Breakout South Georgia 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…
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Continue ReadingIn 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…
Antwain McDuffie – Coffee
A quick, shifty back with natural vision and burst, McDuffie had a great 2021 season before getting hurt last fall. Before the injury, McDuffie rushed for over 700 yards and made it look easy. He can elude defenders, change directions well, and showed next-level potential. The staff there said he’s gotten much stronger and faster this off-season, so if he’s in better shape, he’s going to be tough to stop this fall. He can break tackles in the open field if defenders don’t wrap up properly, he runs hard between the tackles, and he can help in the passing game, showing the ability to catch passes in the screen game and then taking off for big gains. He’s a true breakout candidate in the area and one defenses in South Georgia need to play well against. If not, he has a chance to be one of the leading rushers in the area this fall.
Jaylen Lilley – Charlton County
A do-it-all back and multi-sport star for Charlton County, Lilley is a powerful back who dominates in the weight room. One of the strongest backs in the state, the South Georgia standout power cleans 300+ pounds and squats over 500-pounds, showing his strong lower body strength. A great overall athlete as well, Lilley is coming off a dominant junior season last fall where he totaled over 1500 total yards. He’s worked hard to get into better shape this off-season, and at 195-pounds, Lilley has a chance to have a true breakout season this fall in hopes of landing more D1 offers. He has the strength and power to play somewhere at the next level, and he’s going to prove it during the 2022 season. He’ll be asked to carry the load, and if he can play the way many expect him too, Lilley could help lead Charlton County to a very strong season this fall. He’ll be a two-way player for the Indians this year, but he’s without a doubt one of the most prodictive returning backs in all of Georgia.
Draden Fullbright – Wayne County
One of the top breakout running back candidates across the state, Fullbright is a transfer from Texas who is looking to dominate in South Georgia this fall. Just a sophomore, Fullbright is a quick, shifty back coming off an excellent season for Terrell (TX) where he rushed for 492 yards and 5 touchdowns in a reserved role. The 5-foot-11 170-pounder is going to make plays at both receiver and as a defensive back for Wayne County and could be one of the top two-way players across South Georgia this year. He’s an impressive athlete with speed, burst, quick feet, and explosiveness. Even playing both ways, expect Fullbright to have a big sophomore season and an easy 1,000-yard season. He was a young prospect to know in Texas and could be a house-hold name in Georgia sooner than later. He has all the tools to be a top prospect sooner than later, making him an easy breakout South Georgia candidate this year.
Jacob Stallworth – Dougherty
It’s never easy to share carries with one of the best running backs in America, but that’s what Stallworth had to do last year. Even still, the 6-foot-0 180-pound Albany native had a big 2021 season, rushing for 834 yards on just 89 carries, rushing for about 10 yards per carry last year as a junior. He’s a slashing back who can put his foot in the ground and get up-field in a hurry. He runs with balance, he can make defenders miss, and he’s as consistent as they come. When he had the ball, good things happened, and he’s looking to have a breakout season as a senior this fall. He also rushed for 7 touchdowns on the season, proving he can lead the way on the ground. Dougherty will have a dynamic rushing attack in 2022, and as a senior, look for Stallworth to get plenty of opportunities to run the ball and make plays alongside elite playmaker Kam Davis.