Christian McCaffrey. Phillip Lindsay. Austin Ekeler. Kalen Ballage.

These four have just a few things in common. They re running backs. They were all prep stars in 2012 in Colorado — Ekeler (Eaton) and Lindsay (Denver South) were all farmers, while Ballage (Falcon) and McCaffrey (Valor Christian) were tearing it up as juniors. And in 2019, they have been starting running backs for their respective NFL teams.

Getty ImagesFrom abandoned, running backs Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers, Austin Ekeler of their Los Angeles Chargers, Phillip Lindsay of the Denver Broncos and Kalen Ballage of the Miami Dolphins.

Who would’ve thunk it? Here’s a glance at the four’ve fared during the season’s first five games:

McCaffrey: The “runt” of Ed McCaffrey’s four boys, the Panthers Pro Bowl back is leading the league in yards rushing (587) and yards from scrimmage (866). It’s still early, however he so on pace for 2,771 metres from scrimmage, shattering the 2,509 Chris Johnson needed in 2009 with the Titans. He has the third-best chances to win MVP, as of Wednesday, in 15-to-2 chances, according to betonline.ag. Not bad for a kid many believed would need to convert for a slot receiver in this level.

Lindsay: After a slow start to the year, Lindsay ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns for the Broncos in their loss to the Packers in Week 3. Last Sunday, he had his initial 100-yard racing game, tallying 114 yards on the ground on 15 carries against the Chargers.

Ekeler: Melvin who? The former Western State (Now Western Colorado) celebrity has proven to be a double danger for the Chargers in Melvin Gordon’s early-season absence. Ekeler is tied for fifth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (583) and has been a force as receiver with 39 catches for 356 yards (which ’s on pace for 1,139 yards on the year ).

Ballage: It’s been a tough season for the Arizona State merchandise. The Dolphins are 0-4, the group ’s been outscored 163-26 and his function s been decreasing as every week goes by. On the season, he has 19 carries for 29 yards rushing and 3 catches for 29 yards receiving.

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What’s on Tap?

Avalanche: Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. Thursday, ALT | Buy tickets
Nuggets preseason: At Los Angeles Clippers, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, ESPN | Buy tickets
CSU football: At New Mexico Lobos, 6 p.m. Friday, CBSSN | Buy tickets
CU football: At Oregon Ducks, 8 p.m. Friday, FS1 | Buy tickets

TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are broadcasting now

Scoreboard

MLB playoffs: Cardinals 13, Braves 1
Full narrative | Box score

MLB Player: Nationals 7, Dodgers 3
Full narrative | Box score

Check out our brand new and improved stats page.

Must-Read
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) from the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Denver. Dallas won 2-1.
Kiszla: Nathan MacKinnon declares Avs’ the time to win big is : “You& & rsquo;ve got to understand you’re great to be good. And now we ’ve got that swag. ”

We’re witnesses to championship assurance of young Colorado staff beginning to bloom. Read …

Joe Amon, The Denver PostDenver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco hands off to running back Phillip Lindsay from first quarter as the Denver Broncos take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sept. 29, 2019.
Broncos look for methods to Fix third-quarter offensive phobias

The Broncos’ crime should look at the bright side when being asked about their third-quarter conflicts: The queries may be on scoring difficulties. Read …

Getty ImagesMark Barberio #44 of these Colorado Avalanche advances the puck from the Washington Capitals in Pepsi Center on Nov. 16, 2017 in Denver.
Mark Barberio stays positive and patient in his obscure role with all the Avalanche

“This is really where I wish to be, and if this means I’m a healthy scratch occasionally, OK — I understand my job is to make sure I’m always prepared,” Barberio, 29, said Wednesday. Read …

Quick Hits

+ Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. savors his NBA debut: “This really is my dream come true”

+ Broncos Briefs: Sitting at home will fuel fresh cornerback Coty Sensabaugh

+ Defenseman Ian Cole cleared to reunite , however the Avalanche may go with Mark Barberio

+ Avalanche podcast: Early surprises out of fast start to regular year with Bruins on tap

+ Colorado Rapids podcast: Tribute to Tim Howard, conclusion afternoon and LAFC review

+ College Football Picks: Can the CU Buffs take down No. 13 Oregon?

+ Fantasy football start/sit Week 6: Todd Gurley’s workload is a concern

+ Rockies Mailbag: Is the &ldquo& warmth ” on general manager Jeff Bridich this offseason?

Ask The Experts

+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question concerning the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question concerning the team? Ask Mike Singer here.

+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question concerning the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.

+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question concerning the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.

From The Numbers
7
8 Colorado prep football games to watch in Week 7

A rundown of the best high school football games coming up in Week 7 across the country. Read …

Parting Shot
Tony Avelar, The Associated PressSan Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) returns an interception from the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Oct. 7, 2019.
Richard Sherman says “my bad,” plans to apologize to Baker Mayfield

Richard Sherman backpedaled after blitzing Baker Mayfield.

The vocal San Francisco 49ers cornerback stated Wednesday that he plans to apologize to Mayfield after accusing the Cleveland Browns quarterback of not shaking his hand before Monday night&rsquo. Read …

Get in Touch

Should you find something which ’s cause for query or have a comment, idea or suggestion, email me in [email protected] or talk me @danielboniface.

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