A running back must be able to explode through the running hole once he has identified it while avoiding would-be tacklers on the way. In order to do this, a running back must have a very strong lower body and core, must be fast, and must be able to change direction quickly.

What skills does a running back need?

As a running back some of the most important traits are awareness, speed, running ability and blocking ability to name a few and you also need to be intelligent in order to know the plays and understand your role on each and every play.

Can running backs be short?

As it turns out, running backs are also getting shorter and heavier. LeSean McCoy, Alfred Morris, Frank Gore, Knowshon Moreno, Zac Stacy, DeAngelo Williams, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Giovani Bernard, Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, Danny Woodhead, and Mark Ingram are all 5'10 or shorter.