<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="98%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>By
Chris Pool Midwest Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jun 20, 2005
Taking a closer look at the Midwest running back prospects, Ohio’s Chris Wells is not only the best in the region but the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder, from Akon (Garfield) is arguably the top ball-carrier in the entire nation. Wells has already decided that he’ll tote the rock in Columbus in the future by giving Ohio State his verbal commitment in February.
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Taking a closer look at the Midwest running back prospects, Ohio’s
Chris Wells who’s not only the best in the region but the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder, from Akon (Garfield) is arguably the top ball-carrier in the entire nation. Wells has already decided that he’ll tote the rock in Columbus after high school by giving Ohio State his verbal commitment.
Notre Dame is the lucky recipient of verbal commitments from the #2 ranked Midwest tailback,
James Aldridge and the Irish also have a pledge from the top fullback in the region,
Luke Schmidt, of Jasper, Ind.,
The state of Illinois had the top running back in the region in 2004 and the Land of Lincoln has a couple of solid backs in ’05 as well.
Deon Williams of Rockford (Guilford) and
Mitchell Moore of Gurnee (Warren) is a couple of sensational difference makers. Here’s a look at the top Midwest running back prospects according to Scout.com
1. Chris Wells, 6-2, 230, 4.5, Akron (Ohio) Garfield
Committed to Ohio State…Is he the next
Adrian Peterson?
2. James Aldridge, 6-1, 215, 4.4, Merrillville (Ind.)
Committed to Notre Dame…Aldridge can take over a game with his athleticism.
3. Luke Schmidt, 6-4, 230, 4.6, Jasper (Ind.)
Committed to Note Dame…Will likely move to fullback or tight end in South Bend.
4. Deon Williams, 6-2, 200, 4.5, Rockford (Ill.) Guilford
1,200 yards rushing and 100 tackles on defense. Super combo of power and speed.
5. Mitchell Moore, 6-0, 195, 4.5, Gurnee (Ill.) Warren
Physically what you want running backs to look like…1,700 yards rushing and 25 TD’s!
6. Lance Smith, 5-10, 190, 4.5, Warren (Ohio) Howland
Could move to defense in college but Smith has a knack for making the big play on offense.
7. Delone Carter, 5-10, 185, 4.4, Copley (Ohio)
Stock on the rise…super in the open field…great balance and vision
8. Jaious Singleton, 5-9, 195, 4.5, East St. Louis (Ill.) Senior
College recruiters comparing Singleton to former Illinois running back Rocky Harvey.
9. Anthony Bowman, 5-10, 160, 4.4, Detroit (MI) St. Martin De Porres
Super athlete that could play a few different positions in college…A threat every time he touches the ball.
10. Anthony Elzy, 5-10, 200, 4.5, Warren (Ohio) Kennedy
Lots of love from the ACC…Rushed for 30 TD’s as a junior.
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