway.
3. Nico Barbone, San Dimas - Barbone was the worst kept secret in the SGV last year. He was hyped going into his sophomore season and delivered in spades by rushing for 1,330 yards and 12 TDs. The bad news for opposing defenses is that Barbone has evidently put in his time this off-season. He got faster and more agile by taking in part Jimmy Nolan's SpeedKillz camp. He's also reportedly gotten stronger via the weight room. Add it all up and Barbone is going to be an even bigger load this season ... one who might run away from a few more people, too.
4. Tim Gilmore, Wilson - Some coaches I've spoken to believe Gilmore might be the best athlete in the SGV. I'm not totally sure how the Wildcats are going to use him this year. I'd expect him to get a lot of carries, but also some receptions. Gilmore is extremely fast and capable of winning some games all by himself. Against CO or LA, the solo act won't work. So it will be up to 'Cats OC Greg Willig to complete the package with other options.
5. Kanaan Snowden, Charter Oak - The Chargers are legitimately three deep at RB this season. But I expect what started late last season to continue this year, and that's Snowden getting the bulk of the carries. Snowden's best attribute isn't speed or breaking tackles, it's the fact that he hits the right whole and rarely messes with any east/west movements. Snowden has improved physically this off-season and should be ready to build on last year's late-season emergence.
6. Brian Spirlin, Diamond Ranch - Spirlin was the Panthers' original starter last year before getting hurt very early in the season. His off-season has been confusing, just like everything else Diamond Ranch. There were rumors of Spirlin transferring to Colony, but it didn't happen. If healthy, he's a compact runner with good speed and the ability to shrug off tacklers. Spirlin is expected to be the Panthers' workhorse and the presence of other weapons should make it so that he doesn't have to deal with opponents focusing solely on him.
7. Evan Heard, South Hills - I still can't get over Heard's physical maturation. The D-1 frame is in place for the versatile junior. But I keep hearing talk of Damon Kuklinski sharing time in the backfield. Given Heard's versatility and ability to catch the ball, he could play an all-purpose role that will see him line up all over the field. I don't think Heard will be totally shutout of the carries, and if anything, he should see the bulk of the load since Kuklinski's first priority is linebacker. Expect another major step forward by Heard this season.
8. Howard Martin, Northview - Just like all members of the Vikings' ballyhooed Class of '09, Martin will be expected to take a major step forward this year. There are so many skill players poised for breakout seasons in Northview's offense, it's hard to believe there's enough yardage to go around. But the base of Northview's offense will be running the ball and Martin should be a force in that department. He's arguably the top breakout candidate on the list.
9. Damon Kuklinski, South Hills - When I visited Huskies practice, Kuklinski was working with the RBs. How can the area's top linebacker pull double duty at running back, especially the way Kuklinski plays LB. You could look at Kuklinski's frame and see it as being possible. This is yet another player who has certainly improved his appearance during the off-season. Wow! Kuklinski has always had the footwork to make for a good running back. I worry about his endurance playing two demanding positions. But he should be good for 10-15 carries a game and that could be enough for some excellent numbers. Kuklinski got carries last year, so this will be nothing new.
10. Marcus Wagner, Bishop Amat - If the Lancers coaching staff would definitively commit to Wagner being the feature back, then he'd shoot up this list. But like Kuklinski, Wagner also plays LB and I just don't see how he can hold up doing both. Wagner simply looks painful to tackle. Think bowling ball with speed ... and with a good offensive line clearing the way, wow! But coaches are treating the QB and RB scrambles like top secret info, so I have no clue what Wagner's load will be.
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where the hellis my brother???? joseph chase BETTER than half these cats. seriously. ARAM do more homework. u know i respect u man but u messed up with this. my bro will kill it next year mark my words.
Loyola fans have to make that trip to Compton next season...Dominguez will be looking to avenge their only loss of the season last year...
Poor Cubbies! hahahahhahaaahahaha!
If I was Amat's, CO, LA, or SH I wouldn't sign a 2-year home & home and subject my fans to a trip into Compton or Lynwood either when you have other competitive options. Now if you are not scheduling tough teams - that might be a different story.
Duke 13
I would take any SGV back to compete and play for any team in the SGVL. Dont agree that your boy from Lynwood is that good. His play just didnt fit and didnt carry his team anywhere.
Dan and Bill - Your guys are right on.
Duke,
Yes Dominguez did end Notre Dames reign a couple of years ago, but like I said Dominguez is on a much higher level than the rest of the SGVL, they are D1 caliber or close to it. The rest of the SGVL while they are tough teams they don't come close to the level that Dominguez has been playing at in recent years. As for the backs in the SGV not facing top competition I have to disagree,Diamond Ranch, South Hills, West Covina, Charter Oak, Damien, Chino Hills, have been boosting up their schedules in recent years, taking on power house schools every year such as Esperanza, Mater Dei, Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco, Servite & Oaks Christian. I know that Dominguez & Lynwood also schedule tough preseasons.
As for the SGV schools not returning phone calls
if that is truly happening its not cause their scared to play because they already have tougher teams on their schedule. It could be for other reasons. I do know that West Covina is 3 wins & 1 loss vs SGVL teams since 2002, but of course it wasn't vs Dominguez.
Dan,
Dominguez ended the Notre Dame Sherman Oak reign! The defensive speed is at another level. And the backs in the SGV don't face enough top notch competition. Look at the teams the SGVL teams play in their preseason. Word has it as well that Downey, Lynwood, and Dominguez try to schedule the Amat's, CO, LA, SH, etc. but for some reasons those teams don't return their phone calls. That is defenitely a fact. Call Donderson and Williams and they'll tell you. I would like to see those match ups! or even SH, CO, LA, etc. play at least Muir, Monrovia, or Garfield High. Let's throw the city in there. They went to the City 3A finals last year with a team full of Sophmores. The Vargas kid can run too!
Duke 13,
The SGVL has Dominguez, after that the teams are
average, overall the Sierra, Miramonte, and San Antonio are tougher leagues, the top 2 or 3 teams in these leagues might not beat Dominguez but they can beat the rest of the SGVL teams on a regular basis.
As for the SGV running backs not facing tough competition, Will Wallace [W.Covina] ran through Mater Dei's defense throughout the night, [167 yrds] when they played last year, and Marquiez Winbush [S.Hills] ran through Esparranza'z "D" for over 200 yards when they played 2 years ago, both of those school are as tough as they come.
Bill,
I said the SGV League is tougher than any league in the SGV. Look at their preseason schedules for all those schools. They play solid schools ranging from Corona Cenntenial to Notre Dame Sherman Oaks.
Bill,
I saw the kid most of the year and he was Lynwood's main threat and played both ways. He really didn't have alot of help either and the schedule they played was tougher than any of the running backs on the list, with the exception of Wagner. They keyed on him every game and he ran hard every game carrying the bulk of the load. They only had a 25 man roster last year. Yes, they did make the playoffs and Lynwood beat itself at Chaminade, were Donyae kept them in the game. Enough said lets see how they perform this year.
Wagner is 5'7 or 5'8...I was not talking about him being the 5'11 RB...read first then have a opinion.haha.......Lancer4life I hope you are arong on Bonilla. At out final scrimmage he was there and he was playing...His mom was in attendance also...If they were planning on leaving he would not have even taken the spring training and bypassed all of that. I guess we will find out come 6/19 when they return for the first day of Lift and Condition. It is not anyones businees who the other 3 running backs are...go to their practice and see for yourself....Wagner is working on Defense but he will be back there on offense...the other 3 will give Wagner that blow he needs seeing how he will play lots of LB...This AMAT team is not dead and buried yet like most would like to think. There are some very good football players there.
never mind
i didnt read the whole post
good looking out
wagner is not 5'11
more like 5'7-8
but that was pretty funny though
Wagner is not even practicing at RB, he is strictly working on defense. Bonilla is gone to Chino. So that leaves nobody worth mentioning to carry the rock.
Who are the rbs beside Wagner at Amat?
In addition who are the 3 rb's at amat mentioned? What does that mean for Wagner?
Duke 13
No I am not wrong; just don't agree with your assessment of talent.
Your boy from Lynwood carries maybe 5’5 165lb and CANNOT take hits or move thru any holes. What games were you at? LOL
Okay, now we are to believe that SGV league is better than any league out here. Another mistake on your part. Lynwood sure had a good record last year? LOL
Bill,
Your wrong again! I did see most of these kids play last year against way better teams than SGV has to offer. Competition like NOTRE DAME SHERMAN OAKS, SERVITE, LOYOLA, COMPTON, CARSON, ETC. and these kids are gamers. They play in SGV League which is a tough league. Tougher than any league in the SGV. I was actually their and not just catching their high lights on Fox. These kids are tough kids in a tough area. ConquAlum I just talked to Marcus's lil brother five minutes ago. He's only practicing at qb right now, but he'll be a back up. They have another qb in mind. He just has to take care of something off the field. They also have a freshman from last year that can play qb.
Duke 13
I know about both athletes, Darden isn't better than any of these kids on the list.
"None can hit the holes and fly" You must have missed alott of these kids games last year!
Coleman is a legit but so are alot of these kids in the SGV.
"Duke_13"
Looks like Marcus Darden of Dominguez will be playing qb this year. He's been to qb "training camp" quite often this spring. He's lacking height, but his arm is huge.
Bill,
I saw the Darden kid from Dominguez play and Donyae Coleman from Lynwood play. Those two alone have more talent than anyone on the list!!! After watching them its hard to rate the list. None of the players on that list can hit the hole and fly. And don't get in their way because they can lower the boom!!! They both play top notch competition and against each other. You don't believe me Bill show up to the Lynwood vs. Arcadia or Dominguez vs. Pasadena game this year! So, you can see for yourself.
MATW,
Bryce will also have teams keying on him as LA breaks in a new QB and it will be no secret who the offense goes thru.
Also, don't just bring up Rosemead ... Bryce and the Conqs will also play Damien, South Hills and Charter Oak. He'll be tested.
No respect here for Marcus Wagner...I dont believe he is at number 10 and McBride is 1???Marcus is allot stronger than Bryce and aside from Longoria and Rodriguez Amats O-line is alot better than LA....Again Schedules are the key here and with Amats schedule of big time football teams and LA against the Rosemeads Bryce will most likely have more yards so this is not a fair comparison....Also Amat has 3 other running backs that are going to wreck havoc on opponents..Thats right no one is talking about them but there is one in particular that just looks like a natural runner with speed and good hands. This kid is 5'11 and is built like a thourobred race horse.
No respect here for Marcus Wagner...I dont believe he is at number 10 and McBride is 1???Marcus is allot stronger than Bryce and aside from Longoria and Rodriguez Amats O-line is alot better than LA....Again Schedules are the key here and with Amats schedule of big time football teams and LA against the Rosemeads Bryce will most likely have more yards so this is not a fair comparison....Also Amat has 3 other running backs that are going to wreck havoc on opponents..Thats right no one is talking about them but there is one in particular that just looks like a natural runner with speed and good hands. This kid is 5'11 and is built like a thourobred race horse.
Duke 13
Its apparent you dont know how to judge talent or recognize some of the best athletes around.
Not really impressed with any of these running backs!
you guys arent seeing mcbrides potential for this year. think about it when was the last time LA had a bad rb
you guys arent seeing mcbrides potential for this year. think about it when was the last time LA had a bad rb
husky insider
I would probably lean to Harris. He did show up against some good teams last year.
How can a 500 yard rushing season earn a #1 spot??????????
hey "shhs", who would be the number one running back if it werent for mcbride?
aram how bout the top 10 offensive lineman, is there gonna be a list
you cant be serious, there is no way harris is not number one. he can be a power or a speed back and had over 2000 yards last year.
wow kids transfer schools...sooooo interesting!! that hasnt been goin on for years...and i heard someone say that wells kid lives in monrovia so its happening everwhere....NOT THAT INTERESTING
Wow, two of the top five guys on this list (Harris and Snowden)hail from Pasadena. Interesting.
Looks like talent at running back is down.
but he may one day get there if he does things right...he has the look
SGV PRIDE
Its a very, very, very long road to playing on Sundays....
but wait...bryce mcbride didnt even crack 1000 yards last year?...how is he going to be the number 1 rated back???
Aram
I am impressed with this list. Alot of talented kids with upside potential. I saw Harris, Snowden, and Barbone play last year. These are three very legit kids. I did see Snowden and Barbone going both ways last year, so I expect they will be doing the same this year?
I am also looking forward to watching Mcbride over at LA. The Co and LA game is going to be a treat to watch!
Let the games begin!!!!!!!
gilmore is real aram!...but i dnt feel he will get the right exposure where he is at?...maybe he is on the wrong side of the heights. but iv known the guy for awhile. he might be the only guy in this area that will be playing on sundays
hey aram why dont you post up best offensive lineman, ive followed sh for awhile and they have an explosive undersized o-lineman that gets the job done- LA also some pretty good lineman over there to
Receivers next week.
sgvfan,
I guess I wasn't clear ... I was trying to say that Martin along with the Class of '09 players have to deliver this season. I wasn't lumping him in.
aram please post the recievers soon
FYI Howard Martin is a part of the 08 class, along with running mate Jason Knowles who deserves to be on this list as well. These two are very formidable running backs from NV.
Who the heck cares about the Wells. He is not at Amat and no one is talking about it, and who knows if he will even play this year....I mean I hear he is good but he is not great...
Its way to early to pick top runningbacks,just because you can run through cones fast does not mean your the best, the game is played in pads.
whats up with dorian wells?? any info on this kid??
Gano has like seven kids trying out for QB right now...he'll mold one of them. No trade necessary. Again, with our running game, O-Line and experienced Defense we don't need someone under center to win games...just someone who won't lose games. Think Rex Grossman.
Can't Gano find a QB somewhere? Rumor had it that he was putting together a trade deal with South Hills...
LAST SEASON KUKLINSKI HAD LESS CARRIES THAN HEARD BUT MORE TOUCHDOWNS AND YARDS. I THINK KUKLINSKI IS A MUCH BETTER RB THAN HEARD. HE GETS IT DONE!
McBride was a gift from Amat. I know the Lancers are trying to play it off as if his loss will have little effect on their team but I can't imagine a kid with his speed, size (width, not height) and smarts being replaced. The only knock on this kid is I've heard he doesn't have the best hands out of the backfield, which he'll need to develop if he doesn't want teams to blitz his ass all day long.
Aram, you're right on the money though...we need to find a QB or all that talent will mean squat. Gano has been here before and made it happen. All we need is an average QB who can complete quicks, outs and curls and we'll be fine.
Quick props to Gilmore...good call Aram. This kid has been in the shadow of Bernal (who did not get enough love from you by the way) over there in Wildcat land. He will make Wilson a player in the Miramonte League. They have the worst talent in that league by far, but I guarantee they won't finish last, he's good for one 250 yrd. game and an upset victory.
South Hills with another multiple player showing? Can't wait 'till the top 10 recievers list...they should have four or five on that one huh? Come on Aram...seems like Chris Rix isn't the only new addition to the Huskies payroll this summer! How can you wax on about how deep the valley is at the RB position and then have two guys from one team? Are the Huskies really that good?