Top 2025 Returning Rushers in 7A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 7A classification in Georgia is one of the toughest and most talented classes across the country. It's full of big-time rushers and many of them are in the 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are the leading returning rushers in 7A for the 2025 class?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='667552' first='Josiah' last='Allen'] - Wheeler</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The leading returning 2025 rusher in 7A, Allen ran wild through talented defenses on a consistent basis last year in Georgia's largest classification, carrying the ball 208 times for 1,751 yards and 16 touchdowns last year as a sophomore. He went over the 100-yard mark seven times, averaging about 160 yards per game, an incredibly impressive feat for any sophomore in the 2025 class. He also averaged an impressive 8.4 yards per carry throughout the year. He rushed for at least 200 yards in four games with his biggest game coming in a win over Cherokee where he took off for 344 yards and three touchdowns in a big35-21 Wheeler victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338640' first='Zion' last='Johnson'] - Newton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest-rising sophomore backs in the state. Johnson is quick, shifty back who knows how to make defenders miss in the open field. He ran better and better throughout the 2022 season last year, ending the season with 1,066 yards on 141 carries. He was consistently productive all season long, averaging over 118 yards per game while scoring six touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards in five games last year, ending the season with his biggest game, a 316-yard two touchdown performance against South Gwinnett.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566880' first='Ryan' last='Hall'] - North Gwinnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive dual-threat quarterback with the ability to have a breakout junior season next fall, Hall played for a top North Gwinnett program in 2022 and came out with a really impressive sophomore season. The young, talented sophomore rushed for 787 yards last year and will likely see those number improve in a big way as a junior in 2023. He averaged an impressive 7.2 yards per carry last year against multiple talented 7A defenses while rushing for nine touchdowns. His best game on the ground came against Norcross where he ran through the Blue Devil defense for 176 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. He knows when to take off and really uses his legs well when he sees an opening. He's developing more and more as a passer, but look for Hall to continue using his legs often throughout his junior season next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Carmello Jeffrey</strong> <strong>- South Gwinnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another under the radar Gwinnett County running back coming off an impressive sophomore season in 7A, Jeffrey showed he can take over games last season, rushing for over 150 yards in three games last fall. In total, Jeffrey rushed 118 times for 754 yards and four touchdowns last year. A shorter back at 5-foot-8, Jeffrey averaged 6.4 yards per carry and averaged 75 yards per game. He should see his load increase next fall as a junior where he'll look to lead the Comets to a better season in 2023. He has the talent and ability to do so, so he's one to keep an eye on. His biggest performance last year came in the final game of the season where he rushed 16 times against Buford for 210 yards and one touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->