David Roberts has been working his way into the Harrison backfield the last few seasons, playing with Justin Fields as a sophomore, then getting the bulk of the snaps last year at Harrison. With out a doubt, Roberts benefited playing with Gavin Hall last season, where he was leaned on to to be the primary ball carrier, which was just not the case sophomore year, playing along side one of the best athletes in the country in Fields.
Onward to senior year, where Roberts has been part of a running back class that I have lauded for a few years now, one that was predicted in 2017 to have close to double-digit Power 5 running backs. Suffice to say, Roberts was definitely a player that was on our radar early. Going into his senior year, Roberts’ Harrison squad is a unanimous top 5 team in the Class 6-A polls. There are some high expectations this year, the Hoyas have a deep team with a senior class that has ton of experience.
“This year me and my team are looking to accomplish the goal that’s been in our mind since freshman year, and that goal is to do something that has never been done in Harrison history (win a state title) and hopefully we can make it happen – taking everything 1 game at a time,” Roberts explained.
Individually, Roberts has some lofty goals that would probably put him near the very top of the 7-A rushing leaderboard. “I’m looking to achieve the goal that I haven’t achieved my whole high school career, which is 1500 yards rushing with 20+ touchdowns – last season my goal was set but just came short of it due to lack of focus.”
Roberts sees a big opportunity to make his mark in Harrison history, but like every hero’s journey, there is conflict, and for Roberts, it is turf toe.
“What I’ll be doing to deal with the turf toe injury for the next few weeks is doing core workouts a lot to maintain my stability and come back stronger for the two weeks I’ll be out. My head coach, Matt Dickmann, says I’ll be in shape by riding our stationary bicycle at practice.”
Roberts continued, “I’ll also be watching practice and tutoring up the guys that are in my place. Lastly, there will be lots of treatment and rehab going on to ensure me being ready to step back on the field to my normal playing style.”
That play style is what makes Roberts such an intriguing prospect. He makes sharp cuts at the 2nd level and does an excellent job of reading his blocks down field, setting up defenders into terrible angles. That natural ability to make individual tacklers miss really suggest how well the 2020 back can play in space at the next level. Roberts models his game after recent rookie standout Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, but also has some smooth old school mixed in as well.
“I model my playing style after Giants running back Saquon Barkley. After every game people tell me I play like him, and we have some of the same character traits. I just laugh when they tell me that, and focus on the plan which is getting to where he is. Also, another one of the backs I model my game after would be Walter Payton; I bring that to the game with my physicality.”
Right now, Roberts is laser focused on his academics and improving his GPA to above a 2.8, while also getting ready for the ACT on September 14th. If he hits on his scores, there are several FBS and FCS programs that are chomping at the bit to offer.
“My coach lets me know Power 5’s and FBS schools are waiting on me to take my test, which are coming up. I hear from lots of FCS programs and receive mail from FBS and P5’s.”
There are no visits planned at this moment for Roberts, but will be keeping us updated when they come up, so stay tuned to @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter to read updates on David Roberts, and the rest of the football players in the state of Georgia.
Interested in recruiting David Roberts? Click HERE to visit his recruiting profile.
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