2012 OC Football Watch List - Running Backs

Mike Johnson – Auburn Hills Avondale

Johnson became one of the area’s most dangerous running backs last season in the pass heavy Avondale offense and should frustrate defensive coordinators once again this season.

Lorenzo Collins – Farmington Hills Harrison

Might be the most talented running back in the county and could be relied upon in a Harrison offense that graduated a lot of players from last year.

Wyatt Shallman/Anthony Darkangelo – Novi Detroit Catholic Central

These two are the definition of Catholic Central running backs, bruising backs who will just wear teams down as the game goes on. Both will also be two key contributors for the Shamrock defense throughout the year as well.

Jacob Miller – Lake Orion

In what should be a promising year for the Dragons, look for Miller to carry the load from time to time for the Lake Orion offense.

Chuck Sanders – Lakeland

An athletic freak who can do it all out of the backfield. He has a chance to take it to the house every time he touches the ball whether running or catching the rock.

Juan Johnson – Madison Heights Madison

Just a freshman last year, Johnson burst onto the scene and showed that he is the real deal. He can run the ball or catch the ball out of the backfield which makes him as good as it gets.

Sam Haskell – Troy Athens

As a junior Haskell proved to be a home run threat every time he touched the ball and it’s scary to think that he could be even better in 2012.

Jake Doetsch – Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

A bruising running back who is capable of shedding tackles and picking up big time yards at just about any time.

Brian Walker – Birmingham Brother Rice

With Devin Church now moving on to college, Walker will be the go to guy for the Warriors and should start right where Church left off. Powerful and fast, perfect combination of size and speed.

DeShun Brown – Undecided

After transferring from Brother Rice, Brown should take over the every down duties for his next team and give them a true rushing attack.

Connor Mohr/Jordan Degreffenreed – Farmington

Mohr has dealt with injuries in the past, but they should be behind him now as the bruising running back should have a monster season carrying the load for Farmington. Degreffenreed showed off his ability as a home run hitter out of the backfield at several times last year.

Grant Niemic/Parker McInnis – Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s

For those thinking that the Eaglets might take a step back this year, think again as this duo of thunder and lightning should once again make Saint Mary’s a dominant force on the ground on the crimson turf.

Eric Hudson – Berkley

Hudson has flown under the radar for much of his high school career, but expect him to be one of the biggest breakout stars in 2012.

Malik Washington – Oak Park

A versatile running back who can make plays in the running game and is just as dangerous is the passing game and should play a key role in the Oak Park offense.

James Ward – Rochester

Ward has emerged as a true playmaker out of the backfield over the past few years, and should show that once again this fall.

Jake Ginster - Walled Lake Northern
In the up-tempo, fast paced Northern offense, Ginster will give the Knights' backfield a hard nosed edged as she is capable of running over defenders and also making them miss

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