Playoff Preview: 7A Running Backs To Know in Round Two

Matt DeBary November 14, 2022 @ 07:23 AM

The 7A classification in Georgia is thee biggest in the peach state and home to some of the state's top prospects and programs. It's also full of elite running backs who have had big 2022 seasons this fall.   Which do you need to have your eyes in in round two? Let's take a look...   [player_tooltip player_id='34011' first='Justice' last='Haynes'] - Buford   He's the top running back prospect in Georgia and he's ready to end his brilliant high school career off with a state championship at Buford. The Alabama commitment checks every box you look for in a running back with impressive speed, size, and the ability to break tackles. He can catch out of the backfield, but his ability to make defenders miss and break off a long run is something he can do on any particular carry. The Wolves are an elite program, and they have an elite back carrying the load in Haynes. Look for the high 4-star back to have a big game against Walton in week two.   [player_tooltip player_id='335441' first='Bryce' last='Hicks'] - Carrollton   A smaller, quicker back with big-play potential, Hicks is a versatile back who has helped lead Carrollton to an undefeated season so far in 7A. They're an incredibly well coached team and have a star quarterback on their hands, but Hicks has quietly rushed through defenses on a consistent basis all year. They have a big game against Marietta this weekend in round two, and they'll need Hicks to be at his best if they want to continue this special season. So far, Hicks has rushed 190 times for 1,197 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season, averaging an impressive 109 yards per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='330757' first='Charlie' last='Pace'] - Colquitt County   Another under the radar back who helped lead the way for an undefeated program in the regular season, Pace has been extremely reliable on the ground for the dynamic Packer offense in 2022. They use a number of different backs, but when they need a key run, the senior needs the ball. One of the top 7A running backs in South Georgia this year, Pace rushed for a touchdown during their big first-round win over Pebblebrook last weekend and could get more opportunities to score against Marrietta. He led the team in rushing and rushing touchdowns this year, so look for him to get plenty of touches this weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='407505' first='Khyair' last='Spain'] - Parkview   One of the breakout running backs across Georgia this year, Spain has been a tacke-breaking machine and tough to handle for every opposing defense all season long. The fantastic junior rushed 30 times for 222 yards and two touchdowns in Parkview's big 34-28 win over North Paulding in round one, and they now have a matchup against a big, talented Westlake team in round two. If Parkview wants to come away with a victory, they'll need another monster performance from their star running back. He's been dominant all season and doesn't appear to be slowing down. He rushed for just under 2,200 yards so far this season for just under 200 yards per game and 16 touchdowns.   Julian Walters - North Gwinnett   Another under the radar back in the 2024 class, the junior back out of North Gwinnett had a breakout season this fall, rushing for over 1,00 yards and 14 touchdowns so far this season. The Bulldogs didn't need much out of him to defeat Dacula in week one, but it might be a different story this week against a tough Lambert team. The Bulldogs have won seven games in a row, but against Lambert, they'll need a heavy dose of Walters on the ground if they'd like to come out with a victory.

The 7A classification in Georgia is thee biggest in the peach state and home to some of the state's top prospects and programs. It's also full of elite running backs who have had big 2022 seasons this fall.