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Who are the top high school running backs in the Southland?

Chaminade running back T.J. Pledger breaks loose for a 73-yard run against Loyola during a game last October.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Top 10 high school running backs in the Southland heading into the 2016 season (in alphabetical order):

Drake Beasley; La Cañada; 5-11; 195; Sr.; transfer from Loyola goes from D1 to D12.

Terrance Beasley; St. John Bosco; 5-9; 150; Sr.; physical runner.

Stephen Carr; Summit; 6-0; 205; Sr.; USC commit considered top recruit in the region among running backs.

Bobby Cole; Sierra Canyon; 5-9; 195; Sr.; rushed for 2,468 yards, 29 touchdowns.

Kameron Denmark; Narbonne; 5-10; 195; Sr.; can be leading ball carrier in the City Section.

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Greg Johnson; Hawkins; 5-10; 185; Sr.; Arizona commit is versatile.

Connor McBride; Woodbridge; 6-2; 225; Sr.; had nine games rushing for more than 100 yards.

T.J. Pledger; Chaminade; 5-9; 185; Jr.; will be a standard for excellence.

Miles Reed; Corona Centennial; 5-9; 190; Sr.; the next top Husky back.

Kylan Wilborn; Sherman Oaks Notre Dame; 6-2; 240; Sr.; ready to pick up the tough yards.

Best of the rest

Ladell Atkins; El Camino Real; 5-8; 170; Sr.; rushed for 1,460 yards, 15 touchdowns.

Dom Austin; Orange Lutheran; 5-9; 190; Sr.; gained 1,016 yards against top competition.

Dominic Barrera; Bishop Amat; 5-11; 180; Jr.; set to become a standout.

Chance Bell; Burbank Burroughs; 5-10; 185; Sr.; had nine games rushing for more than 100 yards.

Jamaal Bell; Paraclete; 5-11; 175; So.; was the talk of summer competitions.

Jorge Briseno; Santa Ana; 5-9; 180; Sr.; rushed for 1,383 yards, 25 touchdowns.

Cole Dubots; Vista Murrieta; 6-0; 180; Sr.; has run 100 meters in 10.45 seconds.

Christian Erickson; Paso Robles; 6-0; 235; Sr.; had games of 320 and 340 yards rushing.

Jamarr Graves; Jefferson; 5-8; 185; Sr.; had 217 yards rushing vs. Canoga Park.

Jeremy Harris; Moorpark; 6-0; 190; Jr.; capable of piling up lots of yards.

Tremar Holiness; South Gate; 5-8; 175; Sr.; rushed for 1,061 yards.

Jermar Jefferson; Redondo; 6-0; 195; Jr.; rushed for 891 yards as a sophomore.

Cole Kinder; Newport Harbor; 6-2; 205; Sr.; has speed and strength.

Aaron Lamb; Camarillo; 5-11; 180; Sr.; showed glimpses of big-play skills.

Andrew Martinez; Mayfair; 5-8; 175; Jr.; most versatile player on the team.

Amon Milliner; La Salle; 5-8; 185; Sr.; best back in the Angelus League.

Charles Mincy Jr.; Dorsey; 5-9; 190; So.; capable of being a powerful back.

Tyler Nevens; Los Altos; 6-0; 200; Sr.; rushed for 1,560 yards.

Richard Newton; Palmdale; 6-1; 170; Jr.; scored 17 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Branden Rankins; Aquinas; 5-10; 195; Jr.; rushed for 2,115 yards.

Brandon Reaves; San Clemente; 5-9; 169; Sr.; has breakaway speed.

Angel Reyes; Bassett; 5-6; 142; Jr.; rushed for 1,432 yards.

Jarell Sykes; San Dimas; 5-9; 185; Sr.; rushed for 2,129 yards, 28 touchdowns.

Taz Tauaese; El Segundo; 5-9; 180; Sr.; scored 23 touchdowns.

Alex Tili; Hueneme; 5-11; 185; Jr.; good speed and good potential.

Nathan Tilford; Colony; 6-2; 225; Sr.; Upland transfer poised for huge season.

Duy Tran-Sampson; Claremont; 6-1; 195; Sr.; rushed for 1,669 yards.

Adison Umrarong; Palos Verdes; 5-10; 180; Sr.; rushed for 983 yards, nine touchdowns.

Joe Villarreal; Banning; 5-9; 180; Sr.; a workhorse back for the Pilots.

Chuck Wick; St. Bonaventure; 6-0; 180; Jr.; ready to pick up plenty of yards.

Antwone Williams; Dorsey; 5-8; 170; Sr.; track standout will break big runs.

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