Explosive running backs: 23 in the Shreveport-Bossier area who’ll leave you stunned

The 2023 high school football season is inching closer. Here's a look at 23 of the top running backs in the Shreveport area to watch when the season kicks off Aug. 31 — and what some of their coaches said about them.

Benton's Greg Manning, Airline's Tre'Von Jackson, Calvary's James Simon and Byrd's Dixon Poirier are among the area's top returnees.

Jukaydnn Carter

Logansport, Jr.

Ht: 5-11, Wt: 170

The skinny: “Carter will be the starting running back coming off knee surgery mid-season last year. Has gained 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season, and I fully expect him to make a substantial impact on our run game this season.” Coach Kevin Magee

Jordan Case

Lakeside, Sr.

Ht: 5-10, Wt: 170

The skinny: “Jordan has great vision and has put on about 10 pounds since last year.” Coach Mike Santicles

Kaleb Collins

Lakeview, Sr.

Ht: 5-10, Wt: 210

The skinny: Collins has the size and speed that will make him difficult to stop.

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LeBrandon Davis

Bossier, Sr.

Ht: 5-7, Wt: 180

The skinny: "Davis, a 2-year starter, is a shifty, elusive and powerful running back who will propel the Bearkats’ running attack to success with his vision and speed. He has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss, as well as assist in blocking in the pass game. Davis will also provide leadership for this young and eager Bearkat football team.” Coach Gary Smith

Amarion Dorsey

Green Oaks, Sr.

Ht: 5-7, Wt: 165

The skinny: “Amarion has the speed and ability to play multiple positions. With the ball in his hands, we feel good about our chances of success.” Coach James Bradford Jr.

Antonio Gladney

Parkway, Soph.

Ht: 5-11, Wt: 180

The skinny: “Tony is the next great back at Parkway. Sometimes he reminds me of Ron Richmond and other times of Jaylan White. He received an offer to Grambling during our spring game.” Coach Coy Brotherton

Jayden Green

Haynesville, Jr.

Ht: 5-8, Wt: 150

The skinny: The Tors graduated two of their top running backs from 2022, but Green should keep them from missing a beat.

Jordan Hayes

Ruston, Jr.

Ht: 5-8, Wt: 166

The skinny: Hayes rushed 123 times for 1,104 yards and nine TDs for the 2022 LHSAA Division I state runners-up.

Tristan Hopper

North DeSoto, Sr.

Ht: 5-10, Wt: 190

The skinny: “Will fill the shoes of Brian Banks as a bruising tailback. Played H-back last year and made several big plays in big games.” Coach Dennis Dunn

Nyles Hullaby

Huntington, Jr.

Ht: 6-0, Wt: 225

The skinny: "Nyles has worked incredibly hard this off season to earn the opportunity to be the lead back in our backfield. We believe he is going to have a great season." Coach Steve Dennis

Josh Isaac

Evangel, Soph.

Ht: 5-4, Wt: 140

The skinny: “Isaac was ineligible last year. He has exceptional speed, reads blocks well and is a dependable receiver. He is smart and tough.” Coach Denny Duron

Tre’Von Jackson

Airline, Sr.

Ht: 5-8, Wt: 175

The skinny: “Tre is an extremely versatile back who can run it and catch it out of the backfield. He likes to run between the tackles and is very physical. He also threw two TDs last year and will carry the load on the ground for the offense.” Coach Justin Scogin

Greg Manning

Benton, Sr.

Ht: 5-7, Wt: 160

The skinny: “Greg rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and then over 1,500 as a junior. He racked up nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards in his junior season and scored 33 TDs. He is an elusive back with incredible vision and an all-around game that’s rare among RBs. He is looking to break the school record for career rushing yards.” Coach Reynolds Moore

Tray Morris

North Caddo, Jr.

Ht: 6-0, Wt: 190

The skinny: “Tray is very quick and has the top end speed to threaten explosive run on every carry. He has a large frame with great balance making him tough to tackle.” Coach Chase Thompson

Jamarlon Otis

Captain Shreve, Jr.

Ht: 5-9, Wt: 180

The skinny: “Jamarlon is one of the top RBs in North Louisiana who already has five Division 1 offers. He did a great job stepping in last season when Jayden was hurt and really emerged to carry the offense through our playoff run. He’s going to have a big season for us in 2023.” Coach Adam Kirby

Terrance Pegues

Mansfield, Sr.

Ht: 6-0, Wt: 240

The skinny: “TJ was our second leading rusher last year finishing the year with 508 yards on just 79 carries. He is the strongest member of our team and won the state championship in powerlifting.” Coach Darrel Barbay

Dixon Poirier

Byrd, Sr.

Ht: 5-11, Wt: 180

The skinny: “Dixon is a great leader and a tough, smart player.” Coach Stacy Ballew

Braedon Robertson

North Webster, Jr.

Ht: 5-11, Wt: 170

The skinny: “Braedon is extremely tough to bring down with one guy. He runs hard but also possesses the speed to run away from guys. He is poised for a breakout season.” Coach John Ware

Dunovan Robinson

Minden, Jr.

Ht: 5-10, Wt: 225

The skinny: “Powerful runner. Finishes runs with his pads. Gets the tough yards.” Coach Spencer Heard

Travis Sanders

Magnolia Charter, Jr.

Ht: 5-10, Wt: 165

The skinny: “An extremely hard worker with strong leadership traits. Developed a good feel for the offense by putting in the extra time to enhance his game. Brings a tremendous work ethic that’s hard to match. Participating in track really improved his speed.” Coach Anthony Johnson

James Simon

Calvary, Jr.

Ht: 6-1, Wt: 200

The skinny: “James has great vision and is a super receiver out of the backfield.” Coach Rodney Guin

MonTreveun Smith

Red River, Jr.

Ht: 5-7, Wt: 190

The skinny: “Large, powerful, explosive runner. His junior campaign will put him on college boards across the state. Loves the weight room and has been one of our most dependable players.” Coach Byron Keller

Greg Williams

Homer, Jr.

Ht: 5-11, Wt: 190

The skinny: “Williams plays the game with a high motor which allows him to make plays all over the field on defense. He’ll be the primary running back this year, so I expect him to have a breakout year on offense.” Coach Richie Casey

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here’s 23 Shreveport area running backs who will leave you stunned