City Rankings: Charlotte Area Running Backs (7-12)

Last week we began our Charlotte rankings with the top 11 quarterbacks in the area. This week, we’re moving onto the best running backs in the area. In a city loaded with running back talent, narrowing the list down was difficult, but we think we did it. Here’s part one of the top running backs in the area. <strong>12. [player_tooltip player_id="28604" first="Kalib" last="Jennings"], 5’10 205, Rocky River- </strong>Jennings is a powerful, compact runner that can accelerate in a hurry and runs with excellent pad level. He’s built well and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s flying a bit under the radar, but we think he’d be an excellent pickup for a Division II team. <strong>11. [player_tooltip player_id="28671" first="Jamar" last="Price"], 6’2 205, Providence- </strong>Price goes into his junior year for Providence having already started as a freshman and sophomore. He’s a big runner with speed to take it all the way. He uses his size well and is hard to bring down in one-on-one situations. <strong>10. Rashaard Brooks, 5’6 160, Kings Mountain- </strong>A smaller scat back type, Brooks put up huge numbers as a sophomore, averaging over 6.5 yards per carry. He’s also a threat in the receiving game, scoring six touchdowns on receptions and averaging 13 yards a catch. Brooks will only get better as he gets older and has the opportunity to do even more on a Kings Mountain offense that loses some key pieces. <strong>9. [player_tooltip player_id="28621" first="Isaac" last="King"], 5’10 175, Union Academy- </strong>King is way under the radar, which is a shame because he’s a must-see player. He put up massive numbers as both a sophomore and a junior, averaging over 12 yards a carry last season. He’s excellent in the open field and never loses speed when cutting, allowing him to outrun defenders with ease. <strong>8. JT Smith, 5’10 190, Providence Day- </strong>One of the youngest players on our list, Smith’s upside is incredible. He already holds a couple of offers as he’s broken through on the recruiting trail. On the field, a new offensive system could be key to a breakout year as a sophomore. <strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id="28552" first="Davion" last="Nelson"], 6’2 210, Independence- </strong>Nelson does a little bit of everything for Independence. From wildcat quarterback (a position from which he threw three touchdowns last year) to running back Nelson is the key to Patriot offense. He has deceptive speed for his size and should be a pick up for a DII or FCS school.