New 2023 RBs in the Rankings: December Update
In this article:
The 2022 seasons brought our eyes on to a lot of special RB talents in the 2023 class. Some of these guys already have offers, others are still awaiting to receive their first. Check out to see what we think…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2022 seasons brought our eyes on to a lot of special RB talents in the 2023 class. Some of these guys already have offers, others are still awaiting to receive their first. Check out to see what we think of the newly added running backs to our 2023 rankings!
West Point has been putting out dominant athletes at the running back position for a while now. Keshawn Henley Keshawn Henley 5’11” | 185 lbs | RB West Point | 2023 State MS looks to be the next in line. The speedy senior had a dominant season on the ground this year and has been garnering attention from schools around the southeast. At 5’11” 180, Henley has a good frame for the next level and can continue to add weight. As a runner, Henley has great speed in the open field and has special vision. He allows blocks to set up and uses his burst to explode to the second level. While he may not be the biggest, this is the type of guy that runs hard through contact. Special athlete with a ton of potential for the college level.
One of 6A’s best backs this season, Deandre Pullen Deandre Pullen 5’8″ | 170 lbs | RB Madison Central | 2023 State MS is a back with a great skillset for the next level. Although he is not the largest, Pullen has special talent specifically in the passing game. When asked to pass protect, Pullen can easily identify who his man is and can buy the quarterback extra time. He also can run routes out of the backfield and catch the ball in the open field. As a runner, Pullen has good vision and solid speed to tote the ball between the tackles. Backs with 3rd down skill sets are hard to find in the high school ranks which ought to set Pullen apart. He is committed to Northwest Community College.
Putting up video game numbers as a senior, John Peterson John Peterson 5’11” | 185 lbs | RB Vancleave | 2023 State MS ran for over 2,600 yards and 34 touchdowns in the 2022 season. The focal point of the Vancleave offense, Peterson blew up this year and is beginning to gather offers from schools around the state. As a runner, Peterson has solid speed and burst in the open field. His lower center of gravity helps him easily bounce off contact and drive through opposing defenders to gain extra yardage. Peterson has good vision and sees holes open up before they truly do. He also has value in the screen game. Really complete back with a good skill set that will help him at the next level.
Highlights
Rushing for 1,589 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, Jayden Reed Jayden Reed 5’11” | 215 lbs | RB Lafayette | 2023 State MS was one of 5A’s most dominant running backs this season. At 5’11” 215, Reed has great size for the position and looks like a college ready back already. Reed has good speed in the open field and can make guys miss with his lateral quickness. Due to his size, Reed also plays powerful and is not afraid to run over defenders in his path. Reed does a great job at hitting the hole and making sure that he can gain every yard possible. He currently holds multiple offers from in-state junior colleges.
Poplarville was one of the best running offenses in the state this past year. Avan Jarvis Avan Jarvis 5’11” | 200 lbs | RB Poplarville | 2023 State MS was a huge part of it, totaling 1,484 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior this season. Jarvis is a tough back that has the speed to make plays in the open field. Standing at 5’11” 210, Jarvis looks the part of a college ready back already. As a runner, Jarvis runs well on gap scheme runs and knows how to set up his blocks for a big play. On contact, Jarvis can break through arm tackles and has a nice stiff arm to go along with his speed. He currently does not have any college offers, but that should change with time.
A two way player for Houston, Jamal Cooperwood Jamal Cooperwood 5’9″ | 200 lbs | RB Houston | 2023 State MS played a lot of running back this season for the Hilltoppers. While he may be a linebacker at the next level, Cooperwood turned a lot of heads as a back this season. The senior plays with a ton of explosion and burst and runs violently between the tackles. In the open field, Cooperwood has great balance and can easily bounce off of contact. Arm tackles just do not bring this guy down. Cooperwood also has enough speed to outrun defender’s angles and can easily navigate through traffic. Finishing the season with 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, Cooperwood has garnered the attention of multiple in-state junior colleges.
The other part of Poplarville’s offensive attack, Maurice Travis Maurice Travis 5’11” | 195 lbs | RB Poplarville | 2023 State MS ran for 1,408 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground while adding 208 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. Travis is a versatile back with a great skill set for the next level. With his impressive speed and burst, Travis is a dynamic runner in the open field. What stands out most about his game is his ability to run routes and catch out of the backfield. Travis runs just like a wide out from the running back position when asked to be apart of the passing game. In addition, Travis is good at evading tacklers and running through contact. He is still waiting to receive his first offer.
A state champion, Javarious Walker Javarious Walker 5’6″ | 180 lbs | RB Raleigh | 2023 State MS rushed for 1,636 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2022 season. Walker played more of a fullback role for Raleigh, but also operated as the single running back at times. Although he is not the largest, Walker has the skillset to play at the next level. He has good speed in the open field and adds a ton of value as an additional blocker. Walker is a powerful runner who dominates in between the tackles.