Under The Radar 2024 Running Backs On The Rise

Photo: Prep Redzone

Matt DeBary March 15, 2023 @ 03:52 PM

As wee know in Georgia, there are running backs ALL OVER the state who have the ability to play at the next level. Sometimes, impressive D1-caliber backs can slip through the cracks and not get the attention they deserve.   Here are some 2024 running backs who are still under the radar, but it might not be for long...     Juice Bolden - Heritage   A junior tailback with speed and balance, Bolden was very productive last season and showed the ability to break off a big run on any particular play. Playing at a smaller school at Heritage, the Newnan native rushed for just under 100 yards per game last year, reaching the 100-yard mark in five games last fall. He showed burst, vision, escapability, and the ability to pick up yards after initial contact. He closed the 2022 season on a strong note, rushing for over 90 yards in each of the season's final five games. He rushed for at least 120 yards in three different games and hit the 150-yard mark twice, with his best game coming in a 150-yard, three touchdown performance early in the season against Kendrick. At 5-foot-10 200-pounds, he was excellent in the red-zone and around thee goal-line due to his overall strength and physical running style. He rushed for 21 touchdowns as a junior, and that number could increase even more as a senior next fall. He's an under the radar back in the Atlanta to know about going into next season.   Devin Ingram - Stephenson   An explosive back with the ability to cut on a dime, Ingram has big-play ability and knows how to knife his way through a defense. He brings plenty of speed, and his small stature allows him to change directions quickly and make bigger defenders miss. He's another Atlanta-area back who deserves more recognition after an excellent junior season where he rushed for 1,264 yards and seven touchdowns. He could put the Jaguar offense on his back at times, and he was a reliable weapon on the ground just about every Friday night last year. He rushed for at least 100 yards in seven of the season's final eight games, proving to be one of the more durable and consistent rushers in the area. He ended the season strong, rushing for 344 yards and six touchdowns combined in the final two games. He slides his way through tackles, and averaged an impressive 7.2 yards per carry. He should get even better over the next several months, so expect him to have another massive season as a senior next fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1078798' first='Jordan' last='McCoy']- Tucker   A tough, powerful back with speed and vision, McCoy was one of the more consistent and productive backs in Dekalb County last year. A big-time playmaker for the Tucker Tigers, MCCoy is a versatile back who shines in the backfield and can make plays in the passing game. He's a natural with the ball in his hands who follows his blocks and can be a dangerous runner in the open field. He's a smooth athlete who just does just about everything well. He does a great job of running between the tackles and has enough speed to fly past defenders down the field. He's looking to score, and he showed promising D1 ability last season as a junior. MCCoy rushed for 1,167 yards yards last fall on 156 carries for an average of around 7.5 yards per carry. He only played in 8 games, so his production is even more impressive. He's also able to catch passes out of the backfield, making him a candidate for a true breakout season in 2023.

As wee know in Georgia, there are running backs ALL OVER the state who have the ability to play at the next level. Sometimes, impressive D1-caliber backs can slip through the cracks and not get the attention they deserve.