Top Under the Radar Backs in Augusta

It’s hard to find another state across the country that produces running backs like the peach state, and there are a few "under the radar" backs in the Augusta area who are bound for big seasons in the fall. &nbsp; <strong><a class="StyledAnchor-sc-jb44mu-0 fudJqG name" href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/joseph-jean/cmLN1W0REemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/football/stats.htm">Joseph Jean - Grovetown</a></strong> A strong, powerful back with deceptive speed, Jean was fantastic last year for the run-heavy Grovetown squad as he rushed for just under 1,300 yards on the season. He hits the hole hard, runs well for his size at 6-foot-1 210-pounds, and can be tough to tackle by just one defender. He runs hard, but he also has the ability to fly by defenses down the sideline for a big gain. He shows great balance and can be tough to trip up or tackles around his feet. He keeps plays going when he should be in trouble, and if you don’t wrap up, you’re not tackling Jean. He averaged over 116 yards per game and rushed for 100+ yards in 7 games, finding the end-zone six times on the season. He can get tough yards between the tackles but knows how to break off a long run as well when given space. Look for him to be one of the leading rushers in Augusta as a senior in 2022. &nbsp; <strong><a class="StyledAnchor-sc-jb44mu-0 fudJqG name" href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/temarcus-elam/RrAcGrAKEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/football/stats.htm">Temarcus Elam - Lakeside</a></strong> A shifty running back with great balance, Elam is one of the flashiest backs in the area and had an excellent junior season for Lakeside, rushing for over 1,100 yards and looking impressive just about every Friday night. Her’s a decent-sized back and solid athlete overall at 6-foot-0 190-pounds who showed big-play potential on a consistent basis. He’s a strong runner between the tackles and he’s quick enough to slip through tight holes in the trenches. Once he sneaks through the line of scrimmage, he’s looking to score. Elam found the end-zone 11 times last year and proved that he’s one of the most productive backs in Augusta. He averaged right at 100 yards per game and was a consistent weapon offensively for Lakeside all season. The Panthers didn’t have the season they wanted to in 2021, but Elam is hoping to lead the way to a big season this fall. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="335442" first="Clark" last="Jackson"] - Aquinas</strong> Not only was Jackson a dominant linebacker last year and one of the leading tacklers in Single-A private, but he’s also one of the leading returning rushers in Augusta. Senior Charlie Bussey was the team’s leading tackler last season, but Jackson also showed he can run the rock as well, rushing for just under 500 yards on the season. When he ran the ball, he made a big impact, rushing for about 8 yards per carry last year. He’s a tough, physical player who doesn’t mind lowering his shoulder and punishing opposing defenders at the end of runs. He loves contact, and that’s why he was one of the most productive two-way players in Augusta last year. He’ll need help running the ball this fall, but no matter when he gets the opportunity to run, Jackson will be up to the task. He’s a true football player in every sense of the word, and he’s bound for another giant season in 2022.