NEWCOMERS: 2024 Running Backs Earn New Ranking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new 2024 rankings are out on Prep Redzone and many impressive running backs earned a ranking in the latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are they? Where are they ranked?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407504' first='Nathan' last='Webster'] - Centennial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quick, shifty running back from Roswell out of Centennial High School, Webster is coming off a nice sophomore season last year as he rushed for just under 500 yards and four touchdowns. At 5-foot-8 180-pounds, Webster is a promising young back looking to have a junior year running behind a stout offensive line. Webster runs hard for his size, runs with balance, and can be tough to bring down after initial contact. He sees the field well and knows how to burst upfield when he sees a hole. Webster debuts in the 2024 rankings as the No. 95 player in the state and the No. 12 RB prospect. He's had a solid offseason according to the staff and he has a chance to be one of the biggest breakout backs across the 2024 class in the North Fulton area this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407505' first='Khyair' last='Spain'] - Parkview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top 2024 backs in Gwinnett Countym Spain showed good burst last year and the ability to score on any particular play. At 5-foot-9 190-pounds, Spain is a physical runner who is strong enough to break tackles with his lower body. He runs well for his size and can take off down the field when given space. He's a good straight-line runner and tough to catch for most defensive backs. A two-way player who can also line up at linebacker, Spain is tough, physical, and has his best football ahead of him. He was very impressive last season, rushing for over 730 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. He averaged an outstanding 8.6 yards per attempt, and did it as a sophomore against some quality 7A defenses. He debuts at No. 58 in the state in the latest Prep Redzone rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407055' first='Jason' last='Jackson'] – Central Gwinnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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, coming in at No. 156 in the latest rankings update. 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 have a breakout junior season for the Knights in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407053' first='Jayden' last='Evans'] – Effingham County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, physical back from the Savannah area, Evans is a strong, bruising back who has no problem bowling over defenders. Those are just a few reasons why he was added to the 2024 Prep Redzone rankings. At 5-foot-8 185-pounds, he might not be the biggest back in the area, but he's thick, powerful, and has impressive lower-body strength. He's tough to bring down with simple arm tackles as he uses his lower body strength to bounce off tackles and stay upright. He's not the fastest back around, but he knows how to break tackles consistently against defenses in the area. He brings a tough, physical presence that also allows him to play some linebacker. Look for him to have a giant junior season this fall. He's now ranked as the No. 155 player in the state for the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->