18 Tuscaloosa area high school football running backs to watch during the 2024 season

The Alabama high school football season is just under a month away.

Here are 18 running backs from the Tuscaloosa area to watch during the 2024 season.

AJ Lowe

Sulligent, Sr.

Why chosen: Lowe picked up some offers this offseason after carrying the ball 216 times for 1,916 yards and 31 touchdowns. He sees time on both sides of the ball, also playing linebacker for the Blue Devils.

Jaelan Harris

Holt, Sr.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Harris transferred to Holt in May and is expected to be a leading member of the Ironmen squad.

TJ Harris

Holt, Sr.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-9, 179-pound Harris led the Ironmen in rushing yards, touchdowns and tackles last season, going onto be voted as the team's most valuable player in 2023. He also plays linebacker.

Bennett Green

Northside, So.

Why chosen: Green had 108 carries for 626 yards and five touchdowns during his freshman season with the Rams.

CJ Lark

Gordo, Sr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot, 200-pound had 103 carries for 990-yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He also plays wide receiver for the Green Wave, collecting 18 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Ayden Abernathy

Sipsey Valley, Sr.

Why chosen: Abernathy is a returning starter for the Bears from the 2023 season.

2024 SCHEDULES: High school football schedules for the 2024 season for the Tuscaloosa area

50 QUESTIONS: 50 questions for Tuscaloosa area high school football teams, 50 days ahead of the season

Logan Morris

American Christian Academy, So.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Morris looks up to pick up this season where he left off last year, which was scoring a 40-yard touchdown in the first round of the playoffs.

Christian Richey

Hillcrest, So.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-9, 186-pound Richey rushed for 536 yards and six touchdowns during his freshman season with the Patriots.

Jacobi Harris

Hillcrest, Fr.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Harris is poised to have a standout freshman season with Hillcrest, which is moving up to Class 7A.

Nate Barron

West Blocton, Sr.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-8, 190-pound Barron rushed for 1,203 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023.

Ronald Wilder Jr.

Greene County, Jr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Wilder Jr. ran for 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023.

KJ Jackson

Tuscaloosa County, Jr.

Why chosen: Jackson is poised to be a force in the Wildcats backfield come this fall.

TJ Keeton

Hubbertville, Sr.

Why chosen: Keeton ran for 1,351 yards with an additional 251 yards receiving for 23 total touchdowns. He also plays safety.

Cole Brand

Hubbertville, So.

Why chosen: The running back/wide receiver/safety collected 157 yards rushing and 408 yards receiving for five touchdowns last season. He also recorded 73 tackles.

Keilyn Edwards

Linden, Jr.

Why chosen: Edwards rushed for 857 yards last season with 11 touchdowns. He also recorded 357 yards receiving for three additional scores.

Coby Stephens

Holy Spirit, Sr.

Why chosen: Stephens carried the ball for 567 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.

Keishawn Rowser

Demopolis, Sr.

Why chosen: Rowser carried the ball 159 times in 2023 for 1,208 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He also added eight receptions for 100 yards.

Jacob Hall

Northridge, Jr.

Why chosen: Hall returns this season with experience in the Jaguars' backfield.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 18 Tuscaloosa area high school football running backs to watch during the 2024 season