23 Shreveport-Bossier area running backs to watch in 2022
Jimmy WatsonThe 2022 high school football season is inching closer. Here's a look at some of the top running backs in the Shreveport area to watch and what some of their coaches said about them.
This is one in a series of stories on the top players in Northwest Louisiana, including safeties, wide receivers, defensive linemen, offensive linemen, punters and kickers.
Cade Boley
Lakeside, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-11, 170
Why selected: Moving from wide receiver to running back this season due to his ability to make things happen.
DJ Carter
Glenbrook, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-11, 194
Why selected: Carter was dependable last season whether running inside or around the corners.
Michael Casey
Huntington, Jr.
Height/weight: 6-2, 225
Why selected: “Michael is an extremely physical player who plays with a hard-hitting edge and will help set the tone for the Raiders offense in 2022. Switching from defense to offense, Michael will play an extremely important role in the Raiders’ offense serving many roles and responsibilities.” – Coach Steve Dennis
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Le’Brandon Davis
Bossier, Jr.
Height/weight: 5-6½, 175
Why selected: “Davis is my favorite running back type: extremely low to the ground, hard to see and a great burst of speed. He’s extremely patient behind the blockers and strong with his legs.” – Coach De’Aumante Johnson
Jayden Edwards
Captain Shreve, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-10, 175
Why selected: Compiled 504 rushing yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry at the 5A level. “Jayden runs the ball harder than any running back I’ve ever coached. He’s got the speed to get away from you, but doesn’t mind contact either.” – Coach Adam Kirby
Dyson Fields
Ruston, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-11, 185
Why selected: Rushed 315 times for 2,234 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Added 11 catches for 121 yards and a score.
Chris Hicks
Green Oaks, Jr.
Height/weight: 5-6, 165
Why selected: “Hicks emerged from spring practice as the starter. Improved every day in practice. Starting to gain the vision needed to play the position.” – Coach Chad Lewis
Tre Jackson
Airline, Jr.
Height/weight: 5-8, 165
Why selected: “Tre is a very smooth runner who is not scared to run between the tackles. Tre has great acceleration and vision.” – Coach Justin Scogin
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Jeremiah James
Many, Jr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 190
Why selected: Ran for more than 1,800 yards last season. “He will be the next great running back at Many.” – Coach Jess Curtis
Greg Manning
Benton, Jr.
Height/weight: 5-6, 150
Why selected: Rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year. “While he may appear small, his ability is much bigger. Hard to bring down on the first hit. Incredible vision to carry the ball in the backfield. Can block in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield.” – Coach Reynolds Moore
Michael Morgan
Southwood, Jr.
Height/weight: 6-1, 210
Why selected: Morgan is a physical runner who has great hands after being converted from wide receiver.
Andreas Moseley
Evangel, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-9, 170
Why selected: Moseley will share duties with returning two-year starters in juniors Dashawn Johnson and Gabriel Relliford. “All the running backs have a chance to excel this season. It’s just a question of who will emerge as the frontrunner.” – Coach Denny Duron
Leonard Mosley
Red River, Sr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 250
Why selected: Rushed for more than 600 yards and 10 scores last season. “He’s a powerful runner, explosive, has great hands, solid route-runner, great blocker and the strongest guy on the team.” – Coach Jeff Harper
Tyler Nichols
Byrd, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-6, 165
Why selected: Nichols averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season and was the third-leading rusher with 442 yards and seven touchdowns.
Terrance Pegues
Mansfield, Jr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 245
Why selected: Not many defenders at the Class 3A level can stop this power-driving back.
Tyler Rhodes
Haughton, Sr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 200
Why selected: Rhodes pounded out 604 yards with six touchdowns on the ground while adding 16 catches and 154 yards with another score.
Daylen Robinson
Minden, Sr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 212
Why selected: Robinson produced 1,007 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns in 2021. “Powerful athlete. Has the ability to make defenders miss in small spaces and the speed to create explosive plays.” – Coach Spencer Heard
James Simon
Calvary, So.
Height/weight: 6-0, 175
Why selected: Fairly new on the scene but averaged 12 yards a carry last season and has offers from Louisiana Tech and Grambling.
Rokedrick Smith
Lakeside, Sr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 205
Why selected: Smith is a big running back with the speed to make people miss.
Devon Strickland
Byrd, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-10, 195
Why selected: Strickland led the Jackets last year with 937 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 7 yards per carry and 93.7 yards per game.
Chaz Whitaker
Calvary, Jr.
Height/weight: 5-9, 170
Why selected: Totaled 469 yards and six touchdowns and averaged 10 yards per carry last season.
Jaylan White
Parkway, Sr.
Height/weight: 5-9 180
Why selected: "Fastest running back in the state after finishing fourth in the 100 in the state track meet. Rushed for 1,850 yards and 15 scores last season. Already has an offer from Mississippi State. Needs 700 yards rushing to break the school career record and 1,100 (in total offense to break that school record." – Coach Coy Brotherton
Quintavion White
Northwood, Sr.
Height/weight: 6-0, 190
Why selected: A two-time All-District selection, a team leader in effort with a love for the game. Totaled 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Great in pass protection and catching out of the backfield
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.