Rankings Breakdown: Top 5 RBs of 2022

Mississippi has been a historic state for producing running backs with names like Walter Payton, Clinton Portis, and Deuce McCallister making their mark on the state record books. With so many teams being so focused on running the ball well, Mississippi backs are always a hot commodity in the recruiting world. This year’s running back group could be the best Mississippi has seen in a while. Below are our top 5 ranked backs of 2022 based on last season. [player_tooltip player_id="104151" first="Branson" last="Robinson"] | Germantown Coming in at No. 1 on the list, the Germantown back has been no stranger to the recruiting process so far, collecting offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State among others so far. Robinson measures in at 5’11" 220 lbs with documented speed at a sub 4.6 forty yard dash early in his career. In addition, Robinson has extremely good balance through contact, allowing him to shed tackles and continue running towards the end-zone. With his size, speed, and big play ability, Robinson is a running back that most coaches will spend all week trying to game plan for at the high school level. [player_tooltip player_id="104152" first="Omar" last="Johnson"] | Columbia After playing RB2 to Ole Miss running back Kentrel Bullock, [player_tooltip player_id="104152" first="Omar" last="Johnson"] got his first season as the full time starter at Columbia High School this past year. Johnson impressed enough in his lone season to earn an early offer from Mississippi State. While his game is primarily as a tough and physical runner, Johnson does a great job at being able to change direction and find the open grass. Johnson is aimed to have a huge senior season and will be another highly recruited back from Mississippi. [player_tooltip player_id="104154" first="Dicenzo" last="Miller Jr."] | Kemper County The son of former Mississippi State RB Dicenzo Miller Sr., Junior finished last season with over 1500 rushing yards and 18 TDs after transferring into Kemper County. Junior’s recruitment has recently began to pick up, with Western Kentucky being the first to offer in early February. His foot quickness and ability to read blocks allows Junior to be a stand out back. Junior also doubles as a receiver out of the backfield capable of taking a screen to the house. Coaches at the next level will love Junior’s versatility to do almost everything on the field. [player_tooltip player_id="104155" first="Jamari" last="Thompson"] | Pearl [player_tooltip player_id="104155" first="Jamari" last="Thompson"] is about as big as big backs come. Standing at 6’2" 240 lbs, Thompson is incredibly easy to find on film very quickly. Thompson’s recruitment is off to a solid start, with Morgan State being the first to offer recently. While big backs normally get the reputation of being slower and more physical, that reputation does not exist with Thompson. He is able to lower his shoulder and run backers and defensive backs over, but is also more than capable of taking a power run 90 yards with his long speed. A natural fit for a pro style system, Thompson’s recruitment will pick up as coaches are allowed back on the road. [player_tooltip player_id="104153" first="Cameron" last="Young"] | West Point West Point High School has always been known for their dominant rushing attack, and [player_tooltip player_id="104153" first="Cameron" last="Young"] is the newest member of it. Young finished the season with over 1500 yards and 25 TDs. Young has yet to receive his first offer yet, but that should change over the spring. The back lined up at QB, RB, FB, and WR this year and produced huge run after huge run with his borderline elite speed. Young has great ability to make defenders miss in the open field as well as power through them. Look for Young to continue to rise in the overall rankings as the year progresses.