Ten Upstate RBs To Watch In 2023

Jed Blackwell July 22, 2023 @ 12:00 PM

Across the Upstate, there are a ton of guys who can get it done on the ground. Whether it's a bruiser who shines between the tackles or a guy who gets outside and runs away, there's no shortage of playmakers out of the backfield. Here's a look at ten of the best in the Upstate.   [player_tooltip player_id='448996' first='Kalvin' last='Banks'] Eastside,2024 - Banks was an absolute workhorse for the Eagles a year ago. He carried 289 times for 1,595 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scoring 20 TDs.   Jakari Bennett Daniel, 2024 - Bennett was the standout in a crowded backfield, rushing for a team-high 655 yards despite having the Lions' fourth-most carries. Bennett turned in an eye-popping 12.1 yards per carry and scored eight times. A strong, veteran offensive line could lead to a huge season.   [player_tooltip player_id='605525' first='Marquise' last='Henderson'] Belton Honea-Path, 2025 - The Bears have a ton of backfield talent, and Henderson might be their best. He had 1,681 yards on just 140 total touches, scoring 20 total TDs for the Bears. Division I offers are rolling in, and Henderson has only shown flashes of how good he can be.   Ladainnian Martin Greer, 2025 - Martin has some power. He's got sprinter's speed, turning in an 11-second 100 meters and a 22-second 200 meter time. And this year, he's over some injuries that nagged him during his sophomore season. In Greer's system, the sky's the limit for Martin.   [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] Gaffney, 2026 - McDowell's another player who dealt with some injuries last year. Despite that, he exploded on the scene as a freshman, notching nearly 700 yards for Gaffney and scoring seven TDs.   [player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill'] Broome, 2026 - To call McGill's freshman season fantastic is an understatement. He exploded onto the scene, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. He's drawing SEC and ACC offers, and looks to be on the verge of even more.   [player_tooltip player_id='209382' first='Jayden' last='Pepper'] Powdersville, 2024 - A transfer from Greenville, Pepper was explosive when he touched the ball last season. He rushed for 532 yards and seven TDs on just 73 carries, and added eight catches for 43 yards and another score.   [player_tooltip player_id='267466' first='Dashun' last='Reeder'] Christ Church, 2024 - Reeder seemed unstoppable a year ago, and he's back for more. He led the Cavaliers to the 1A state title with 2,157 yards, a 9.6 yards per carry average, and 42 touchdowns.   Mathai Scott Chapman, 2024 - Scott provides the Panthers with a power running game, bashing out tough yards between the tackles. He accounted for 1,126 total yards and scored 13 touchdowns last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='459546' first='Quashon' last='Tate'] Gaffney, 2024 - Paired with McDowell, Tate gives the Indians the kind of 1-2 backfield punch they rode to a state title two years ago. He racked up 970 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago.

Across the Upstate, there are a ton of guys who can get it done on the ground. Whether it's a bruiser who shines between the tackles or a guy who gets outside and runs away, there's no shortage of playmakers out of the backfield. Here's a look at ten of the best in the Upstate.