Rankings Breakdown: Top 5 RBs of 2022
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Mississippi has been a historic state for producing running backs with names like Walter Payton, Clinton Portis, and Deuce McCallister making their mark on the state record books. With so many teams being so focused on running the ball well,…
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Continue ReadingMississippi has been a historic state for producing running backs with names like Walter Payton, Clinton Portis, and Deuce McCallister making their mark on the state record books. With so many teams being so focused on running the ball well, Mississippi backs are always a hot commodity in the recruiting world. This year’s running back group could be the best Mississippi has seen in a while. Below are our top 5 ranked backs of 2022 based on last season.
Branson Robinson Branson Robinson 5'11" | 220 lbs | RB Germantown | 2022 State MS | Germantown
Coming in at No. 1 on the list, the Germantown back has been no stranger to the recruiting process so far, collecting offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State among others so far. Robinson measures in at 5’11″ 220 lbs with documented speed at a sub 4.6 forty yard dash early in his career. In addition, Robinson has extremely good balance through contact, allowing him to shed tackles and continue running towards the end-zone. With his size, speed, and big play ability, Robinson is a running back that most coaches will spend all week trying to game plan for at the high school level.
Omar Johnson Omar Johnson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Columbia | 2022 State MS | Columbia
After playing RB2 to Ole Miss running back Kentrel Bullock, Omar Johnson Omar Johnson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Columbia | 2022 State MS got his first season as the full time starter at Columbia High School this past year. Johnson impressed enough in his lone season to earn an early offer from Mississippi State. While his game is primarily as a tough and physical runner, Johnson does a great job at being able to change direction and find the open grass. Johnson is aimed to have a huge senior season and will be another highly recruited back from Mississippi.
Dicenzo Miller Jr. Dicenzo Miller Jr. 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Kemper County | 2022 State MS | Kemper County
The son of former Mississippi State RB Dicenzo Miller Sr., Junior finished last season with over 1500 rushing yards and 18 TDs after transferring into Kemper County. Junior’s recruitment has recently began to pick up, with Western Kentucky being the first to offer in early February. His foot quickness and ability to read blocks allows Junior to be a stand out back. Junior also doubles as a receiver out of the backfield capable of taking a screen to the house. Coaches at the next level will love Junior’s versatility to do almost everything on the field.
Jamari Thompson Jamari Thompson 6'2" | 240 lbs | RB Pearl | 2022 State MS | Pearl
Jamari Thompson Jamari Thompson 6'2" | 240 lbs | RB Pearl | 2022 State MS is about as big as big backs come. Standing at 6’2″ 240 lbs, Thompson is incredibly easy to find on film very quickly. Thompson’s recruitment is off to a solid start, with Morgan State being the first to offer recently. While big backs normally get the reputation of being slower and more physical, that reputation does not exist with Thompson. He is able to lower his shoulder and run backers and defensive backs over, but is also more than capable of taking a power run 90 yards with his long speed. A natural fit for a pro style system, Thompson’s recruitment will pick up as coaches are allowed back on the road.
Cameron Young Cameron Young 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB West Point | 2022 State MS | West Point
West Point High School has always been known for their dominant rushing attack, and Cameron Young Cameron Young 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB West Point | 2022 State MS is the newest member of it. Young finished the season with over 1500 yards and 25 TDs. Young has yet to receive his first offer yet, but that should change over the spring. The back lined up at QB, RB, FB, and WR this year and produced huge run after huge run with his borderline elite speed. Young has great ability to make defenders miss in the open field as well as power through them. Look for Young to continue to rise in the overall rankings as the year progresses.