Who's Next 252 Top Returning RBs Part 2

Part 2 of Who's Next: 252 Top Returning RBs brings even more premier talent to the spotlight. This group features multiple 1,000-yard rushers and playmakers with double-digit touchdown production. Expect these backs to be focal points for their offenses and names you'll be hearing all season long.    Julius Rook, a rising senior out of Northwest Halifax, is coming off a strong season where he totaled close to 900 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. With an increased workload and opportunity, expect his production to take a big leap—potentially doubling those numbers and emerging as one of the top backs in the 252 this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2144676' first='Noah' last='Gibbs'] had an impressive freshman campaign, lining up at quarterback but doing most of his damage on the ground with 9 rushing touchdowns compared to just 2 through the air. As he continues to develop, expect a more balanced offensive approach this upcoming season. With his frame, athleticism, and natural running ability, Gibbs has the tools to transition to running back at the next level and be highly productive.     [player_tooltip player_id='2067025' first='Kazzure' last='Downing'] is coming off a monster season and now returns for his senior year with big expectations. He racked up nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most explosive backs in the 252. With his home run speed and ability to score from anywhere on the field, Downing is a strong candidate to push toward the 2,000-yard mark this upcoming season.     Aiden Johnson, a junior out of Gates County, had one of the most productive seasons of any returning back in the 252. He totaled an impressive 1,778 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while handling a massive workload of nearly 300 carries. A true workhorse, Johnson proved he can carry an offense and should be one of the most relied-on—and dangerous—backs heading into next season.     Zymir Douglas is one of the most versatile and physically imposing playmakers in the 252. The Warren County standout plays quarterback and linebacker at 5'11, 220 pounds, bringing a rare blend of strength and speed. He accounted for 6 passing touchdowns while adding over 500 yards on the ground and 14 rushing scores.   Douglas was a major reason Warren County made a deeper run than they have in years, and with his leadership and production, he's aiming to take the Eagles even further this season and get them over the top.     Kalijah Booth made the most of his opportunities last season, turning just 61 carries into 6 touchdowns. With an expected increase in touches this upcoming season, Booth is primed for a breakout and should easily push into double-digit touchdowns as his role continues to expand.     [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] has been a consistent producer since his freshman year, and he's coming off a strong junior campaign where he nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards while adding 14 touchdowns. With his track record of production and continued development, expect Magwood to be one of the most productive and reliable backs in the region heading into next season.     Harry Cheek looks poised to step into the feature back role for Vance County next season. The junior made the most of limited opportunities, scoring 6 touchdowns on fewer than 100 carries. With an increased workload on the horizon, Cheek is in line for a breakout year and could surpass 1,000 rushing yards while reaching double-digit touchdowns.     [player_tooltip player_id='618689' first='Myles' last='Eatmon'] is one of the top returning running backs in the state, regardless of region. A durable, explosive playmaker, he totaled nearly 1,700 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns last season. With the ability to score from anywhere on the field, Eatmon is a true game-breaker and a constant threat every time he touches the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones'] is one of the most productive sophomores in the state coming off last season. He led his team to a state championship appearance while putting up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. A true home run threat who can score from anywhere on the field, Jones is quickly emerging as one of the brightest young stars in North Carolina.     [player_tooltip player_id='2104426' first='Kayden' last='Smith'] out of Currituck County is one of the top sophomore backs in the 252. He finished just under 1,000 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns, showing consistent production against strong competition. Playing in a tough conference makes his numbers even more impressive, and his film backs it up—Smith has the ability to score from anywhere on the field and is a name to keep a close eye on moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1909457' first='Lloyd' last='Jones'] is one of the top freshmen to come out of the 252 from last season, and Havelock may have another Power 4 prospect on their hands. Standing over 6 feet and close to 200 pounds, Jones brings an impressive blend of size, strength, and speed. He accounted for 9 total touchdowns as a freshman and proved to be a true all-purpose back.   A physical runner with big-play ability, Jones is a name to remember—don't be surprised if his first Division I offer comes before the season even kicks off.     [player_tooltip player_id='1705645' first='Andrew' last='Boucher'] does it all for Croatan and is one of the most productive playmakers in the 252. He put together a huge season, totaling over 2,000 all-purpose yards and an eye-popping 34 touchdowns. In the playoff game I watched, he found the end zone four times, showing just how dominant he can be on the big stage.   A true do-it-all threat, Boucher is a difference-maker every time he steps on the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='2103425' first='Bralan' last='Wilson'], a rising senior at North Pitt, is a two-way standout who made his biggest impact at running back last season. He totaled nearly 600 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on just 62 carries, showing strong efficiency and playmaking ability.   With an increased workload, Wilson has the potential to take a major leap—if his carries double, he could easily surpass 1,000 yards and reach double-digit touchdowns this upcoming season.     Andre Downey, a rising senior at Southwest Edgecombe, is coming off a big-time season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. His film backs it up—Downey is a true home run threat who can take it 50+ yards to the house at any moment.   With his explosiveness and proven production, he's one of the more dangerous backs in the 252 heading into next season.     Trenstin Bolden, a rising senior out of Southwest Onslow, brings a physical and reliable presence to the backfield. He finished last season with just under 500 rushing yards on 80 carries and added 6 touchdowns, consistently moving the chains with key first down conversions.   Bolden also stands out in pass protection, showing a willingness and ability to block—an underrated part of his game. While you'd like to see him utilized more out of the backfield in the passing game, his film shows a strong, tough runner who can contribute in multiple ways.

Part 2 of Who's Next: 252 Top Returning RBs brings even more premier talent to the spotlight. This group features multiple 1,000-yard rushers and playmakers with double-digit touchdown production. Expect these backs to be focal points for their offenses and names you'll be hearing all season long.