My top 5 running backs

Welcome IFL fans, the league has offered a new feature to its website called Opinions and Insight. From time to time I will be giving my personal opinion and views on everything in the Ironman Football League and where it’s heading. From all the teams in the league, its players and events I will be giving you the inside scoop on everything that is the IFL.

My first column for the IFL is about running backs, the work horses so to speak. The guys that bravely carry the pill and endanger their health every weekend by slamming their bodies into three hundred pound linemen and two hundred plus pound linebackers. The running back position by far is the most punishing position in football and demands certain type of player attributes such as speed, vision and balance. This position is not for wimps or for individuals who have a weak state of mind.

Many people say that the quarterback position is the most difficult to play and that the quarterback resembles the team leader, nonsense! If you ask me the true team leader is the guy who carries the football 20 to 30 times a game while carrying a big target on his chest.

In honor of those athletic individuals who truly represent their team’s heart and soul, here in no specific order are my current top five running backs of the IFL.

Cedric McFadden #20, Spartans

McFadden is a fast and gifted runner. He is one of the leagues most elite running backs who consistently gives his team a ground attack that is unmatched. When he first joined the now defunct Waukesha Solders back in 2005, you could see than that McFadden was destined to be a league superstar. Many people underestimate Cedric and think that because of his size he goes down easy, but his stiff arm to would be tacklers proves them wrong time and time again. He is without a doubt one of those players that can turn a game around by just one electrifying run. After his playing career he should be a definite lock for the IFL Hall of Fame.

DJ Spencer #20, Rush

At 5’9 and weighing 205 pounds, The Roscoe Rush rookie running back DJ Spencer has already impressed the league with his athletic talent. He looks like he is running down hill most of the time and exhibits the grace and athletic ability to spin and juke out of tackles. He has truly given the Rush a formidable ground game, something they haven’t had in years past. The exciting part is that this is only the beginning for the rookie, and if this season’s performance is any hint of what the future will bring, we are in for quite a treat.

Bobby Windom #1, Predators

Windom has been entertaining Predator and IFL fans for years. In my opinion he has been the best offensive player for the Predators since the team was formed. A truly gifted and durable running back, Windom possesses the perfect blend of speed and strength that all great running backs possess.

Steve Miick #32, Hitmen

Largely overshadowed by fellow teammate Mike Hill, Steve Miick impresses me the most with his speed and agility. Often sharing time behind starter Mike Hill, Miick makes the most out of his limited opportunity by gaining the tough yards and making the big runs. He not only is a threat in the backfield but he also excels in catching the ball in the flat and on screen passes. Miick is a very shifty runner but is not afraid to lower his shoulder from time to time.

Requize Rhodman #38, Panthers

When you watch Rhodman run it seems that he actually likes smashing into defenders. Rhodman has played his entire IFL career with the Panthers, in those three years he has garnered a lot of respect from his peers from around the league. He is one of those runners that can run through you or out run you to the end zone. Rhodman possesses both power and speed but what makes him a truly gifted runner is his vision. Things like that you can’t teach at the running back position.