Playoff Preview: 2A Rushers To Know In Round One

Matt DeBary November 9, 2022 @ 06:10 PM

In some of the lower classifications, it's easy to see major running backs pop up come playoff time. It's a classification full of smaller programs that run the ball, so whoever does it the best could take their teams deep into the playoffs this month.   Which 2A running backs do you need to know about this fall? Let's take a look...   [player_tooltip player_id='220721' first='Keyjuan' last='Brown'] - South Atlanta   Not only is he the best running back in Atlanta, but he's the best back in all of 2A and one of the best in the 2023 class. Brown, a Purdue commitment, checks all the boxes at running back. The 5-foot-9 205-pounder runs with power, has plenty of speed, vision, agility, and as productive as it gets. He hasn't been stopped over the last two years and dominated this fall as a senior, rushing for a jaw-dropping 2,139 yards and 25 touchdowns. When he touches the ball, good things happen as he averages over 12 yards per carry and over 237 yards per game. A true weapon with the ball in his hands, look for Brown to carry the ball early and often this weekend against Landmark Christian.   Nick Woodford - NorthEast   One of the most productive backs this season in Middle Georgia, the Macon native has put on a show this year as a sophomore and could see his recruitment take off in the off-season. He's run through defenses on a consistent basis all season long and has rushed for an impressive 226 yards per game this year. He breaks tackles, shows great footwork, and has breakaway speed that allows him to score on any particular run. He's rushed 215 times so far this season for 2,262 yards and an outstanding 34 touchdowns. He's rushed for over 100 yards in every game this season and has run better and better as the season has progressed. He's a top young 2025 back to know about this weekend on round one.   DJ Bell - Pierce County   The Pierce County Bears are one of thee favorites to win the 2A state title this year and one of the biggest reasons why has been the play of their senior running back, DJ Bell. A physical back who can stiff-arm defenders with ease, Bell is a slasher who can change directions well and get upfield in a hurry. He follows his blocks, can naturally elude defenders, and has plenty of experience as a lead back. He's one of the top running backs in all of South Georgia and he's looking to lead his team to another state championship. So far this season, Bell has rushed 156 times for 1,361 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season. He's rushed for over 100 yards in every game but one this season while finding the end-zone at least once in every game. Look for him to continue leading the way on the ground in the first round and beyond.   Nick Germain - Mt. Paran Christian   A tackle-breaking senior from Kennesaw, Germain has been a dependable and productive runner all season long in 2A this year, proving he can carry the Mt. Paran Christian offense if he needs too. At 5-foot-11 200-pounds, he brings a physical element to their rushing attack and knows how to wear down a defense. He's rushed for 1,003 yards so far this fall along with 15 touchdowns. He got off to a fantastic start to the season, rushing for 13 touchdowns and over 130 yards in each of his first four games of the season. Now, Germain looks to run the same way in the final stretch of his high school career. Germain and the Eagles will take on Eagle's Landing Christian in the first round.

In some of the lower classifications, it's easy to see major running backs pop up come playoff time. It's a classification full of smaller programs that run the ball, so whoever does it the best could take their teams deep into the playoffs this month.