A look at the ranking of the top-10 running backs in the Columbia area as decided by The State newspaper staff for the 2024 season.

1. Trevon Williamson, Gilbert: Was one of the breakout stars in the area last year as a freshman. He rushed for 1,401 yards and 20 touchdowns, caught 12 passes for 222 yards and five scores. On defense, he had 54 tackles and 11 quarterback pressures. He’s starting to get college interest.

2. BJ Montgomery, Gray Collegiate: Senior rushed for 1,203 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and has a few Division I offers.

Gray vs Oceanside016.JPGBJ Montgomery (1) of Gray Collegiate carries the ball in for a touchdown during the SCHSL Class 2A state championship between Gray Collegiate and Oceanside Collegiate at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

3. Tiyon Fanning, White Knoll: Another area running back who broke through as a freshman last season, rushing for 826 yards and 11 touchdowns.

4. Manny Johnson, Hammond: Rushed for 1,285 yards and 11 touchdowns on Skyhawks’ state championship team. He’s committed to Davidson.

5. Maurice Anderson, Dutch Fork: Split time last season with Trent Lodge but will be the Silver Foxes’ lead back this season. Anderson rushed for 669 yards and 15 touchdowns.

6. Jaylen Jay, Gilbert: Jay is the other half Gilbert’s running back tandem. He rushed for 975 yards, 15 touchdowns and had 242 yards receiving and three TDs a year ago.

7. Caleb Ford, Cardinal Newman: Spent last season at Gray Collegiate where he rushed for 485 yards and 13 touchdowns.

8. Sam Burks, Northside Christian: Senior all-purpose threat rushed for 1,304 yards, 19 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 239 yards. Picked up his first college offers this summer.

9. Kevonte Bates, CA Johnson: Is the Hornets’ top returning ground gainer after rushing for 602 yards and six touchdowns last year.

10. Javon Edwards, Brookland-Cayce: Edwards will be one of B-C’s feature backs after playing behind Will Young and Deshawn Washington last year.

Others to Watch: Jarkese Grant, Lugoff-Elgin; Kinson Holland, Hammond; Tyrone Jackson, Brookland-Cayce; Solomon Kelson, AC Flora

Hammond025.JPGImmanuel Johnson (24) of Hammond jumps the tackle of Jeremiah Burson (14) of Laurence Manning and carries the ball for a touchdown during Hammond’s win in the 2023 SCISA Class 4A championship against Laurence Manning at Charleston Southern on Friday, November 17, 2023.

August 6, 2024 | State, The: Web Edition Articles (Columbia, SC)
Author/Byline: Lou Bezjak, The State | Section: high_school