Top Returning Rushers in Class 3A
It’s hard to find another state in the country who produced the quality of running backs that Georgia does. It’s a state that prides itself on running the football, and there are many back in the state to know about…
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Continue ReadingIt’s hard to find another state in the country who produced the quality of running backs that Georgia does. It’s a state that prides itself on running the football, and there are many back in the state to know about for the 2022 season. Class 3A in particular is full of talented backs who ran through defenses left and right last season.
DJ Bell – Pierce County
One of the most productive back in all of South Georgia, and the leading rusher last season in 3A, Bell is having a monster high school career and will be a legend the second he leaves Pierce County. After leading them to a state championship as a sophomore, Bell had an outstanding season last fall, carrying the load and torching defenses week after week. A smaller, quicker back, Bell showed great balance, an impressive spin move, and the ability to score very time he has the ball. He’s a natural runner with great vision, but more importantly, he knows how to elude defenders. As a junior last fall, Bell rushed 263 times for 1,887 yards (210 rushing yards per game) and 23 touchdowns. He’s a true playmaker who is deadly in space, and has a true nose for the endzone. He’s consistently one of the quickest and better overall athletes anytime he’s on the field. Look for him to have another unbelievable season next fall as a senior.
Duke Watson – Mary Persons
A breakout running back from Middle Georgia last fall, Watson is a natural runner with great burst who 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 an extremely productive sophomore season last year, proving he’s one of the best back in the area across all classifications. He’s incredible quick and agile for his age and plays bigger than his 5-foot-10 175-pound frame. He’s a smooth runner with balance and the ability to score every time he has the ball. He’s one of the hottest names in Middle Georgia right now and it won’t take long before his recruitment takes off. He ended his sophomore season with 1,716 yards on 224 carries (7.5 yards per carry), which was 3rd most in all of 3A in rushing. He also scored 25 touchdowns in 11 games, showing he’s one of the best backs in Georgia for the 2024 class.
Alan Jones Jr – Monroe Area
A tough, tackle-breaking back with vision, Jones Jr continues to be an “under the radar” back in the 2023 class. The small-town back has a knack for finding open holes and does a great job of running behind his pads. The 5-foot-11 180-pounder runs with strength, power, and finishing runs falling forward. He also has good footwork and does a nice job of staying inbounds down the sideline. He can wear on a defense, and if you don’t tackle with proper technique, Jones Jr is going to run through your tackle. He’s a physical back with enough speed to break off a long run, and he made very rushing attempt matter last year. One of the most productive backs in 3A, Jones Jr rushed for 1,526 yards on 159 attempts (9.6 yards per carry) and rushed for 13 touchdowns. Look for him to be one of the best 3A backs once again in 2022.
Ahmari Douglas – Long County
One of the top small-town backs across Georgia in the 2024 class, Douglas is a quick, slippery back who can find a hole and burst through it. He’s a shifty back with speed who can also help on special teams as well. If there’s room to run, Douglas is really tough to stop for opposing defenses in his region. He’s great at running between the tackles and so tough to corral once he can get through the line. He’s got some breakaway speed against defenses in the area, so when he has the ball, he’s always a threat to score. Another one of the more productive backs in 3A, Douglass rushed for 1,233 yards last fall with 12 rushing touchdowns. Look for him to be one of the top junior running backs in 3A next season.