Top “Under the Radar” 4A Backs To Know In 2022

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 4A class who are coming off big seasons and have a chance to have a breakout season this fall. Here are some of the top 4A running backs to know about for the upcoming season... &nbsp; <strong><a class="StyledAnchor-sc-jb44mu-0 fudJqG name" href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/joshua-pridgen/gayMPLIpEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/football/stats.htm">Joshua Pridgen - Jenkins</a></strong> One of the top running backs in the Savannah area, Pridgen is a decent-sized back with a solid combination of speed and power. He’s a back who can pick up yards in a hurry once he gets some space to run but also knows how to lower his shoulder and deliver a blow to a defender. He’s a good runner with decent feet for his size who knows how to make a cut and get upfield. He’s a strong runner between the tackles and can fly down the middle of the field if linebackers aren’t properly positioned. He’s tough to tackle when he gets a head of steam going and he’s a reliable option around the goal-line. The 5-foot-10 180-pounder rushed for 1,087 yards last fall on 148 carries for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. He also found the end-zone 12 times. His best game of the season last year came against New Hampstead where he rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns in a big playoff victory. &nbsp; <strong><a class="StyledAnchor-sc-jb44mu-0 fudJqG name" href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/myles-ivey/vwiLK73CEemAzfp8ouYFiw/football/stats.htm">Myles Ivey - Flowery Branch</a></strong> A shifty back with speed, Ivey is coming off an excellent junior season last year where he rushed for over 900 yards. He may be a little on the smaller size, but he plays bigger than his frame indicates. He has great feet and can change directions in a hurry. He’s a good athlete who also does a good job of spinning out of tackles to keep the run alive. He shows good vision, burst, and the ability to make defensive backs and opposing linebackers miss at the second level. In 10 games, Ivey rushed for 91 yards a game and found the end-zone 12 times during the season. The Hall County native also rushed for over 100 yards in four games last year. He’s a back to keep an eye on in 4A this fall. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=c5aec059-4399-401f-b801-057c2c2fd969&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Autavius</span> Ison</a> – Riverdale</strong> A shifty back with speed from the Atlanta area, Ison showed plenty of balance and playmaking ability last fall as a junior. The Riverdale standout has decent size at 5-foot-11 195-pounds and knows how to slip through tackles and take off for a big gain.  He’s one of the more underrated backs in the Atlanta area and was tough to stop week after week. He has quick feet, hits the hole hard, and does a great job of staying on his feet after initial contact. He runs well between the tackles and can get to the sideline and down the field in a hurry. Ison rushed for 1,155 yards last fall and averaged just under 11 yards per carry. He also rushed for 13 touchdowns on the year. His biggest game of the season came in mid-November where he rushed for 188 yards and 4 touchdowns against Central. He’s absolutely a back to know in the Atlanta area for the 2022 season and should see his number continue to improve in his final season. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=d0f4be22-dc59-49a1-a899-7a72d0b8a17e&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Harlem</span> Diamond</a> – Cedartown</strong> He’s another back on the smaller side, but don’t let that fool you, [player_tooltip player_id="327230" first="Harlem" last="Diamond"] is a dynamic back from Northwest Georgia who made defenders look silly last fall. Playing for an impressive Cedartown team, Diamond is a natural with the ball in his hands with impressive footwork explosion when he has room to run. Diamond has good vision, hits the hole with force, and can take off down the field when given just a sliver of space. He catches the ball well as a receiver, but he showed he can be a game-changer at running back last year in 4A. As a junior last fall, Diamond rushed for 1,075 yards and averaged 11.4 yards per carry, tied for best in all of 4A. He’s a threat to make a big play every time he has the ball, and he proved to be one of the top backs not only in the Rome area, but in all of North Georgia and in the 4A classification last year.