You wouldn’t find many dissenting votes if you said Jamious Griffin of Rome and Derrian Brown of Buford were the two best running backs in Class AAAAA.
Griffin, who has committed to N.C. State, and Brown, who has committed to Texas, are the primary running backs on two of the most highly regarded programs in the state. Griffin has already gone over 1,000 yards and Brown is less than a hundred yards away.
But there are many other outstanding running backs in the state. Yes, in an era that is now dominated by the spread offense, there are still fellows who still believe in running the ball. With that in mind, here are some of the other outstanding running backs you’ll find throughout the classification.
Reese White, Riverwood: The senior (5-10, 195) is on the verge of his second straight 1,000-yard season. He had 1,010 yards in in 2017 and currently stands at 935 yards and nine touchdowns. White knows how to follow his blockers and has good acceleration after he hits the hole. More will be known as Riverwood faces some stiffer competition.
Kalen Sims, Starr's Mill: The junior isn't big (5-9, 165), but he's got good speed and has thrived in the Panthers' wing-T rushing attack. He ran for 243 yards in the opener and has not amassed fewer than 93 yards in a single game. Sims had 697 yards entering last week's game against Griffin.
Tyrell Robinson, East Paulding: The senior (5-8, 170) has a great second gear, a burst of speed that gets him past the defender before you know it. Robinson was a one-man show against Carrollton, running for xxx yards against the stout Trojans defense.
Martize Smith, Decatur: The senior (5-8, 170) was the team's leading rusher a year ago with 760 yards in seven games, including 201 against Lithia Springs. He was closing in on that total (652 yards) halfway through the season. He's helped the Bulldogs get back in the conversation for the playoffs.
Cyrus Zuell, Veterans: The burley seniors (6-0, 215) has rushed for 614 yards and nine touchdowns to help Veterans to the best start in school history. Zuell is an outstanding blocker and has benefited from the new Wing-T offense installed by first-year coach Milan Turner.
Kel Kennedy, Ola: The junior is trying to help the Mustangs get over the loss of 4,000-yard rusher Chris Rodriguez. Kennedy has rushed for 624 yards and six touchdowns.
Shawn Morris, Lithonia: The senior has helped the Bulldogs get off to a good start with his steady ability to run the ball. Morris has rushed for 480 yards and four touchdowns and averages 96 yards per game.
Eian Scott, Southwest DeKalb: The senior is the go-to back on a team with a lot of different weapons. Through the first four games, Scott has averaged 113.5 yards per game, accumulating 453 yards and scoring five touchdowns.
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