Ten Upstate RBs To Watch In 2023
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAcross 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.
Kalvin Banks Kalvin Banks 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Eastside | 2024 State SC 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.
Marquise Henderson Marquise Henderson 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Belton-Honea Path | 2025 State SC 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.
Jaiden McDowell Jaiden McDowell 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2026 State SC 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.
Jaylen McGill Jaylen McGill 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Broome | 2026 State SC 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.
Jayden Pepper Jayden Pepper 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Greenville | 2024 SC 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.
Dashun Reeder Dashun Reeder 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Christ Church | 2024 State SC 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.
Quashon Tate Quashon Tate 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2024 SC 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.