Here are the 10 RI high school football running backs you should watch in 2023

It’s no coincidence that of the four players named MVP at last year’s Super Bowls, three were running backs.

While there are plenty of skilled passers this year, Rhode Island football titles have traditionally been won on the ground. Teams that can run the ball dictate tempo and control the clock and that’s going to win you more games than not.

Being a running back is more than being just fast. Speed is a must at the position but the new generation of backs is bigger and stronger than ever. Add in receiving capabilities and you’re talking about players who change the game.

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While the state lost some terrific running backs to graduation after last season, there is plenty of new talent at the position. So who are the best of the best? It was a tough task — there are potential All-Staters or Super Bowl champs who didn’t make the list — but here are the 10 running backs you need to know about heading into the 2023 season.

Dramane Bamba

Shea, Senior

Coming off a breakthrough season last fall, Bamba enters his senior year as one of Rhode Island’s most devastating runners. His combination of speed and power brings back memories of All-Stater Jaylen Smith (who’s now at URI). Like Smith, Bamba is one missed tackle away from six points at all times. The Raiders are going to need him to be a workhorse this fall and Bamba is more than capable of handling the duties.

Terrence Campbell

La Salle, Junior

The scariest part about Campbell is he was one of Rhode Island’s top running backs last season and he played only part-time. Now that he will be the lead back for the Rams this fall, the sky is the limit. Campbell, at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, runs with little regard for the health of players daring to get in front of him. Campbell will set the tone for La Salle’s offense and with what we saw in the Super Bowl last season, that’s a good thing for the Rams.

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Myles Craddock

Moses Brown, Senior

Craddock is the most complete back in the state. He’s not a finesse runner by any means but blends his speed and power beautifully. He could be in line to break whatever rushing records the Quakers have. Craddock’s even better as a receiver and MB’s biggest challenge this season is going to be getting Craddock enough touches to help them repeat as D-III champs without wearing him down by November.

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Jordan Duke

Classical, Junior

There aren’t many backs as smooth as Duke, who makes running with the football look oh-so effortless. Duke is nimble with the ball in his hands, but make no mistake about it — he’s a power back. His game has grown and he’s learned to become a smarter runner. If he can become an adept blocker and pass receiver, he’ll truly be one of the state’s unique talents coming out of the backfield.

Tyler Durang

Lincoln, Senior

Have you ever seen a garbage truck freefall down a steep hill? That’s Durang, who’s a fullback and thrived last fall in Lincoln’s Wing-T attack. Durang’s power-run game is something to behold, but what makes him special is his understanding of the offense. He’s a patient runner and relies on one of two moves — stiff-arming a tackler through the field or just running them right over.

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AJ DiOrio

Barrington, Senior

What DiOrio lacks in size he more than makes up for in quickness, speed and smarts. He started getting some big-time carries in his sophomore season and last fall really became a solid back. DiOrio understood what to do within the Eagles offense and this year may be asked to do more. He’s an excellent runner, but also a strong pass-receiver and as Barrington expands its offense, DiOrio will expand his game.

Terrell Hill

Westerly, Junior

If not for an All-Stater ahead of him on the depth chart, Hill could have started last season for the Bulldogs. He excelled on special teams and in the limited touches he received. Now he is primed for a breakout year. Hill is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s got speed, runs with power and in Westerly’s new offense, has the potential for a special season.

Aaron Julius

St. Raphael, Senior

Julius was one of the most underrated players in the state last year, playing on a roster with plenty of star talent. He was the Saints’ bell-cow back and will reclaim the role this fall, But he should be in line for significantly more touches. Julius runs downhill and isn’t afraid of the moment. He’ll have a strong offensive line in front of him this season and have St. Raphael back contending in Division II.

Andrew Ray

Cumberland, Senior

Ray is one of the most versatile offensive players in the state and when it comes to complete backs, he’s not as far from the top of the list. He runs like a maniac, using his speed and power to gain every inch possible to help his team win. Ray can also throw it as well as many QBs, giving the Clippers a weapon on offense few teams have. Paired with quarterback Evan Spencer, the Cumberland offense should be fun to watch.

Oscar Weah

Hendricken, Senior

Weah was tremendous for the Hawks last fall, sharing time with Ronjai Francis. The state’s best backfield duo will be at it again and expect Weah to have a huge season as Hendricken looks to get its title back. Weah has plenty of big-play capabilities, but isn’t afraid to run between the tackles either. Sharing carries with Francis — and others — is only going to help him stay fresh, and that could be a scary thing in November.

Other names to know: Steven Clark, East Providence, Senior; Steve Finegan, Johnston, Senior; A’driahn Foreman, Cranston East, Senior; Ronjai Francis, Hendricken, Senior; Leland Kelleher, Burrillville, Junior; Cade Thomas, East Greenwich, Senior.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: The 10 RI high school football running backs to know for 2023