2024 high school football: 10 running backs to watch

It's time to look at which players are expected to be the Toledo area's top returning running backs for the upcoming 2024 season.

Here is a profile of 10 running backs being counted upon to play key roles in their teams' offensive success this year.

Tyler Morgan, Central Catholic

At 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, the speedy Morgan can find a hole quickly and packs a significant physical punch upon contact with defenders, who rarely bring him down on the initial hit. Overshadowed a bit by Central Catholic’s first team All-Ohio back Marquan Braswell, Morgan filled out what was arguably the state's top 1-2 ground duo. Morgan carried 156 times for 1,055 yards (6.8-yard average) and scored 25 touchdowns for the 16-0 Irish. To date, Morgan's college recruiting interest is primarily from the Division II level.

“Tyler is a very strong, fast, and explosive running back,” Central coach Greg Dempsey said. “He hits holes quick, can cut back against the grain because of his great vision, and what is most impressive is how many yards he gets after contact. He is a tough runner, not just a quick runner. He's got some power behind him.”

Braden Gardner, Anthony Wayne

The most decorated among the area's returning backs in terms of postseason accolades, the 6-2, 185-pound Gardner was named first team All-NLL Buckeye Division and Division II all-district and received honorable mention All-Ohio recognition. He rushed 117 times for 980 yards, caught 27 passes for 340 yards, and scored 13 total touchdowns for the 10-3 Generals.

“Braden is just as good as a receiver as he is a running back,” AW coach Andy Brungard said. “Since he has good athleticism, and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, he is able to be used in many ways in our offense.”

Jaden Jones, Whitmer

A versatile option in the Panthers' ground game, the 5-8, 185-pound Jones earned first team D-I all-district and second team NLL Buckeye honors in 2023 after carrying 76 times for 540 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.

“Jaden is a very physical runner who keeps his legs moving, and is hard to bring down,” Whitmer coach Ken Winters said. “As a sophomore he averaged 7.0 yards a carry. He has great vision and does a great job in pass protection.”

Joey Morales, Whitmer

The other half of Whitmer's potent 1-2 sophomore running punch in 2023, the 6-0, 190-pound Morales toted the ball 115 times for 601 yards and scored 11 touchdowns for the 7-4 Panthers.

“Joey's advanced skill set, strength and football IQ allowed him to play early for us,” Winters said. “Joey's physicality is easy to see when watching him run the football, and protect the quarterback in pass protection. Joey always finished forward on runs, and had some big catches for us in critical situations.”

Rocco Pillarelli, Ottawa Hills

The primary run component in the Green Bears potent and balanced offensive attack in 2023, the 5-7, 165-pound sophomore was as durable as he was productive with 209 carries for 1,347 yards, and 18 touchdowns for 11-2 Ottawa Hills. Pillarelli was named first team All-Toledo Area Athletic Conference and Division VI all-district, and also received honorable-mention All-Ohio recognition.

“Rocco is a special talent that has the ability to hit the home run on any given play,” Ottawa Hills coach Brandon Carter said. “He can cut on a dime, and runs behind his pads well. He's chomping at the bit to build on his All-Ohio season from last year, as well.”

Ja'ceous Shannon, Bowling Green

In a ground-dominant offensive scheme, the 5-8, 178-pound Shannon was consistently effective, carrying 119 times for 1,134 yards, and scoring 14 touchdowns in 11 games.

“Jay is a fantastic kid, a great student, and a hard worker,” said Shawn Kiss, who has gone from assistant to head coach at BG this season. “He is extremely versatile. On offense, he's going to play our slot position. He's part running back, part H-back, part receiver. He does a little bit of everything and is super dynamic. He's a home-run hitter, and a great leader. He'll be a four-year letterwinner this year. He's one of my favorite kids I've ever coached.”

Cody Wulf, Maumee

A key component in the Panthers' greatly-improved showing in 2023, the 5-11, 194-pound Wulf rushed 144 times for 973 yards and scored 11 touchdowns for Maumee in its first season in the Northern Buckeye Conference. Wulf has been recruited by Adrian College.

“Cody is set up to have a really big year,” Panthers coach Evan Karchner said. “He is a hard-nosed football player, and a leader of our team. Our team's success runs through Cody, and he has worked hard this off-season to rise to the challenge.”

Zach Elchert, Liberty-Benton

A potent weapon along with twin brother Seth Elchert, Zach's contributions included 126 rushes for 773 yards, 11 catches for 238 yards, and 17 total touchdowns for the 9-2 Blanchard Valley Conference champion Eagles. The 6-4, 200-pounder was named first team All-BVC and Division V all-district.

“Zach had some injuries when he first started, so he hasn't had the same notoriety as his brother Seth,” L-B coach Scott Garlock said. “But, to me, he is more of a football guy, because he's tough and physical. He's not quite as smooth as Seth, but he's mean, and just as fast. He's more of a power runner. He's not going to make people miss very often, but he can run once he gets out in the open. He's going to try to run through you more than around you.”

Jackson Shafer, Bowling Green

The other half of what is expected to be a strong 1-2 running tandem for the Bobcats this season, the 6-1, 217-pound Shafer carried 92 times for 635 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last season for BG.

“Jackson is a multi-tool player,” Kiss said. “He's a little bigger, so he can do a little bit more bruising stuff between the tackles. But, he's still got the wiggle to hit the home run. He's super versatile and loves carrying the football, and he works super hard. He's a physical kid and a great athlete.”

Grant Smith, Gibsonburg

The younger brother of former Gibsonburg standout Connor Smith (2019-22), Grant turned in an impressive freshman season for Gibsonburg last year with 112 carries for 573 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Grant is strong, hard-working, and plays aggressive and intense,” Gibsonburg coach Joe Wyant said. “Had a good freshman season. He tore his ACL in Game 5, sat out two games, and played rest in a brace. He had surgery after the season and will be ready by Game 1.”