Top West Georgia Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The peach state is known for producing quality running backs every year, and we're seeing a lot of them emerge in West Georgia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which West Georgia running backs are off to big seasons so far?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/malachi-hosley/gXEdWImTEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/football/stats.htm">Malachi Hosley</a> - Northside (Columbus)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still one of the more underrated backs in the state, Hosley picked up where he left off last season and has been running wild so far during the 2022 season. The senior has lived in the endzone this year and has been tough for just about every defense he's gone up against this season. The 5-foot-10 190-pounder has rushed for an impressive 9 yards per carry on 93 carries, giving him an outstanding 841 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He runs hard, he's physical, but has enough speed to fly past defenders on his way to the endzone. He runs with confidence and knows how to slip through tackles for yards after contact. He's also caught three passes out of the backfield for 79 yards and another touchdown. He can absolutely play at the next level and he shows that type of talent every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jemarion-whatley/dJ1DQvkY-UmdQFPOfZBUVg/football/stats.htm">Jemarion Whatley</a> - Hiram</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An under the radar back with plenty of speed, Whatley is having a big year so far for the Hiram Hornets. At 6-foot-0 160-pounds, Whatley is a lean, athletic back with impressive feet. He can make defenders miss and knows how to take off when he finds a hole to run through. He's been extremely productive this season as a junior, averaging over 22 yards per carry. So far this season, Whatley has only carried the ball 26 times, but he's gone for 581 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also made two catches and took them for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He's the definition of an explosive back and picks up big yards consistently when he has the ball. He's quick, shifty, and has his best football still ahead of him. Look for some heavy D1 interest and possible offers to come his way down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jonaz-walton/N7LlRfY2EeyA0wqb9tl3hA/football/stats.htm">Jonaz Walton</a> - Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An outstanding freshman running back, Walton has been unstoppable so far this year and recently earned an offer from the in-state Georgia Bulldogs. An explosive back who knows how to naturally break tackles, Walton is averaging an incredible 12 yards per carry so far as a freshman. At 5-foot-9 190-pounds, Walton has been a touchdown machine this season for the Lions and doesn't seem to be slowing down. He's rushed 75 times this year for just under 900 yards, averaging about 180 yards per game to start his high school career. He's fast, physical, and is making himself knows around the state. He's scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and has shown he's one of the top running backs in West Georgia. Look for more offers to come his way sooner than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryce Hicks - Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Carrollton Trojans are off to a strong 5-0 start to the season and a big reason why has been the offense. Quarterback Julian Lewis has been terrific, but a lot of their success is due to the play of their versatile back, Bryce Hicks. A quick, agile back with great hands, Hicks is a reliable option no matter what the Trojan offense is trying to do. A slippery back who changes directions well, Hicks has rushed for over 100 yards in three of the team's first five games. He's also rushed for four touchdowns on the season, proving to be one of the more productive backs in the area. Hicks has been a dynamic receiving threat as well, catching 25 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Hicks has rushed for 434 yards and four touchdowns. He's a 2024 running back who will see his stock continue to rise as the season moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->