Position Breakdown: Top 10 Running Backs in 2024 Rankings

We revealed our first 2024 prospect rankings on Monday. We’re now in the process of taking an in-depth look at each of the positions. Here are the Top 10 2024 running backs (listed by ranking) in the state of New Mexico: 1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="274977" first="Andres" last="Aguirre"], Cleveland</strong>: The Storm didn’t just get a great running back, Aguirre is the state’s No. 1 RB in the 2024 class. His recent transfer to Cleveland from Albuquerque High promises to be one of the most intriguing story lines of the offseason. He rushed for almost 900 yards and 9 TD in 9 games last season. Aguirre is also a track athlete and could develop into one of the state’s fastest players by the time he’s s senior. Could the ‘King of Speed’ crown be in his future? 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275303" first="Kash" last="Roberts"], Clovis</strong>: Robert was an integral piece of Clovis’ balanced rushing attack in 2021. But seniors [player_tooltip player_id="134999" first="Milo" last="Acosta"] and Angel Chavarria are graduating, so look for Roberts to take on an increased role in the Wildcats’ ground game in 2022. Roberts has good size (6 feet) and could be Clovis’ featured RB for two years. 3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="274725" first="Diego" last="Avila"], Belen</strong>: Avila served as Sean Tibbs’ understudy in 2021 but after rushing for 584 yards, 7 TD and averaging over 10 yards per carry, Avila looks more than ready to take over the No. 1 job for the Eagles. He also serves as Belen’s punt returner and made 54 tackle son defense. An outstanding three-way player. 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275560" first="Drew" last="Welletto"], Loving</strong>: No, you haven’t heard of him. Largely because he toiled for a struggling Loving Falcon team in 2021. But Welletto individually had an outstanding season with 609 yards rushing (4 games of 100+ yards) and 4 TD along with 11 receptions. After establishing himself as one of the best young running backs in Class 2A, Welletto is on an upward trajectpory. 5. <strong>Jonathon Silva, Goddard</strong>: The Rockets LOVE to run the football and Silva is one of Goddard’s best ball carriers. He was a major reason the Rockets advanced as far as the semifinals in the Class 5A playoffs, scoring two touchdowns against eventual champion Los Lunas in Goddard’ final game. Silva promises to be a load for opposing defenses over the next two years. 6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275554" first="Ethan" last="Meloy-Chavez"], Pojoaque Valley</strong>: Meloy-Chavez saw limited action with the varsity in 2021 as he served as one of the backups to [player_tooltip player_id="198250" first="Dominic" last="Esquibel"] (1,496 yards). He also saw action at quarterback. He’ll have a larger role with Pojoaque Valley in 2022. 7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275431" first="John" last="Paul Ludi"], Eldorado</strong>: The Eagles’ top three running backs were seniors in 2021, opening the door for Ludi and others to carry the load in 2022. With 2024 QB [player_tooltip player_id="275430" first="Brandon" last="Olivas"] ready to take over behind center, the Eldorado offense will have a fresh look next season. 8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275562" first="Taylor" last="Torivio"], Santa Fe Indian</strong>: He was Santa Fe Indian School’s top rusher in 2021 (he has already surpassed 500 yards at the midway point) and one of the best in Class 3A. Look for him to have a breakout 2022 campaign. 9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275558" first="Joziah" last="Rodriguez"], Highland</strong>: The Hornets were extremely young in 2021 with freshman and sophomores making up the vast majority of the roster and making significant contributions all over the field. Rodriguez was one of Highland’s top rushers last season and looks to keep the momentum going in 2022. 10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275566" first="Landon" last="Sandoval"], Silver</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id="208819" first="Aidan" last="Granado"] returns to the Colts after proving he’s one of the top running backs in Class 4A by rushing for close to 1,700 yards in 2021. However, Sandoval was a nice No. 2 back last season with nearly 300 yards rushing. He’ll again be the No. 2 guy in 2022 before ascending to the top job in 2023. https://twitter.com/AndresGAguirre6/status/1485726543817158664 https://twitter.com/kashhh02/status/1459003129618440192 https://twitter.com/diegoavila2024/status/1464372716996227073 &nbsp;