Feed those running backs the ball.
Peoria-area high school football begins with practice on Aug. 12. This is the last of a five-part series highlighting quarterbacks, running backs, linemen, wide receivers and defensive players to watch during the 2024 season.
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Here are 10 running backs to watch, with players listed alphabetically.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior picked up all-Big 12 Conference second-team honors as a back last season. Alwan carried it 102 times for 867 yards, picking up 8.5 yards a rush. He scored 11 touchdowns, plus kicked four extra points, while catching seven balls for 79 yards.
Cohen Alexander, Olympia
The 6-foot, 180-pound senior is Oly’s returning rusher after graduation took away the top three backs, who combined for 2,884 yards and 37 rushing TDs. Alexander rushed for 528 yards on just 38 carries last season including nine scores. He averaged 13.9 yards a carry and fumbled just once. His all-Sangamo Conference second-team honors came as a defensive back.
The 5-foot-11, 168-pound senior earned all-Mid-Illini second-team running back for the Potters in 2023. Buffington ran for 1,263 yards along with 15 TDs, while carrying it 164 times for 7.7 yards per carry. In last season’s Week 1 win, he ran for 200 yards and a game-winning TD. His breakout conference game came against Metamora, putting up 283 yards and 3 TDs. He also caught six balls for 38 yards.
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The 5-foot-9, 185-pound junior was an all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team running back last season. He rushed for a team-best 1,202 yards to go with 14 TDs, which was tied for a team-high. Cranford caught seven passes out of the backfield for 63 yards. His abilities carried over to the defensive side of the ball, recording 20 tackles to go with one interception, a fumble recovery and four pass breakups.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior came up big in 2023, earning all-Big 12 Conference first-team honors as a back. His 1,167 rushing yards were a team-high, while scoring 13 touchdowns and picking up 7.6 yards a carry. In Week 5, Hanley scored three touchdowns with 187 yards on 24 carries. He added four receptions for 52 yards. Hanley also played defense with 22 tackles including 15 solo tackles.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior garnered all-Heart of Illinois Conference second-team running back honors last season. Lorton averaged 5.4 yards a carry, while rushing for a team-high 927 yards off 173 carries. He had 12 rushing TDs to go with two receiving scores off 179 yards on 13 catches. Lorton also played defense with 44 total tackles including 33 solo ones.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound junior picked up all-Mid-Illini second-team running back honors during the 2023 campaign. Oldham burst onto the scene during Week 1, rushing for 166 yards and three TDs on only 11 carries. In beating Pekin, he rushed for 78 yards and two scores along with going for 118 yards against Morton. He was also played defense, lining up as a linebacker.
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound senior earned all-LincolnLand Conference-Small Division second-team running back honors last season. Orwig came up big in helping the Rebels stay undefeated in Week 9, rushing for 104 yards and two scores. His 147 total yards (99 rushing, 48 receiving) and a TD came in a Class 1A playoff victory over rival Princeville. He was also a second-team all-league linebacker for SC.
Zeb Rashid, Annawan/Wethersfield
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior was the named the 2023 LincolnLand Conference-Small Division Player of the Year. His 1,603 yards came on 191 rushes for 8.4 yards a carry and no fumbles. He scored 27 TDs highlighted by a five-TD effort and 245 yards against Deer Creek-Mackinaw in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs. Rashid was a defensive specialist, posting 78 tackles with eight tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries.
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior was an all-LincolnLand Conference-Large Division first-team running back. He combined for 1,003 total yards (796 rushing, 207 receiving) and 10 total TDs last season for the Trojans. Windish rushed for 6.0 yards a carry during nine games in 2023. He was also a unanimous all-league linebacker with 48 tackles and five tackles for a loss.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA football 2024 preview: 10 top running backs to watch in Peoria area
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