3-Star Running Backs to Watch

Kevin Coleman looks at the incoming class of running backs and identifies five sleepers who could make an impact in CFF and C2C leagues.

The thrill of unearthing hidden gems is a major draw of devy or college fantasy leagues. In these formats, every manager harbors the belief that they can play the role of a scout, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. One of my favorite exercises is combing through three-star prospects and looking for hidden diamonds to draft. In this article, I'll focus on the incoming running back class and share players to target in late-round C2C, CFF, and devy drafts, or keep an eye on for waiver wire pickups.

Overview

Of all the three-star backs I watched this off-season, Cardenas stood out in every aspect of his tape. He has explosion at the line of scrimmage, and his contact balance is incredible. He has an extra gear after contact and can use it to break off big runs. There are multiple instances on tape where he is hit initially at the line of scrimmage but can shed tacklers on his way to big gains. His production profile was also incredible in high school. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and 33 touchdowns his senior season. He also finished with 550, 330, and 340 receiving yards in his three seasons playing varsity football. That shows me that he is not only a great early down back, but he can also be a receiving option for a team without many weapons. 

Another plus for me as a 3-star recruit is his size. Listed at 6-foot-0 and 215 pounds, he comes in with a ready-to-play frame that you look for when trying to identify sleepers at the running back position, especially ones that can produce early. 

The one drawback to Cardenas's game is that he played against inferior talent in high school. If you watch his film, you will see that Cardenas was essentially a man amongst boys. That inflated his production numbers, and it could take time for him to adjust to an SEC schedule. He might already be capped from a ceiling standpoint, but based on his current roster, we could see him get out early in 2024. 

Depth Chart

The Commodores' running back room is wide open. The only loss this off-season was Patrick Smith. Though Smith got a lot of playing time, he wasn't particularly productive, and his snaps are there for the taking. Their best options are Sedrick Alexander, AJ Newberry, and Chase Gillespie, all of whom will compete with Cardenas for early touches. 

Vanderbilt also didn't take any transfers at this position, opening the door for the backs on the current roster. The real running back on the roster is incoming quarterback Diego Pavia, who rushed for 928 yards in the Mountain West Conference last season. While those numbers are impressive, that won’t be happening in the SEC, so they will need to establish some type of rushing attack this season. It would not shock me to see Cardenas get into the rotation. 

Bottom Line

Cardenas reminds me of former Oregon State running back Damien Martinez, another three-star back who found relevance in his freshman season. Who is now at the University of Miami and shot up in rankings over the course of his early career. The issue is that Martinez played against much tougher competition than Cardenas in Texas, but the play style is similar. If he can make it on the field, there’s a chance Cardenas can rise up devy boards. 

Highlights

Overview

Even with head coach Chip Kelly leaving for Ohio State, Jones stayed committed to UCLA because of his relationship with running back head coach Deshaun Foster. Foster is now the program's head coach and that relationship will play a pivotal role in Jones's development as a running back. 

His best season for St. John Bosco was in 2022; Jones helped lead the Braves to a 13-1 overall record and a state championship. Jones rushed for 1,046 yards, had four 100-plus yard rushing games, and scored 18 touchdowns. His senior year production declined due to an injury, but he was able to hold onto his scholarship offer from UCLA.

As a runner, he’s fluid, and his big build will allow him to eat carries for whatever team he is on. Jones fits the physical profile of most of the running backs that coach Foster has added to the Bruins' roster during his tenure at the school. Zach Charbonnet joined UCLA as a transfer from Michigan in 2021, and he came in at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. The staff then turned him into a Day two NFL draft pick, and that track record of development goes a long way toward Jones’s ceiling. His contact balance will get him on the field in the redzone and short-yardage situations. He’s also shown to be an underrated pass catcher in limited opportunities. 

The drawbacks to his game are his lack of speed and overall athleticism. He’s noticeably slower than second-level defenders when you watch the film and will be caught from behind. That could get better with a training program, but his game has clear limitations. His injury last year shouldn’t be a concern, but he will need some time to develop and, based on the Bruins' depth chart, will likely redshirt this season. 

Depth Chart

The Bruins' depth chart is very veteran-heavy. Carson Steele’s departure for the NFL draft open made TJ Harden the RB1 on the depth chart. Keegan Jones will likely be his backup due to his speed and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Jones is the one true explosive back on the roster. Jones was underutilized in Kelly’s final season. He averaged 10.9 yards per carry and two touchdowns in just 14 attempts, but with the roster build, you have to imagine Jones gets more work. Anthony Adkins was more of a short-yardage back who served as a fullback in the system. 

Then Jones could be the RB3 on the depth chart, depending on Deshun Murrell’s health. Murrel has struggled to stay healthy in his career, which could open the door for Jones to get early playing time. He will most likely redshirt, but Jones can potentially get on the field this season in an offense that will lean heavily on their rushing attack.

Bottom Line

Jones is one of those assets that could take time to develop, but he is in the perfect system to highlight his strengths as a runner. His relationship with Head Coach DeShaun Foster will also play a vital role in his development. Jones was one of the main players who stayed committed to the Bruins, and that commitment could lead to early playing time. 

Film

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