Our big boys here in Section 1 return the best group of running backs among our 5 groups. Several odds on favorites for NwGAFootball player of the year return in this Section. We will take a look at each teams outlook at the RB spot for 2022.
Calhoun Yellow Jackets: The State AAAAA runner ups return one of if not the best RB in the 2024 Class in NWGA. The 5’11 190 Rising Junior Caden Williams rushed for over 1400 yards for the Jackets in 2021 with 500 of those coming in the post season.
Carrollton Trojans: The Trojans bring back their leading rusher in 2022. Rising Junior Bryce Hicks had 868 yds on 114 carries for Carrollton last season.
Cartersville Purple Hurricanes: The Canes have to replace 1000 yard rusher Amari White who averaged over 9 ypc in 2021 and scored 12 Tds. Rising Senior Malachi Jeffries saw plenty of action last season carrying the ball 94 times for 604 yards and scored 12 Tds as well and looks to be the goto guy in 2022.
Cedartown Bulldogs: Once again the Bulldogs are loaded at the RB spot . Rising Seniors Harlem Diamond and Patrick Gardner return in 2022. Diamond led the Bulldogs in 2021 with 1075 yds, scored 20 TDs on just 94 carries and averaged 11.4 ypc. Gardner was a workhorse, built like a fullback at 5’11 230. He had over 800 yds on 119 carries in ’21.
North Paulding: North returns one of my favorite RBs on film for the ’23 class. 5’10 205 Jaylen Poe is back after rushing for 972 yds and 18 TDs last season in Georgia’s largest classification. Had an impressive showing at the GAElite Classic in Decemeber.
Rockmart Yelllow Jackets: The Jackets have a slew of guys coming back in 2022. Call it a triple threat, quadruple threat, penta threat, Im not sure but they are loaded. ’23 Jojo Haynes led the way with 614 yds on on just 54 carries. 2023 Cam Ferguson in next at 541, ’24 QB JD Davis with 507, ’24 Brent Washington with 439, and ’24 Nahzir Turner with 374. The 5 guys combined for 31 rushing Tds in ’21.
Rome Wolves: The Wolves have to replace 1000 yard rusher Bryson Hill. There will be a battle this Spring and Summer at the RB spot as no one returns in 2022 that had over 210 yards rushing last season.
South Paulding Spartans: Jamarion Wilcox returns for his senior season in 2022. The 5’10 195 1st Team All State back led 5AAAAAA in rushing with 1534 yds and added over 200 yds receiving with 25 total Tds. Wilcox is the top leading rusher returning among the 50 schools in our coverage Area.
Villa Rica Wildcats: The Wilcats graduate Ty McKey and Bryson Ausby. I look for TJ Harvison (6’1 200) to carry the load in ’22 for the Wildcats. The 2 way starter already holds offers at the DB position from Kentucky and Virginia.
Ringgold Tigers: The Tigers have to replace 1000 yards and All Region RB Kori Dumas in 2022. Rising Senior Peyton Williams showed some ability last year stepping up big when needed.