Top returning Nashville-area high school football running backs for 2018
Michael Murphy
With spring football practice in full swing, here’s a look at some of the top returning Nashville-area running backs for the 2018 high school football season, as ranked by the USA TODAY Network — Tennessee high school sports team.
► Tre Davidson, Columbia Academy (5-9, 180, Sr.): 2017 all-state selection ran for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns on 229 carries for last year’s Class 2A semifinalist Bulldogs.
► Braxton Givens, Gordonsville (5-7, 155, Sr.): 2017 Mr. Football semifinalist ran for 2,269 yards and 23 touchdowns on 338 carries for last year’s Region 5-1A champion Tigers.
► Da’Joun Hewitt, Davidson Academy (5-11, 195, Jr.): Three-star prospect and 2017 Mr. Football finalist ran for 2,352 yards and 41 touchdowns on 207 carries for last year’s Division II-A semifinalist Bears.
► Darius Hylick, Mt. Juliet Christian (5-11, 225, Sr.): 2017 district co-offensive MVP ran for 2,112 yards and 29 touchdowns on 232 carries for the Saints last season.
► Don Johnson, Spring Hill (5-9, 200, Jr.): Page transfer and 2017 All-Region 4-4A selection ran for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns on 232 carries for the Patriots last season.
► Kemari McGowan, Middle Tennessee Christian (6-0, 185, Jr.): 2017 district co-offensive MVP ran for 2,094 yards and 25 touchdowns on 211 carries for the Cougars last season.
► Xavier Myers, Nashville Christian (5-10, 191, Sr.): 2017 Mr. Football finalist ran for 2,634 yards and 34 touchdowns on 264 carries for last year’s Division II-A semifinalist Eagles.
► Tomario Pleasant, Brentwood Academy (5-10, 180, Sr.): Three-star prospect with an offer from North Carolina State ran for 1,375 yards and 17 touchdowns on 204 carries for last year’s Division II-AAA champion Eagles.
► Fred Orr, Rossview (5-11, 195, Sr.): 2017 All-Region 4-6A selection ran for 1,420 yards and 21 touchdowns on 190 carries for the Hawks last season.
► Devon Starling, Cane Ridge (6-0, 190, Sr.): 2017 Tennessean All-Midstate second-teamer ran for 2,296 yards and 25 touchdowns on 208 carries for last year’s Class 6A runner-up Ravens.
Position previews
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Top high school football players: Best Nashville-area running backs for 2018
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Top high school football players: Best Nashville-area linebackers for 2018
Top high school football players: Best Nashville-area defensive backs for 2018
Top high school football players: Best Nashville-area athletes for 2018
Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com, 615-259-8026, and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.