Young talent at the running back position fills this top 10 list of Georgia high school running backs returning for the 2022 season. While the Class of 2023 features the state’s best rusher, several rising juniors highlight a group of up-and-coming backs who will represent the state in rushing on the national stage.
1. Justice Haynes – Buford
Haynes is undoubtedly the best among Georgia high school running backs in 2022. Aside from his baseball dominance, Haynes has been a menace on the field since his freshman year at Blessed Trinity, when he racked up over 1,750 rushing yards. While an injury limited him for much of last season, the borderline 5-star running back will be fully healthy for a possible championship run with the Buford Wolves in 2022.
2. Dontavius Braswell – Washington County
This 4-star recruit with offers from Alabama, Penn State, and Tennessee has incredible change of direction and breakaway speed. Much of Washington County’s success on the field is due to Braswell’s ability to make a play when nothing appears to be available. Braswell also poses a threat as a return specialist, giving college programs one more reason to scout the highly talented back.
3. Keyjuan Brown – South Atlanta
Brown followed up a 1,581-yard sophomore campaign with a record-setting 2,757-yard season in 2021. That total is good for 11th all-time in Georgia history. Brown dominated on the field against all types of competition, averaging 11 yards per carry and rushing for at least three touchdowns in nine games. Is there more history awaiting Brown in his senior season with the Hornets?
4. Bryce Hicks – Carrollton
During his sophomore season, Hicks rushed for 868 yards and 13 scores on just 114 carries. That includes a 150-yard, three-score performance in the quarterfinals against a stout Westlake defense. Hicks figures to have a larger role in Carrollton’s offense next season, boding well for the final two years of high school. Don’t be surprised if he ends up atop this list a year from now.
5. DJ Bell – Pierce County
Simply put, Bell is hard to bring down. He has rushed for 3,408 yards in the past two seasons, scoring 40 times. Unlike many other talented running backs, Bell appears to thrive in games where Pierce County is the underdog, as evidenced by his 177 yards against Fitzgerald and 155 yards in the 2020 state championship against Oconee County. The Bears’ system fits perfectly for Bell, who likely will have another 1,500-yard rushing season as he solidifies his position among the best Georgia high school running backs in 2022.
6. Benjamin Hall – North Cobb
The 3-star Michigan commit has often been overshadowed by QB Malachi Singleton, but that hasn’t stopped him from inflicting severe damage on opposing defenses. He rushed for eight touchdowns last season to accompany over 600 yards against some of Georgia’s best defenses. Hall will be a terrific fit in the Michigan offense, expanding his potential and potentially paving the way for him to make an impact as a freshman.
7. Caden Williams – Calhoun
At 5’11” and 205 pounds, Caden Williams barrels through defenses with ease, despite being only a rising junior. Without him last season, the chances of Calhoun reaching the state championship would have been slim at best. Williams’s impact transcends the stat sheet, and schools like Boston College and Georgia Tech have taken notice so far. Expect to hear his name more after the 2022 season.
8. Malcolm Brown – Warner Robins
Statistically, Brown is one of the better running backs in Georgia. Despite having to share the backfield for the past two seasons, he has managed to put up 2,434 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. Brown is a physical rusher who does not shy away from contact, and he will have the chance to prove the state correct with complete control of the Warner Robins backfield in 2022.
9. Jamarion Wilcox – South Paulding
If it’s one-on-one in open field, good luck trying to tackle Wilcox – he’s as shifty as a back can be, and provides another threat as a receiver. He rushed for 1,534 yards last season and scored in every game. Despite losing to Cambridge in the playoffs, Wilcox put up 246 yards and three scores. The backfield pair of Wilcox and Weisman is dangerous, to say the least, with two top-10 prospects at their respective positions.
10. Brandon Hood – Eagle’s Landing Christian
Hood has raked in four offers so far from Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Pitt, and Penn State. He rushes behind arguably the state’s best offensive line at ELCA and it has shown, as he averaged over 6 yards per carry last season. Hood’s upcoming junior season could be the best of his high school career, thanks to loads of experienced senior talent that will surround him. With one of the best Georgia high school running backs on their roster in 2022, the Chargers could well be in the running for another state championship.
