Now that the 2022 class in Georgia has finished their careers, all eyes now focus to the 2023 class as we start to break down some of the state’s top prospects. The peach state is full of talented running backs…
Now that the 2022 class in Georgia has finished their careers, all eyes now focus to the 2023 class as we start to break down some of the state’s top prospects. The peach state is full of talented running backs and many of them play in the metro-Atlanta area.
Here are the top running backs to know about in the metro-Atlanta area…
A truly elite running back prospect out of Roswell, Haynes has carried the load for the Titans for multiple years and is coming off another dominant season as a junior. The 5-foot-10 195-pounder can beat defenses in multiple ways as he’s a bruising running back with game-changing speed. He’s fast and explosive, but he’s also a tough, physical runner. He breaks tackles up top, doesn’t get tripped up easily at his feet, and knows how to keep running after contact. He plays with great footwork, balance, and has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. He’s reliable as a pass-catcher as well, just as long as the ball is in his hands. He’ll be able to pick the school of his choosing when the time comes. Last fall, while missing some time due to injury, Haynes rushed 275 times for 2,375 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Jamarion Wilcox – South Paulding
Still somewhat of an unknown running back to know west of Atlanta, Wilcox is coming off an outstanding junior season and has proved time and time again that he can play at the D1 level. He shows a very physical running style with good vision and the ability to make people miss. He runs hard, breaks tackles in the lower body, and can be tough to bring down by just one defender. He carried the offense at times during the season and ended the year with 202 carries for 1,534 yards and 23 touchdowns. He made it know he’s one of the state’s best and should see his stock continue to rise this spring.
The West Forsyth junior back was having a breakout season before getting injured in the middle of the season, but even playing in just a few games, Streko put everyone on notice. The speedster had a breakout game against 7A Walton where he rushed for over 200 yards and scored 6 total touchdowns. He’s quick, shifty, shows great burst, and runs with incredible balance. He’s tough enough to break tackles on his own, but his burst, versatility, and big-play ability has put him on the map. Last fall, Streko rushed 87 times for 659 yards and 11 touchdowns. Look for him to see some D1 interest and possible offers come his way this spring.
One of the biggest sleeper backs in the entire state, Brown put on a show every Friday this past fall, leading the entire state in rushing for the 2021 season. Every time Brown had the ball in his hands, something good happened. The tackle-breaking 5-foot-10 200-pounder has no problem bowling through would-be tackles and has shown he also has enough speed to break off a long run on any particular play. He was outstanding every game, rushing for 2,757 yards on the season and 38 touchdowns. He couldn’t be stopped, showing speed, agility, and big-play ability every game. Brown rushed for over 100 yards in every game and rushed for over 200 yards in eight games. He’s quickly become one of the top 2023 backs in the state after a dominant junior year.