Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Dan Albano ranks the Top 10 running backs in Orange County going into the 2024 high school football season:
TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS
1. Quaid Carr, Servite: The San Diego State-committed senior ascends to the No. 1 spot with his versatility and finishing kick to 2023. Carr (6-0, 190) powered the Friars to a runner-up finish in CIF-SS Division 2 by rushing for 1,201 yards and 17 TDs and adding 27 receptions for 233 yards. The first-team All-County selection stepped on the gas during the second half of the campaign by recording six consecutive 100-yard rushing games, including three to open the playoffs.
Mater Dei’s Jordon Davison finds room to run the ball in a nonleague football opener game against Centennial in Corona on Friday, Aug 18, 2023. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
2. Jordon Davison, Mater Dei: The Oregon commit is arguably the most gifted running back in the county. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior blends power, quickness and breakaway speed. He’s rated as a five-star recruit by Rivals but is coming off an injury-marred junior season. Look for Davison, the county’s No. 1 RB entering last season, to recapture the form of a 1,000-yard rusher.
Eimesse Essis (2) of Tustin breaks free from Justice Croffie (26) of Warren for a touchdown in the first quarter during the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 football playoffs at Tustin High School in Tustin on Friday, November 3, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
3. Eimesse Essis, Tustin: The 5-foot-8, 165-pound senior ran wild against all opposition last season en route to 1,592 yards and 14 TDs. The first-team All-County back might be the slickest back in the county with his array of cut maneuvers and high-end speed.
Orange Lutheran running back Steve Chavez, left, muscles his way for more yardage near the end zone to set up a Orange Lutheran touchdown against Sierra Canyon in a non-league football game in Costa Mesa on Friday, September 15, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
4. Steve Chavez, Orange Lutheran: It takes a special back to be a physical runner in the Trinity League but the San Jose State commit proved up to the task last season. The 6-foot, 215-pound senior recorded three 100-yard rushing games in league and finished with 971 yards and 16 TDs. He also tallied 21 receptions for 232 yards.
Edison running back Julius Gillick jumps through the San Clemente defensive line in a non-league football game at Huntington Beach High School in Huntington Beach on Friday, September 15, 2023. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
5. Julius Gillick, Edison: The hard-charging Montana commit entered last season under the radar as a transfer from out of state. That won’t be the case this fall. Gillick established himself by rushing for almost 1,600 yards and 16 TDs. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior looked in excellent shape during the summer, seemingly eager to put on the pads.
Mission Viejo’s Hinesward Lilomaiava holds off Murrieta Valley’s Ethan Adams #52as he carries the ball during a CIF Southern Section Division 2 football semifinal game Friday, November 17, 2022. (Photo by Andrew Foulk Contributing Photographer)
6. Hinesward Lilomaiava, Mission Viejo: Opposing defenses will certainly be focused on Mission Viejo’s aerial attack but they can’t forget about this bruising, 5-foot-10, 230-pound senior. Lilomaiava rushed for 1,152 yards and 16 TDs last season. He was especially effective in the Diablos’ final seven games as they claimed section, regional and state titles.
Sonora’s Anthony Abad heads towards the end zone in the game between Sonora vs. Troy in a Freeway League football game at La Habra High on Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)
7. Anthony Abad, Sonora: The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Abad produced his second consecutive 1,000-yard season with 1,470 yards and 20 TDs in 2023. The Iota League is home to some excellent running backs but Adad’s credentials are the most impressive.
8. Ethan Mundt, Troy: The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Mundt rushed for 1,075 yards and 13 TDs last season as a sophomore. As a linebacker, he finished as the Warriors’ fourth-leading tackler. “He’s going to be a monster this year,” Troy coach Michael Echaves said.
Irvine’s Brandon Figueroa looks for a hole as he hits the line. Laguna Hills vs. Irvine played in a nonleague football game at Irvine HS. Photographed on Thursday, September 14, 2023 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)
9. Brandon Figueroa, Irvine: The 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior rushed for 1,075 yards and 16 TDs last season. Look for him to duel with Troy’s Ethan Mundt and Sonora’s Anthony Abad for bragging rights in the Iota League.
10T. Lee “Puka” Fuimaono, San Clemente: The Tritons showed again last season that they know how to run the ball effectively. With the graduation of All-County RB Aiden Rubin, they’re in need of a featured back and Fuimaono (6-1, 215) could be the solution. He’s committed to Arizona State as an athlete but also plays linebacker. It will be challenging playing both ways with the Tritons’ demanding schedule but Fuimaono could share time with Colin Kohl at running back.
10T. Ryan Mckevitt, Laguna Hills: The speedy senior is healthy after being slowed by injury last season. The 5-foot-9. 186-pound Mckevitt rushed for 700 yards in only six games in 2023. If he picks up where he left off, watch out.
10T. Jerod Terry, Los Alamitos: With the transfer of Anthony League to Millikan, the Griffins are seeking a new No. 1 back and Terry is a prime candidate. The 5-10, 170-pound junior rushed for 499 yards last season and picked up an offer from San Diego State during the summer. Junior Lenny Ibarra is another talented junior running back at Los Alamitos.
Related Articles
Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 receivers and tight ends for 2024
2024 football season might set Orange County record for the most great matchups
Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 quarterbacks for 2024
Orange County football teams begin practices for 2024 season
Huntington Beach football places second at Surf City Passing Tournament
Leave a Reply