Michael Carvell’s Video Blog: Who is the state’s top high school running back?
Chat live on Fridays with the AJC's Michael Carvell
Georgia’s high schools have a heralded reputation for producing some of the nation’s top running backs every year.
This year’s crop is another strong one, led by Southwest DeKalb’s Ken Malcome and M.L. King’s Mack Brown. There’s also Grayson’s Ean Pemberton, Sandy Creek’s Rajon Neal and Charles Perkins of Collins Hill, among others.
Who is my pick for the state’s top running back? The biggest talent I have seen this year is the same guy I thought was No. 1 last year – ahead of other tremendous players such as UGA freshman Washaun Ealey. The player I mention in the video below is very rare in that he projects to play both tailback and fullback at college’s highest levels. And he’s darn good in high school this year, too.
Note: By popular demand, we’ve added McEachern’s Rajaan Bennett, Loganville’s Storm Johnson, and Stephenson’s Raymond Sanders to our short list.
Who is YOUR pick for the state’s top running back? Post your RB’s name below and why. And if we’re missing out on some great ones, then state your case.
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215 comments Add your comment
Foster
October 22nd, 2009
11:34 am
This has just turned into “[Insert Your School's RB here] is the best in the state.” Pretty worthless way to do it if you ask me.
I’ve seen Rajaan Bennett, Ken Malcome, Mack Brown, and Raymond Sanders play this year. Bennett has looked the best, production wise, but I think Brown will make the best college back–if he gets on the field for Florida. Malcome is great in between the tackles, and Sanders will be no more than a situational guy in the SEC.
It’s almost impossible to name the true “best” one–all these guys can do different things well and play behind different O-Lines and with different offenses overall.
RealityBites
October 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
Rajaan Bennett McEachern
Over 1170 yards and 19 TD’s for the 7-0 Indians. That’s ok though, keep overlooking him!
Michael Carvell's Video Blog: Who is the state's top high school … | I Love High School Football
October 22nd, 2009
11:44 am
[...] Original post: Michael Carvell's Video Blog: Who is the state's top high school … [...]
jag count
October 22nd, 2009
11:47 am
Raymond Sanders
Randy Postell
October 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
Rajohn Bennett of McEachern High School gets my vote. He’s big, strong, good speed, and extreemly durable.
TRUE BLUE
October 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
RWDEKALBFAN, You need to stop blaming MARTIN LUTHER KING offense line for not blocking last FRIDAY NIGHT against STEPHENSON. You can see on SCOUT.COM that MLK OFFENSE LINE open up some nice holes for Mack. MICHEAL CARVELL next blog should be complete running back, because at the next level it’s not all about running the ball. You need to be a complete back with all the tools and the world got a chance to see one the complete backs in the STATE of GEORGIA and THE UNITED STATES and he is from STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL. RAYMOND SANDERS, Mr. SANDERS made the ESPN TOP 10 PLAYS OF THE DAY. His touchdown he made on MLK, When he broke 5 tackles was NO.3 TOP PLAYS ON ESPN. So the WORLD got a chance to see the best running back from THE STATE of GEORGIA RAYMOND SANDERS OF STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL WHO STOLE THE SHOW AND PUT ON A SHOW FOR 50MILLIONS VIEWER WHO WATCH HIM.
Player
October 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Storm Johnson Loganville
RB's are game changers
October 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
I’m suprised people are sleeping on Rajaan Bennett
Michael Carvell's Video Blog: Who is the state's top high school … School’s Rate
October 22nd, 2009
11:55 am
[...] the rest here: Michael Carvell's Video Blog: Who is the state's top high school … By admin | category: best schools | tags: awesome-educator, breaking-news, davie, [...]
BANDITDAWGG
October 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
CHARLES BROWN OUT MACON GA .
theTruth
October 22nd, 2009
12:12 pm
Like I was GOING to say, lol, I second the notion that EASTLAND of Ringgold is the best RB/FB in the state. He had 300 yds rushing just two weeks ago and willed Ringgold to a pivotal win last week against Lafayette to keep Ringgold in the playoff hunt.
Last time I looked, Eastland was still ranked top 10 by scout, espn, and rivals. I believe he may be an Auburn lean???
TRUE BLUE
October 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
RAYMOND SANDERS over 823yds. and 15 tds. on just 86 carriers in 7 games.
TRUE BLUE
October 22nd, 2009
12:16 pm
Stephenson just don’t have one great back. They have 5 top back that can get the job done.
Jags
October 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
Please lets start the blame game for these guys. Not good for the Team.
Brandon Tucker
October 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
Quen D from Decatur High 98 carries for 800 stats speak for themselves the young guy fye one of hardest regions in Ga region 6 AA
Jags
October 22nd, 2009
12:39 pm
Foster you dont get out much do you. We love haters!!!!! Be sure to keep following him so you can eat crow.-RAYMOND SANDERS- THE BEST BACK IN THE STATE
@JHillman boy 171 touches in 7 games only 1183 yards, Raymond has 80 touches with 879 yards . You do the math and tell me who is getting the job done. Boy Where will he be at 171 touches. See there is no need for him to play more than a half a game against weaker teams no need to throw around numbers. We know what it is.
But I must say all these Georgia Boys can ball.
Dan Reeves
October 22nd, 2009
12:41 pm
Hands down…Forrest Gump.
Cowboy
October 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Christan Newsome is a young man who plays at Parkview High School…..I have watched him play since Park level at Redan Park……This little dude is AWESOME!!! If only he had a line and his coaches would use him right, he would and still could be BAD at the next level!!!He can make you miss HIM!!!
Paddy
October 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
SCfan…you said everyone underestimates Rajon Neal. Did not Carvell mention him in the opening paragraph as one of the best in the state? Don’t understand your statement. I have never seen an article saying that Neal was not a bonafide college prospect. Who is everyone? Just name a dozen or so that have said this. That way we will know who some of the everybody you are refering to.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
October 22nd, 2009
1:17 pm
Fabian Forrest at Hawkinsville is averaging close to 150 yards a game on an otherwise weak offense and o-line. He runs a 4.4 40 and is very elusive – reminds me of a slightly smaller Knowshon.
Dawg Fan in Grayson
October 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm
Ean Pemberton is only 5′3″ 150lbs but has amassed over 4000 yards in his HS career. Pound for pound he is the best.
Malcome will be best remembered for what he will do at UGA.
Brad
October 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm
Ken Malcombe, because he committed to the dawgs
isaih crompton
October 22nd, 2009
1:33 pm
imani cross of flowery branch. 14 tds 750yds and a sophomore.(5Tds and 300 yds called back) this kid is amazing. he has these yards out of a QB’s spread offense which is a true runningbacks nightmare. he averages 8.6 yds per carry and only touches it 12-15 carrys a game. 6′0 215lb beast! AJC show Flowery Branch some love . They are 3A State Runner-UP. Not gainesville, baldwin,lagrange,carver-columbus, or anybody else. you better ask somebody!!!
Ronald Huff
October 22nd, 2009
1:34 pm
ther are some very nice guys on everyones list but nobody compares to Git Aikens in Eastside High! he already has over 700 yds. rushing in 7 gms. region 8AAA champs, maybe cuz we’re outside 285 perimeter hunh?
Top Running Back
October 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
That Jackson kid from Crockett. Can’t be touched.
Mike
October 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Marietta’s Greg Franklin is a darkhorse pick. I featured him for an article on d1spects.com
hes averaging well over 150 yards rushing a game. He is the only working part in the schools offense. An amazing player on a mediocre team.
His stock has gone from squat to looks from L’Ville, UAB, Kentucky…and even GA and GT. Reminds you of Joe McKnight. Sad thing is, you cant find any tape on the kid. People just have not scouted him…because hes wayyy under the radar.
The Mind
October 22nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Isaiah Crowell is way better than any of the rest… If you guys leave Gwinnett county sometimes, you would find that Pemberton isn’t even worth mentioning with the same breath as Crowell.
KD
October 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
Wiley, you need to get your facts straight about Herschel, he was on the National Honor Society and made the Dean’s List while at UGA. And it has showed in his life after football due to his business decisions.As far as a running back, I have seen a kid that plays on a team that has not won a game and he is only a junior this year, but # 3 at Monroe Area is a good running back, I have watched film (as a lay coach) he has great speed (4.4 easily if not faster)and size to boot(6′215 lbs. or bigger)if you don’t believe me just the coaches of 8AAAA, that has played them this year, he will definitely but a force next year.
UGADAWG
October 22nd, 2009
2:22 pm
Funny you mention every UGA running back not living up to the hype… Remember #24 from last year…. he was only draft 12th, notably higher than any other RB from the running school of the nation GT…. UGA=Tailback U, there is UGA running backs on rosters all over the NFL idiot
Voice of Reason
October 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
WILEY,Wiley, Wiley – you techies need to get a life and quit obsessing about UGA and the beat downs you have taken in the last 20 years. You won last year, may win again this year, but really. Do something before you spout, and go to school and get a brain before you start making idiotic comments about Herschel Walker that are untrue. Your jealousy is showing, not to mention your lack of intelligence. Wanna prove me wrong, then just open your mouth again and I am sure some more “stuff” will pour out.
JHillsman
October 22nd, 2009
2:38 pm
@Jags…Take some of the emotion out of it.
I have all the respect for Sanders and would even agree he is underrated to degree. Yet I didn’t post Perkins numbers to throw stats around but to show how much he is depended upon. I saw Sanders (1st in person 4 on tape) and Perkins (3rd time) run in person last week. Stephenson has more weapons and overall talent than Collins Hill hands down, most noteably on the the OLine-which is where it starts. Perkins is all Collins Hill has that they truely use (thats another story). Sanders could have a lot more on 171 rushes/touches I would imagine. Also I take in to account the non-region schedule that Stephenson has played (2 games against 3A schools).
Now I’m pulling for Stephenson in the worst way (to shut some folks up around the state) but looking at what both of these backs provide to their respective teams I’ll take Perkins over Sanders by a slim margin-personally; professionally they both have the potential to be impact players at the collegiate level
JHillsman
October 22nd, 2009
2:44 pm
I’ll also throw John Lee from Apalachee into the mix. He is th elead rusher from a depth chart that goes 3 deep at the RB spot.
It's Me
October 22nd, 2009
2:45 pm
Rajion Neal is the ebst RB in the State… the guy does more in half a game than most do all game. I’m not sure he’s played mroe than one full game this entire season and is still putting up ridiculous numbers.
It's Me
October 22nd, 2009
2:45 pm
Enter your comments here
JHillsman
October 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
@ Jags
To address the sitting late situation… Perkins has only been able to sit in the second half for 2 games (Northview and Duluth) again supporting my point of how much his team relies on him. Thats not opinion, thats fact.
Mississippi State is next
October 22nd, 2009
3:12 pm
Mack Brown is coming down to Gainesville to play for the Gators baby. 90’s – Gators 9-1 vs. Dawgs. 00’s – Gators 7-2 vs. Dawgs…….soon to be 8-2.
Tell like it is
October 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
I can’t believe were having this discussion.Everybody knows who the best running back in the state is including Michael carvells
Coach
October 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Dalen Claytor of Dunwoody High School just check him out.
Paddy
October 22nd, 2009
3:30 pm
The mind… a terrible thing to waste. Cross may very well be a good player. But to say that Pemberton should not appear in the same articles as Cross is over the top. Many have heard of Pemberton none have heard of Cross. You be the judge. Well, maybe not. I will be the judge. You typed before you engaged “the mind”!
SCPATRIOTS
October 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
Rajon Neal. Too bad Sandy Creek is on the south side and such a small school. It never gets talked about, but it consistently produces talented players (Cedric Gholston, Calvin Johnson just to name a few). This RB has put Sandy Creek back atop the rankings for this year.
Paddy
October 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
tell like it is… apparently “everyone” does not know or you would not be asking the question about whom is the best rb in Ga. Everyone has been very active today. Must have had the day off from work.
Sting 'em Buzz
October 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
Imani Cross of the Flowery Branch Falcons. He’s a beast, and only a soph.
SCPATRIOTS
October 22nd, 2009
3:37 pm
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4545222
Recruitment Video
Jags
October 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
@JHillsman – Sometimes its just time to talk upstop sitting back- I agree how much his team depends on he but that has nothing to do with Him being the best back in the state. Nothing you are talking about has anything to do with being the best back in the state. Do not think MLK depends on Mack, SWD depends on Ken.
And Raymond only touch the ball 6 times in each of those games you are referring to. Thats not opinion,thats facts.
I think just maybe you are blog on the wrong post. Thought it was about the best back not “How much his team relies on him.”
Manny
October 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
The best RB in georgia right now is Isiah Crowell then I would go Malcome then Brown.
Tell like it is
October 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
Paddy—-Everybody knows its charles perkins.
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
If I was the head coach at Lowndes, Ii wouldn’t trade Khary Franklin for anyone named above including Ken Malcom or Mack Brown.
Bernie Matt
October 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
Kenyon Drake. That’s my DOG!
Not Disappointed
October 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Lot’s of excellent Running Backs in the state. Good luck young men.
Ramblin Wreck!
Grayson Student
October 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
the mind… you may be right according to stats but once you leave gwinnett county the talent drops off severely with the exception of south ga