Breakout 2024 Running Backs To Know

Nobody produces running backs like the state of Georgia, and the peach state is absolutely loaded with young, talented backs. The 2024 class specifically is extremely deep early on and we’ve seen multiple freshman backs step up last year and make an impact. There are multiple SEC-level backs already and some of them could be ranked towards the very top in the nation when the 2024 rankings come out down the road. Here are a few 2024 running backs to know for the upcoming season... &nbsp; <strong>JoJo Stone - Grayson</strong> The Rams will be looking for someone to replace last year’s leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id="33678" first="Phil" last="Mafah"], and many at Grayson feel that Stone could be that player. He didn’t play a ton as a freshman, but he’s having an outstanding offseason and shows impressive athleticism for someone his size. He also shows some explosiveness and knows how to make defenders miss in the open field. He has true "football speed" and just moves different with the ball in his hands. As a sophomore this fall, Stone will be used as a important weapon on offense as he’ll be lining up at both RB and WR. He’s already earned an early offer from UGA, and more teams might be pulling the trigger soon. He may be young, but Stone has a chance to have a breakout sophomore season for the state’s reigning 7A champs. &nbsp; <strong>Bryce Hicks - Carrollton</strong> It’s tough to make an impact as a freshman at any program, but to do it at a place like Carrollton shows how much potential Hicks has. He’s a true do-it-all athlete who had no problem playing against the big boys last year. What makes him special is his vision and confidence for his age. To go from dominating freshman football to being thrown into a varsity role in 6A football and not skipping a beat showed everyone that he was built for this level. Not only is he a natural runner, but he can make plays catching the ball out of the backfield as well. He’s at his best with the ball in his hands, and he’s a dangerous weapon in the open field. The Carrollton expects Hicks to take his game to another level this year and take on a bigger role not only on offense, but on special teams as well. He’s a young running back prospect in West Georgia to know for the next few years. &nbsp; <div class="article-content"> <strong>Ryder Stewart – West Forsyth</strong> When senior running back Daba Fofana went down towards the end of the 2020 season, freshman Ryder Stewart stepped up in a big way and helped lead the Wolverines to a deep playoff run. He’s not the biggest guy, but Stewart plays way bigger than his frame. He’s tough, changes directions well, and doesn’t mind picking up a big block to help his quarterback. He’s a quick, elusive back who can really help in the screen game as well. Stewart made some key plays at the end of the season against some top-notch competition. He’s a slipper ball-carrier who played better and better as the Wolverines got deeper into the playoffs. He may not stand out immediately due to his size, but he’s easy to notice with the ball in his hands. He has a nose for the end-zone and should see lots of opportunities to make plays in the fall of 2021. </div> <div class="section related-posts-widget mb-4"> <div class="card w-100 card-no-border"></div> </div>