Returning Running Backs To Know In West Georgia
If West Georgia is known for one thing, it’s that they produce running backs. From Isaiah Crowell, to Tank Bigsby, and many more, the area always find a way to produce some of the best running back talent across the…
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Continue ReadingIf West Georgia is known for one thing, it’s that they produce running backs. From Isaiah Crowell, to Tank Bigsby, and many more, the area always find a way to produce some of the best running back talent across the state. Some of the states top programs are located in West Georgia, and the communities love giving back to the local program.
Here’s a look at some of the top returning running backs in West Georgia….
Jordan Moultie – Hardaway
The Hardaway Hawks are loaded with talent going into the 2021 season, and their biggest weapon on offense is Moultire. The 5-foot-11 190-pounder doesn’t have a giant offer sheet, but that could be completely different six months from now. He’s coming off a big junior season where he was one of the more productive backs not only in West Georgia, but in the entire 4A classification. He shows home-run ability every time he touched the ball with impressive one-cut ability to get up the field in a hurry. Moultrie put the Hawks on his back offensively last year, rushing for 1,325 yards on 153 carries (8.7 ypc) and rushed for 14 touchdowns. He’s a natural runner who is tough to corral and bring down in the open field. He’s a “slippery” back who can run through tackles and keep the chains moving. He’s also an exceptional athlete with great hands who can make plays out of the backfield. He’s a true “under the radar” running back in West Georgia with high expectations this fall.
Keyshawn Ridley – Carrollton
He may not have lit up the stat sheet last year as a junior, but the 2022 back has a chance to have a breakout season for Carrollton this fall. The Trojans are one of the top programs on the western part of the state and are constantly looking to add another state title to their rich history. That could be possible next year if Ridley has the year that some expect. He only rushed for just over 200 yards last year, but the Trojans had plenty of options at running back so the carries were shared between quite a few backs last year. He’ll be splitting rising sophomore Bryce Hicks this fall, so many feel Ridley will take full advantage of his opportunities as a senior.
DJ Rogers – Pepperell
Looking for another super-athletic running back? Rogers is your guy. He’s not a very big back at 5-foot-8 165-pounds, but he’s a quick, electric back who can also play cornerback on defense. As a back, he’s shifty, has great balance, and knows how to take it the distance on any particular carry. He’s coming off an outstanding sophomore season for the Dragons where he rushed for 1,255 yards on 130 carries (9.7 ypc) and 18 touchdowns. He was always one of the fastest and most explosive players on the field, and he was just a sophomore. He’s bound for another monster season as a junior, and if he can continue adding some weight and muscle, Rogers could see some college interest start to come his way.
Trey Bowles – East Coweta
Another 2023 back in West Georgia to know is the the Sharpsburg native at East Coweta. Like Rogers, Bowles isn’t a very big back, but he’s incredibly elusive and strong for his size. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-8 180-pound and was able to bounce off tackles on a consistent basis. He also showed good balance and the ability to turn a broken play into a positive one. If he was able to burst through the line, he was tough to bring down in the open field. Even as a sophomore, Bowles was a consistent playmaker and has the chance to have a breakout season as a junior. Last fall, while helping lead East Coweta to a 10-2 record and a deep playoff run, Bowles rushed for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns in a back-up role. Last year’s leading rusher graduated, so Bowles will have a big opportunity to lead East Coweta to another big season in 2021. If he has the year that many think he will, he’s another who should see some interest start coming his way.