Stock Risers: Middle Georgia Running Backs To Know

We’re now two full weeks into the high school season in the peach state and we’ve seen plenty of running backs across the state step up and start making a name for themselves. Middle Georgia is an area that prides themselves on toughness and this part of the state consistently pumps out some of the best running back talent on an annual basis. Here are a few Middle Georgia running backs who are off to a great start to the 2021 season... &nbsp; <strong>Duke Watson - Mary Persons</strong> One of the top young running backs in Georgia, Watson is an electric back in the 2024 class who people are raving about in Middle Georgia. He plays at an impressive program and has taken the reigns at running back this year as a sophomore. He’s a natural runner, he has great burst, and he can find the end-zone with his eyes closed. He’s a game-changing back with the speed and playmaking ability to take it to the house on any particular play. Watson had a breakout week 2 last weekend against McDonough where he rushed 21 times for 213 yards (10.1 ypc) and five touchdowns. He couldn’t be stopped and put the Mary Persons offense on his back, leading them to a 42-28 win. Even as a sophomore, it was clear that Watson was the best player on the field. In week one, Watson just carried the ball 9 times but went for 117 yards (13 ypc) and two touchdowns in a big 42-0 win over Towers. If Watson keeps up this play, he’ll have plenty of offers come his way down the road. &nbsp; <strong>Jayden Scott - Stockbridge</strong> Like Watson, Scott may not be the biggest back in the area, but he’s quick, agile, and has more than enough speed to fly by defenses on a consistent basis. Not only is he consistently one of the fastest players on the field, but he’s a tough runner who doesn’t mind contact. He runs hard, runs with balance, and knows how to manage himself down the sideline. Just a sophomore, the 5-foot-10 180-pounder is off to a tremendous start to his second season, rushing right at 300 yards and two touchdowns. In the season opener against Southwest Dekalb, Scott rushed for a respectable 103 yards, but took it to another level in week two as he ran all over Douglas County for 196 yards and two scores. IT was in a losing effort, but it was easy to see the talent and natural running ability for someone his age. He’s a promising back not only in the region for the 2024 class, but across the state. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34025" first="CJ" last="Allen"] - Lamar County</strong> He may be recruited as a linebacker for the next level, but make no mistake, Allen is one of the best runners in Middle Georgia for the 2021 season. A current junior, Allen is already known as one of the top prospects in the region due to his size and overall athleticism. The 6-foot-2 225-pounder is big, physical, and looks for contact when he’s running the ball. When he’s not tackling defenders over and over again on defense, Allen is rushing the ball hard and effectively. Through the first two games, the Barnesville (GA) standout has rushed for 241 yards and three touchdowns. In the season opener, Allen carried the ball 10 times for 140 yards in a 24-7 win over Pike County. In week two last weekend, Allen rushed only 6 times, but he went for 101 yards and scored three touchdowns, leading Lamar County to a 49-7 win over Crawford County. He’s big enough to power through for short yards and is dangerous when close to the goal-line. Look for him to continue running through defenses throughout the 2021 season. &nbsp; &nbsp;