Lead dogs: Three junior running backs to watch in the playoffs

Photo: Greg Spell Prep Redzone

Patrick O'Shea

November 27, 2020 @ 12:22 PM

Cherokee County saw impressive seasons from a number of players on both sides of the ball but the running back position seemed to shine brightest in 2020. Entering the final week of the regular season, the leading rusher in Class AAAAAA and Class AAAAAAA (the two highest classifications in the state) were both in Cherokee County. Another junior had a breakout campaign and all three should be integral pieces for three teams hoping to advance in the state playoffs. Amehre Morrison, Class of 2022, River Ridge Morrison should be in the conversation for state Player of the Year. The dynamic junior finished his season leading AAAAAA in rushing and has been the most valuable player on a River Ridge team having its best-ever season. Morrison has totaled 1,553 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 199 carries (7.8 average) and has posted those numbers while being the focal point of every defense faced by River Ridge. Morrison added 16 receptions for 189 yards. As a sophomore, he led Cherokee County with 1,328 total offensive yards (952 rushing yards and 376 receiving yards) and as a junior, he’s proved to be one of the best playmakers in the state. His size (5’8”, 165) may keep away big-time offers, but he’s drawn attention from Georgia Southern and can certainly play at the next level. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1317609372290289665 [player_tooltip player_id="33903" first="Keith" last="Adams Jr"]., Class of 2022, Cherokee Adams led Cherokee County in rushing as a sophomore with 1,128 yards and this season has added a breakaway element to his game. Adams led Georgia’s highest classification (AAAAAAA) in rushing with 1,313 yards on 205 carries (6.4 average). It regularly requires multiple tacklers to bring down the powerful junior (5’10”, 200), who’s drawn college offers from Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State. I’d expect more FBS offers to come sooner rather than later. Adams’ father played college football at Clemson and Adams has also received a gray shirt offer from the Tigers. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1312240093906849797 Tyler Stevens, Class of 2022, Creekview Arguably the best “power back” in Cherokee County, Stevens has shined this fall. The focal point of Creekview’s power running game, Stevens amassed 863 yards on 182 carries (4.7 average) along with seven rushing scores. Equally impressive was his play in the passing game, where he hauled in 27 receptions for 261 yards (9.7 average) with two scores. Stevens has the frame (6’1”, 205) to continue to progress as a college prospect. His ability to catch the ball out the backfield and pick up blitzing pass rushers should also help his college prospects. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1302097379890532353