Rushing Leaders During 2020 Season
Greg Patuto
In this article:
These running backs were the best of the best during the shortened 2020 season. Let’s take a look at who led the state in rushing yards.
<strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="27865" first="Audric" last="Estime"] (2021) | St. Joe’s Montvale</strong>
<strong>2020: 185 carries, 1,838 yards, 22 touchdowns</strong>
Estime was the clear-cut best running back in the state this season and arguably the best overall player. Estime dominated for St. Joe’s Montvale against some of the top talent in the state. The Michigan State commit has the makings of an elite runner at the next level.
<strong>2. Hunter Van Zant (2022) | Boonton</strong>
<strong>2020: 147 carries, 1,748 yards, 21 touchdowns</strong>
Van Zant burst onto the scene this season and completely took over the Boonton offense. With the ball in his hands, Van Zant took advantage of openings and was able to use his speed and strength in the trenches. He will have one more year to continue to raise his stock even further.
<strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="27903" first="Patrick" last="Smith"] (2021) | Holy Spirit</strong>
<strong>2020: 221 carries, 1,719 yards, 16 touchdowns</strong>
Over the last two years, Smith has been unstoppable at Holy Spirit. He is a true one-cut runner who uses his speed and acceleration in the open field. Smith has put up some of the best individual performances in the state over the last two seasons.
<strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="27997" first="Charlie" last="Barth"] (2022) | New Providence</strong>
<strong>2020: 176 carries, 1,702 yards, 25 touchdowns</strong>
Barth emerged as a star during his sophomore season and continued as a junior. He finished second in the state with 25 touchdowns and was difficult to bring down with the ball in his hands.
<strong>5. Cookie Desiderio (2021) | Somerville</strong>
<strong>2020: 152 carries, 1,569 yards, 26 touchdowns</strong>
Desiderio ended as the state’s leader in rushing touchdowns with 26. He was a true threat to score every time he touched the ball. Somerville rode their running back last season and it paid off big time for the offense.
Honorable Mention
David Land (2021) | Overbrook: 184 carries, 1,370 yards, 16 touchdowns
Montez Boswell (2022) | Orange: 160 carries, 1,370 yards, 21 touchdowns
[player_tooltip player_id="27891" first="Nasir" last="Robinson"] (2021) | Penns Grove: 164 carries, 1,295 yards, 13 touchdowns
Bhayshul Tuten (2021) | Paulsboro: 131 carries, 1,229 yards, 19 touchdowns
Sha’Kim Shuler (2021) | Freehold Boro: 162 carries, 1,206 yards, 15 touchdowns
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