#TNHSFB Season Preview: Best Backfields

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's time to start looking towards the 2024 season and we kick things off by looking at the best position groups across the state of Tennessee. Here we begin with the backfield where some of the best prospects in the state reside! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Baylor Red Raiders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206486' first='Chris' last='Renegar']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2024 season could be a bounce back year for the Red Raiders, especially if this talented backfield plays up to their potential. Baylor has a loaded backfield with the star being Mills-Knight and his ability to take over a game due to his physicality and separating speed. He won't have to take all the carries either as he has a nice compliment in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206486' first='Chris' last='Renegar'] </strong>that provides a tough running style that could work well in short yard attempts. The X-Factor for the Red Raiders this season will be the play of new starting quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry']</strong>. A big armed passer with good pocket presence, Cherry shows Power Four upside and if he lives up to that billing, Baylor could find themselves competing yet again for a D2-Class AAA state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Lipscomb Academy Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219425' first='Tav' last='Shaffer']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301396' first='Andrew' last='Patterson, Jr']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841287' first='Micah' last='Burton']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Mustangs might have “the” best backfield of all teams for the 2024 season, especially if they live up the hype and expectations. Led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219425' first='Tav' last='Shaffer']</strong>, the Mustangs have an excellent talent behind center leading the way and his play will be key in the team's run towards a D2-Class AAA state title. However, the performance of Patterson, Jr and Burton could be the X-Factor behind a big season from the Mustangs. Both of the senior backs have the capabilities of running for over 1,000 yards but also give each other reprieve and the ability to share carries, keeping both fresh. All three backfield members are sleeper Mr. Football candidates too that could contend for top honors with big senior years and the Mustangs competing for titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Brentwood Academy Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sporting the top player in the state for the #TN2025 class in MacIntyre along with a Top 10 ranked running back in Hill, the Eagles have one of the best 1-2 punches in the backfield among all teams in Tennessee. These two guys are playmakers in the Eagles backfield that can right some wrongs from last year and help lead BA back into title contention for the ‘24 season with both contending for Mr. Football honors. MacIntyre is headed to the Vols next year while Hill still remains un-committed and open to all suitors. If the Eagles staff can fix things up front in the O-line, MacIntyre and Hill are talented enough to become game changers this Fall and push Brentwood Academy towards a possible region title and a deep playoff run.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1169221,"width":"302px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/tamhill.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1169221" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. MBA Big Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258658' first='Brooklen' last='Davis']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another strong 1-2 punch that makes up one of the best backfields in the state, is this dynamic duo out of MBA that have a lot in front of them when it comes to possible team success and their own personal endeavors. Davis is a workhorse that has his best football days ahead of him. He has the physical build to work through defenders, delivering punishing body blows that can wear down a defense. Price is a big guy with a smooth throwing motion that screams Power Four potential. His arm talent matches up with some of the best that has come out of this state over the years. These two have the abilities to turn things around for the Big Red this season and contend for a region title and possibly a strong run throughout the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Houston Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a 6A state title, this dynamic duo has to be at the top of the list when it comes to best backfields. Now it's not the same set that led the Mustangs to the championship last year but it's just as talented with Davis taking over the lead role at running back. The 5'11 junior brings more balance to his position compared to his predecessor as Davis has a nice mix of power and speed along with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Throwing him that ball will be one of the more cerebral signal callers we have here in Tennessee with Day. The 6 '2 lefty is a calm presence behind center that simply knows how to win and with him and Davis both running the show in the Mustangs backfield, it's hard not to put Houston back in contention for another state title run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Germantown Red Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285552' first='Mekhi' last='Robins-Abram']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219401' first='Jamarion' last='Morrow']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Red Devils could have the best backfield by the end of the 2024 season, especially if Robins-Abram steps up and becomes a bonafide top level guy and Johnson is able to provide a nice supplement behind the play of Morrow. What Germantown could have is one of the more athletic backfields in the state. Morrow is “the” top running back prospect from the #TN2025 class and someone that can take over a game within a split second due to his athleticism and game breaking speed. Johnson is almost built in the same way, just younger and still learning. Robins-Abram is the X-Factor here as he shows in clips and proved in person at last month's PRZTN Spring Showcase that he can spin it and push the ball deep down field. If he can continue to develop at a proper rate, Germantown will have an elite level backfield and a group that can push the Red Devils towards 6A title contention.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1292711,"width":"298px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/mrabram.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1292711" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Maryville Rebels</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167467' first='Will' last='Jones']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last season was a learning experience for the Rebels offense but the 2024 football year should be much better with Jones and Davis starring in the backfield. This East Tennessee program is used to winning championships and they can get back into that realm with strong season's from their backfield. Jones is a talented gunslinger that will be one of the best at his position for the #TN2027 class. Davis ranks as the 8th best running back in the state and someone that could play his way into D1 status with a big senior year. He could also work his way into Mr. Football contention as well. Another big factor behind a big year from Jones and Davis is the fact that Maryville could have one of the best O-lines in the state, helping pave the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Nash. Christian Eagles&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Curtis is considered the top prospect from the #TN2026 class and his backfield got much better recently with the addition of junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward']</strong>. These two together, along with some other offensive pieces, could give NCS one of the better offenses on the private school level for the 2024 season. Curtis is well known, sporting all the physical abilities you want in a starting quarterback. He won't have to throw it as much this Fall with the addition of Ward as this 6 '1 junior back has the build and burst to become a major difference maker and take a big load off the shoulders of Curtis. Both offensive talents have the capabilities to contend for Mr. Football over the next two years while sporting one of the better backfields that could be catalysts towards possible state titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Beech Buccaneers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bucs could be working with a current and future top backfield, not just from the Mid-Tennessee area but the entire state. Sporting two juniors in Powell and Swafford and one sophomore in Williams, Beech is loaded in the backfield for the next two years with guys that can bring in a lot of victories and potentially state titles. Powell is a big guy behind center that is still developing his passing but can definitely hurt you with his legs. Swafford and Williams are two well built young men that can both run around and through tacklers with their physicality and speed. It will be hard for opposing defenses to stop the Bucs rushing attack with three physical runners coming at them on a consistent basis. It should be fun to watch this backfield and their progression over the coming years and how far they can take this Beech program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1278658,"width":"324px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/20240518_082055.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1278658" style="width:324px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Powell Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='937072' first='Connor' last='Wheeler']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219414' first='Abu' last='Keefer']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Panthers have been producing some good offensive talent over the past few years and this Fall's backfield looks just as good as ever. Powell has a lead back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='937072' first='Connor' last='Wheeler'] </strong>to lean on this year and produce big yards while contending for Mr. Football honors. Senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219414' first='Abu' last='Keefer'] </strong>should be a good compliment while also manning the inside linebacker position on defense. The X-Factor will be the play and progression of Rodgers. The 6'3 junior quarterback is one of the better dual threat signal callers from the #TN2026 class along with a talented right arm that if improved, will be the difference maker on the Panthers offense this season. This backfield may not get the limelight early but by season's end, Powell may have one of the better units in the state of Tennessee.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Backfields To Follow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279488' first='Kam' last='Alexander']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mt. Juliet: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219347' first='Jonmikael' last='Crudup']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cookeville: </strong>(QB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201020' first='Thomas' last='Johnson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sevier Co.: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Acad.: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1192882' first='Stephen' last='Nieves']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002753' first='Montae' last='Baldwin']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green Hill: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964976' first='Kannon' last='Burroughs']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102958' first='Nick' last='Owens, Jr']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gallatin: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353896' first='Jackson' last='Stroup']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291272' first='Malachi' last='Harper']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Upperman: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='533747' first='Ethan' last='Palk']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":965001,"width":"327px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/kanburroughs.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-965001" style="width:327px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->