Breakout Atlanta-Area Running Backs To Know

In the state of Georgia, there are running backs every where you look. In all corners of the state and in all classifications, it’s not hard to find quality running backs. There are plenty in the Atlanta-area who are coming off big seasons and have a chance to have a breakout season this fall. Here are some of the top Atlanta-area running backs to know about for the upcoming season… &nbsp; <strong>Jamal Bing - Dutchtown</strong> He is an extremely talented back with great instincts, Bing has the “it” factor that other backs just don’t seem to have. Bing rushed for over a 1,000 yards last year and is expected to have even more this upcoming season. He is determined, competitive, and has worked extremely hard this off-season to turn himself into one of the best backs in the area. An honor student in the classroom, Bing is an extremely humble and hard working young man ready for another giant season. The 5-foot-8 180-pounder shows great footwork, burst, and the ability to break off a long run. He can get to the edge, works the sideline well, and could be one of the region’s leading rushers this fall. &nbsp; <strong>Royce Tolbert - Columbia </strong> Another impressive back who can make plays on both sides of the ball, Tolbert is coming off an excellent junior season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards, and he has a chance to have an even bigger season in 2022. He’s a good athlete who knows how to break tackles and keep his legs moving forward. He plays with balance, shows quick footwork, and can take off down the sideline if he gets to the edge. He’s also reliable in the passing game and could see more passes come his way this upcoming season. He follows his blocks well and has a nose for the end-zone. He averaged about 10 yards a game last fall, proving to be one of the most productive backs in the Atlanta-area last fall with the potential to be one of the leading rushes in the area once again as a senior. &nbsp; <strong>Jason Jackson - Central Gwinnett</strong> The Knights had a down year in 2022, but they’ve got a rising-junior running back who is hoping to change things up this fall. Don’t let his size fool you, Jackson is a quick, elusive back with natural running ability. Jackson is a true weapon out of the backfield, and when given space, he can make you pay. He’s a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield and dangerous to contain in the open field. He was the team’s leading rusher with over 560 yards and found the end-zone 5 times. He’ll likely be asked to carry the load again this fall, meaning he should see more opportunities to showcase his talent and load up the stat sheet. Just a sophomore, the 5-foot-10 165-pounder is great in the classroom with a 3.3 GPA and shows the ability to play somewhere at the next level. Look for him to have a breakout junior season for the Knights in 2022. &nbsp; <strong>Chad Alexander ll - Archer</strong> If there’s an up and coming program to know about in Gwinnett County, it’s the Archer Tigers. Led by a new staff that’s ready to take the program to the next level, the Tigers are headed for a giant season in 2022 and they have a versatile running back to help lead the way in Chad Alexander. At 5-foot-10 175-pounds, Alexander is quick, shifty, and can really help out of the backfield in the passing game. He’s fast, elusive, and knows how to elude defenders at the next level. He shows impressive footwork, changes directions well, and great burst when he see’s an opening. He follows his blocks well and can always be a threat to score. He had a good junior season, and even though he was the second back behind a senior, he still rushed for over 420 yards and found the end-zone 9 times. He’s a touchdown machine and should see a ton of opportunities to make plays in an offense-friendly scheme in 2022.