2024 Rankings: 10 Top 100 Backs To Watch
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Right at 10 percent. That’s the number on top-flight running backs ranked in the Top 100 of the PRZ 2024 Rankings for South Carolina. From No. 1 to No. 93, 10 backs populate spots in the first 100 guys listed…
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Continue ReadingRight at 10 percent.
That’s the number on top-flight running backs ranked in the Top 100 of the PRZ 2024 Rankings for South Carolina. From No. 1 to No. 93, 10 backs populate spots in the first 100 guys listed in what looks to be shaping up to be a bumper crop of RBs. Rushing totals are up across the state, too, with video game-like numbers on an almost weekly basis. Whether it’s insane talent, spread schemes opening running lanes by occupying defenders, or a mixture of reasons, 200 yards now looks commonplace. Here’s a look at the 11 RBs who are ranked in the Top 100 for 2024.
Traevon Dunbar Traevon Dunbar 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Midland Valley | 2024 State SC Midland Valley
The No. 1-ranked player in the class, Dunbar is special. He’s rushed for nearly 1,200 yards in the Mustangs’ first five games, averaging more than 10 yards per carry and 236 yards per game with 11 touchdowns. He’s got an amazing combination of speed and power, mostly showcasing it by just running buy guys. First contact – on the occasions when there’s any contact – seldom brings him down, and second contact often doesn’t, either.
Carmello McDaniel Carmello McDaniel 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Hartsville | 2024 State SC Hartsville
In the Red Foxes’ run-heavy offense, McDaniel is the standout. He’s smooth, he’s elusive, and he’s got unreal vision. He’s also another guy who’s not going down on first contact very often. Last season, he rushed for more than 1,800 yards and averaged 151 yards per game, and he’s off to another blazing start this season.
Turbo Richard Turbo Richard 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Northwestern | 2024 State SC Northwestern
Quite possibly the most appropriately-named player in the history of the sport, Richard is a true speedster. He’s also one of the most multi-faceted guys on the list. He’s a fantastic receiver, as you’d expect from a major weapon for Northwestern. He runs with power, he breaks tackles, and he pass-protects. He’s also a huge threat in the return game, with two TDs already on the season.
Dashun Reeder Dashun Reeder 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Christ Church | 2024 State SC Christ Church
Reeder is a nightmare for the Cavaliers’ opponents. He’s run roughshod over 1A competition for the better part of two years now, after coming into his own as Christ Church’s starting tailback. He’s a 100-yard game waiting to happen, and he’s usually good for a great deal more, as his 127 yards per game average shows. He’s a burner, and he’s physical enough to punish defenders when he needs to.
Kevon Rivera Kevon Rivera 5'9" | 215 lbs | RB Hanahan | 2024 State SC Hanahan
Rivera looks like a little bit of a throwback. He’s got nearly 800 rushing yards through the Hawks’ first five games, and the bulk of it has come right between the tackles. He’s not shifty, he doesn’t dance, he just hits the hole and goes. And goes, and goes some more. And if some of that is straight through (or over) a defender, so be it.
Jaden Allen-Hendrix Jaden Allen-Hendrix 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Irmo | 2024 State SC Irmo
Allen-Hendrix has every tool you want in a running back. He’s got plenty of speed. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. He’s got a lethal first step and accelerates quickly. And, when it comes to contact, it seems like he’d rather run over you than around you, and your first shot at him better be a good one.
Trey Thompson Trey Thompson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Andrew Jackson | 2024 State SC Andrew Jackson
The Volunteers run the ball roughly twice as much as they throw it. Thompson isn’t just the beneficiary of that, he’s the reason why. After a stellar junior season, Thompson hasn’t missed a beat. He’s got 809 yards through five games and averages 6.6 yards per carry. He’s a patient, physical runner who shows a nasty streak when he’s finishing off runs.
Davian Brown Davian Brown 5'7" | 190 lbs | RB Fort Dorchester | 2024 State SC Fort Dorchester
Brown is special. Yeah, we know that’s overused. But take his Week 5 game against Gaffney, just as an example. He caught a touchdown pass. He returned kicks. He played on the kickoff team. He was one of the Patriots’ most physical LBs. And that’s IN ADDITION to his time in the backfield, where he’s still building on a career that has already amassed more than 3,000 career rushing yards.
Jaden Singletary Jaden Singletary 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Indian Land | 2024 State SC Indian Land
Singletary’s another one of those do-anything guys. He’s comfortable catching the ball out of the backfield, and he’s a heck of a linebacker for the Warriors. He’s also a patient, physical runner who has enough speed to break away, and who’s got great vision and the ability to eat up yards after contact.
Malachi Washington Malachi Washington 6'2" | 185 lbs | DL SC Myrtle Beach
Judge Washington by his stature at your own peril. Time after time, he’s made Seahawks’ opponents pay. Take last week’s game against Marion for example. Washington’s combination of speed and power led to a pair of long scores, including one from 92 yards, and three more near the goal line, as he rushed for 233 yards and five TDs. It was his third 200-yard game of the season, his fourth-straight performance of at least two touchdowns, and he tacked on a sixth in the game against Marion for good measure, returning his own punt block for a score.