Five On The Rise: 2024 STL Running Backs With Breakout Seasons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the regular season over and the playoffs in full swing I thought I'd highlight some of the 2024 running backs from the St. Louis area who have had breakout seasons. Here is a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='125256' first='Landon' last='Boston'] | 5'9" 180 | Washington |<br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":493317,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Washington-vs-FHC-149.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-493317"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The speedy Boston has been a consistent playmaker and scoring threat for the Blue Jays in 2022 along with being their leading rusher. The junior standout rolled up 1,421 yards and averaging 9.4 yards per carry for his team during his this season and scored 21 touchdowns in the process. While his season is over following a first round playoff loss, Boston will be back to lead the way in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172138' first='DJ' last='Burgess'] | 5'8" 190 | Parkway North |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":462175,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/Hazelwood-Central-vs-Parkway-Central-208.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-462175"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burgess has been a load for opposing defenses to try and stop in 2022. The quick and powerful runner has led his team with 1,333 yards so far this season while scoring a whopping 26 touchdowns for the Colts, who are still playing in the playoffs this week. DJ is a compact, muscular back who combines speed and quickness along with strength. He rarely stops after first contact and runs angry at times, punishing defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='126255' first='Elijah' last='Stevens'] | 5'11" 190 | Rockwood Summit |</strong><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":497189,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Elijah-Stevens.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-497189"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elijah has actually been playing varsity ball since his freshman year and split time with a senior last year, but has taken over as the Falcons main rushing threat in 2022, racking up 960 yards on 122 carries and 15 touchdowns heading into this Friday's playoff game. Stevens has good speed, feet and vision. He is physical and be a workhorse but his team spreads the ball around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='126233' first='Zyan' last='Royal'] | 5'8" 175 | Parkway North |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":497192,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Zyan-Royal.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-497192"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Royal is a homerun threat both running the ball and as a receiver. Zyan is fast, quick, elusive and hard to catch in space or chase down. His is equally as good as a receiver and has hauled in over 350 yards and 3 TDs to go with his 909 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 11 yards per carry. Multiple D1 schools have taken notice of his talents and are looking at him already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='314814' first='Justin' last='Jackson'] | 5'11" 200 | Marquette |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":497193,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Justin-Jackson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-497193"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has shown me a lot of promise in limited play as a sophomore and has confirmed what I thought by being the Mustangs leading ball carrier and rusher heading into the second week of the playoffs. He's a physical North/South runner between the tackles who has the ability to break it outside or pick up big chucks of yards up the middle. He's rushed for just over 1,000 yards to go with his 8 touchdowns as his team is still in the playoffs heading into this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->