Football: Sneak peek at top running backs

Running backs have been getting overshadowed as teams try to pass more often. But to win championships, you need to run the football successfully. There’s plenty of strong, punishing running backs set to be heard from this season.

Junior T.J. Pledger of Chaminade has already shown during his freshman and sophomore seasons that he’s a game changer. And he’s going to have the benefit of a young, improving offensive line.

Stephen Carr of Summit is a former USC commit attracting plenty of college suitors. Bobby Cole of Sierra Canyon rushed for 2,468 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior. Terrance Beasley of St. John Bosco picks up tough yards.

Kameron Denmark of Narbonne and Joe Villarreal of Banning are expected to compete for top honors in the City Section’s Marine League. Ladell Atkins of El Camino Real rushed for 1,460 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Connor McBride of Woodbridge and Chance Bell of Burbank Burroughs each had nine games rushing over 100 yards.

Miles Reed of Corona Centennial is set to become the latest in a string of successful Husky runners.

Kylan Wilborn of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame might be the most intriguing running back. He’s 6 feet 2, 240 pounds.

Amon Milliner of La Salle is the top returning back from the Angelus League. Colony is excited about Upland transfer Nathan Tilford. And few are faster than Vista Murrieta sprinter Cole Dubots.

Claremont’s Duy Tran-Sampson is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,669 yards. Taz Tauaese of El Segundo scored 23 touchdowns.

Tuesday: A sneak peek at top receivers.

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