Experienced running back corps look to continue success for Eagles

by Michael Smith

 
The run game was a huge part of the Grain Valley football team’s success in 2022.

The Eagles gained a lot of their yards on trap runs, option plays, and run-pass option plays as they used four players to be the primary ball carriers.

Quarterback Caleb Larson and running backs Christian Lanear, Ty Williams and DJ Harris split the workload running the ball and the quartet helped lead the team to a 9-3 record and another Class 5 state quarterfinal appearance.

That foursome lost Lanear and Larson to graduation, with the latter being the figurehead of Grain Valley’s rushing attack. Larson carried the ball 141 times for 1,059 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead the Eagles.  

The run game may be different for the Eagles this season as senior Sal Caldarella is taking over at quarterback. While he is more than capable of toting the ball, Caldarella is more of a pocket passer than a heavy runner like Larson, so the run game leans more heavily on the running backs.

“We won’t schedule those quarterback runs as often like we did with Caleb. That was his forte,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “Sal can run and isn’t afraid to run. Sal can throw it pretty well, so we are probably going to throw it a little more.”

“He may not have as many opportunities to carry the ball as the running backs will.” 

Williams and Harris return with three years of varsity experience combined and should be a big part of the Eagles’ rushing attack. In 2022, Williams carried the ball 73 times for 431 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns. Harris had 60 carries for 375 yards and six scores as he missed two games because of an injury.

“He can definitely hit somebody,” Wyzard said of Harris.

The 5-foot-8, 180 pound Harris is a back who mainly runs between the tackles and is a power runner who does not shy away from contact. He also has enough speed and elusiveness to bounce runs to the outside when needed.

Williams started the 2022 season as a third-down running back as he was put in that position due to his experience as a wide receiver on the junior varsity team the year prior. He is also a physical runner that doesn’t shy away from contact and he can also break runs to the outside when needed.

“He started out as a quarterback as a freshman then moved to the slot (receiver position),” Allie said of Williams. “He wanted to find a way to get more reps on the field, so he asked if he could try running back. He started fighting for the starting job right away.”

“Through hard work and evolving his natural abilities, he was able to be an every-down back instead of that third-down type kid.”

Senior Tyler Wyzard will join the three man backfield in 2023. He mostly played for the junior varsity team last year but did get some carries at the varsity level in blowouts. While Harris and Williams bring a more physical running style to the table, Wyzard offers a different skill set.

“I think my speed is definitely a big strength,” Wyzard said. “I can work on making people miss. I usually just run straight into a tackler.”

Versatility is one strength the running back group has as a whole, according to Harris. He said he’s confident the Eagles can continue their recent success in the run game.

“We are very flexible just like last year,” Harris said. “All of our running backs can catch out of the backfield and hit people and make moves. I honestly think we have the best running back trio in the conference.”

So far, Allie said he’s like what he’s seen from his running back trio. He said that he was impressed with their performances at the Pittsburg State camp two weeks ago where his team scrimmaged against teams from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas.
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“We feel like we have some healthy competition there,” Allie said. “Ty and DJ have varsity experience. They have both played in big games. That’s always good. Tyler is one of the hardest working kids we have on the team.”

Grain Valley running backs DJ Harris, left and Tyler Wyzard will team up with Ty Williams to form a strong running back trio for Grain Valley. Photo credit: Michael Smith