Sleeper 2025 Running Backs On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some under the radar 2025 running backs on the rise?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has all the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamari Welch - Athens Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A speedy back with outstanding speed, burst, and acceleration, Welch is one of the top running backs in the Athens area and proved it week after week last fall as a junior. At 5-foot-8 170-pounds, he may not be the biggest back around, but he's certainly one of the fastest. He can outrun defenders with ease down the field but also runs bigger than his size, doing a good job of running between the tackles and picking up yards after contact. He runs with balance, shows quick feet, and can score on any particular play. This talented back rushed for just under 1,100 yards last fall with 11 touchdowns. He averaged an eye-opening 9.07 yards per carry, showing big-play ability. When he has the ball, good things tend to happen. He rushed for at least 100 yards in five games last fall and scored a touchdown in every game but one. His best game came against Mobile Christian where he rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He's clearly a sleeper running back with the potential and talent to play somewhere at the next level down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1637205' first='Carson' last='Callihan'] - Fannin County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hard-running back coming off a very productive junior season, this North Georgia back is a multi-sport standout with natural athleticism. He brings good size for his age at 5-foot-11 10-pounds with above average speed and strength. At running back, this Fannin County standout shows good vision, burst, and the ability to get to the perimeter and fly down the sideline. He can break tackles and does a good job of staying on his feet after initial contact. Last season, Callihan rushed for 966 yards and 13 touchdowns during his second high school season. He also averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per rush and went over the 100-yard mark four times. His best game came against Pickens where he rushed for an outstanding 197 yards and three touchdowns. He's one of the top young running backs across North Georgia and has a chance to light up the stat sheet as a senior in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quay Hill - East Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, physical runner and one of the top backs in the Athens area, Hill runs with plenty of power at 5-foot-11 195-pounds. Still, he also brings some shifty element to his game with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He shows good footwork and the ability to change directions well for someone his size. He's an excellent runner between the tackles who consistently keeps the chains moving. He's a force to deal with who can bounce off defenders with ease if they don't wrap him up properly. He can really wear down a defense and is one of the region's best at picking up yards after contact. He's coming off an impressive junior season where he rushed for 877 yards and 12 touchdowns last fall. He averaged just under 90 yards a game and has the potential to have a major final senior season next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->