I previously asked this question in the 1A forum and am now curious about who the best 5 running backs since the redistricting in 2013 have been in 2A. I came up with all kinds of names but was curious as to what other people thought.
Best 5 Running Backs
- Thread starter SWVAFballFan
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I was also thinking Manns from Giles last year...seen him play a couple times and he was always head and shoulders above every other player on the field.
Didn't get a chance to watch Mann in high school, but I saw him play a couple games at Ferrum this year. He had an outstanding freshman season and is one of 3 finalists for the Willie Lanier Award, which is given to the top D II, DIII, or NAIA player in VA.
He was unstoppable, he could out run everyone on the field and run right threw anyone that he couldn't outrun. Possibly a better defender than running back as well.
Kendall Blankenship of Appo is definitely one of the (5) best runners. He was a Veer QB with incredible balance and cuts. Appo-Giles had a burner in 2013 with Mann & Blankenship toting the rock. Appo's Fleshman doesn't have the credentials because of sharing the ball but has been one of the best. Mann at Giles would be up there. Union had a pretty good one last year and I thought Lee had one but can't really remember a name.
Kendall reminded me a lot of a Georgia Tech QB from a few years back I believe his name was Josh Nesbitt. Very similar
I will put Boo Boo Trent (Appomattox) in Top 5 from central VA. He played for Ferrum and was DRAFTED in NFL, played for Giants for short stint and finished up in Canadian League.
Now that is going way back but he was a man playing with boys. He had speed but would rather run over you. He also played in the CFL
Since 2013, I'd argue Leon Ragland from Buckingham should be in the Top Five, nearly set the school rushing record and finished fourth all time in Central Virginia by the time he was done. He was fast and he was big! For a stretch there the Knights had their own version of Running Back U! Think of the names, Maurice Taylor '11 was all state. Kenneth Johnson '14 was all state. Leon Ragland '16....all state. Kyree Koonce transferred before his junior year to Monticello where he became an all state back,then add in that during that stretch all of these great athletes that they had some great ball players to split touches with Tarian Ayres '12 was an all state QB who split carries with Taylor, Johnson, and Koonce. Koonce and Johnson made for a crowded backfield in 2011 and 2012. Throw in Cam Johnson who was a standout wide out that got his touches in 10, 11, and 12. Ragland split his with a couple other 1000 yard rushers in Tariq Gough and BJ Gough, and even Kenneth in 2013 when the Knights went to state. So if we are going just 2013 and up I would cast my vote for Ragland because Kenneth's senior season was 2013 and Ragland got to tote the rock in 13,14,and 15
Clarke's Hunter Roger's finished a 3 year career with 5022 yards on 603 carries, 8.3 average gain, 62 TD's, 25 receptions for 521 yards , 20.8 average catch and 5 TD's, 2 2pt conversions for 406 points scored. Considering he missed a few games with minor injuries and sat out many second halves when Clarke had big leads that's pretty impressive numbers. He was also pretty good defensive back, but I don't have his defensive numbers
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