2028 running back Brooks Backus Brooks Backus RB Piedmont | 2028 State OK is going into his junior season with some momentum after a breakout sophomore season. At this time last year, we didn’t know much about Backus. He was on our radar but he also felt like he was a little unproven in the Piedmont offense. That’s not the case anymore as he comes into this season as a 1,000-yard rusher and a guy who has the ability to be an absolute workhorse in the Piedmont offense. The Wildcats are not lacking guys in the skill department so Backus isn’t going to have to carry the ball 20-30 times a game but he’s shown the ability to do that if necessary. Last year, he finished with over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Piedmont running back Brooks Backus Brooks Backus RB Piedmont | 2028 State OK is the third running back on this breakdown and another guy who made a major leap. Backus moved up 25 spots in the latest ranking update. The Piedmont power back was incredibly productive last season and put up big numbers in Piedmont’s option attack. We got a chance to watch Backus in person during Piedmont’s spring game and he broke some long runs that definitely showcased the speed element, which has been consistently improving. But Backus is that prototypical power back that you can rely on to carry the ball and make defenses really work to get stops. His production will really go up this fall.