KY Breakout Players to Watch in 2024: Running Backs

As we head into the end of June, the start of the 2024 high school football season is coming closer and closer. With that being said, I wanted to take some time to focus on some players at each position that I am expecting a breakout year from this season. These players include those stepping into bigger roles as well as those I'm simply expecting to see a rise in production from. After already covering the quarterbacks, here are some running backs in the state of Kentucky that I expect to take the next step this season!    [player_tooltip player_id='373047' first='Ali' last='Hamdiyah'] is a talented player who has been on my radar for a while now but has unfortunately been held back by some injuries over the past couple seasons. Last season, he played in six games and carried the ball 10 times for 59 yards and a touchdown. Ali has explosive speed, showing the ability to turn the corner or hit the open running lane in a hurry then run away from the defense on long runs. He also has the contact balance and elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Hamdiyah doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect him to gain some college interest this season with a full season ahead of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='971533' first='Chayce' last='Burton'] is a player who has begun to establish himself as one of the best at his position in the state. He shared the backfield last season but was very productive when his number was called, carrying the ball 109 times for 717 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Burton is a physical ball carrier, showing the strength and contact balance to run straight through any defender in his path. He also has explosive speed, showing the burst to run away from the defense on long runs. Burton also finished this past season with 11 receptions for 82 yards. Chayce currently holds offers from Louisville, Purdue, Toledo, Kent State, and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a true Power 4 caliber running back prospect and will be the true lead back in the Male offense this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='971535' first='BJ' last='Evans'] played in mainly a backup role last season at Lexington Christian Academy but was still productive when on the field. He finished this past season with 29 carries for 258 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. Evans is a very strong runner, showing the ability to lower his shoulder and break tackles with ease without losing stride. He has also shown the speed to run away from the defense once he hits the open field. Evans currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber prospect who will be in a much bigger role after transferring to Tates Creek for his junior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1176931' first='Jaxen' last='Smith'] is a player who began to showcase his talent last season and has continued to do the same this summer. As a sophomore, he led his team in rushing with 69 carries for 464 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games. Smith is a very shifty ball carrier, showing the ability to make quick cuts on the dime to make defenders miss in the open field. He has also shown the speed to run away from the defense on long runs. Smith has also showed the ability to make an impact in the passing game, catching 18 passes for 261 yards and six touchdowns last season. Jaxen doesn't currently hold any offers but he is definitely a player who college coaches should keep an eye on going into his junior year.     The final running back in the state of Kentucky that I expect to have a breakout year in 2024 is [player_tooltip player_id='1200720' first='Landen' last='Stiltner']. Landen played in mainly a backup role in a crowded backfield last season but was impressive when on the field. He has very explosive speed, running in the 4.4 second range in the 40 yard dash at multiple camps this season. Stiltner has shown that speed on film, showing the ability to break away from the defense on long runs. He has also shown the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Landen doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect him to be a player to watch this season as his role in the Raceland offense expands.

As we head into the end of June, the start of the 2024 high school football season is coming closer and closer. With that being said, I wanted to take some time to focus on some players at each position that I am expecting a breakout year from this season. These players include those stepping into bigger roles as well as those I'm simply expecting to see a rise in production from. After already covering the quarterbacks, here are some running backs in the state of Kentucky that I expect to take the next step this season!