The Winter Grind: Top 10 Running Backs For 2015

1. Jake Funk, RB, 5'11'' 190, Damascus

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1423502/highlights/161094378

Jake is not only our number one running back coming back this fall, he is also a leading candidate for every award that a kid could get in this area. He has a very rare power-speed combination that is not often found. Jake is a leader and one of the hardest workers you will ever see. With the loss in the 3A state championship in the back of his mind all off-season, expect him to come out in August 2015 ready to set some major records.

2015 Projection: All-Met Offensive Player of the Year. 2,250 rushing yards 40 total TDs

2. Adrian Feliz-Platt, RB, 5'7'' 170, Seneca Valley

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2669875/adrian-feliz-platt

Adrian had an outstanding sophomore year, really putting Seneca Valley on his back and taking them on the verge of making the playoffs. Seneca Valley has a lot of great talent coming back and are looking to be a lot more balanced this year, but believe that AFP is going to get his.

2015 ProjectionL 1,350 rushing yards, 400 receiving yards, 24 total TDs

3. Travis Levy, RB, 5'11" 195, Sherwood

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFOAv8dOZQg

This kid has a shot to be one of the special players in Sherwood history. Just like Jake Funk from Damascus, he is the hard-working, heart & soul of his team. Levy started out slow in 2014, but exploded in the latter part of the season capped off by a memorable clutch performance against Paint Branch. Travis has the talent to be as good as he wants to be and will push the first two backs on this list.

2015 Projection: 1,460 rushing yards, 250 receiving yards, 27 Total TDs

4. Dominyck Sims, RB, 5'11" 205, Wheaton

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2454081/dominyck-sims

Wheaton is expecting to have one of the best seasons they have had in years in 2015. They have been playing a lot of young talent and taking their lumps against top teams in MoCo, but the biggest reason why Wheaton thinks they could take over the Down County is the fact that they have a stud at RB. Dominyck Sims is a big, physical player that has deceptive speed. He does not look to shake you, he loves contact and is ready to put Wheaton on the map.

2015 Projection: 1,205 rushing yards, 17 TDs

5. Marvin Beander, RB, 5'9" 170, Quince Orchard

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4533619/marvin-beander

QO gets another transfer gem in Marvin Beander. From the first game against Clarksburg on, he built quite a reputation for his quickness and shaking people out there shoes. Look for his production to go way up with the loss of 2014 first team All-MoCo RB, Kyle Green, to graduation.

2015 Projection: 1,650 All Purpose yards, 20 total TDs

6. Andrew Zuckerman, RB, 5'8" 175, Churchill

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3030873/andrew-zuckerman

One of my favorite players in Montgomery County. Andrew is one of the fastest backs in the county. He is a very explosive player that can get from 0 to 100 in a second. He also has great strength and balance. If Churchill makes a playoff push next season, Zuckerman will be a guy that is in the Offensive MVP talk.

2015 Projection: 1,070 rushing yards, 270 receiving yards 20 Total TDs

7. Cedric Content, RB, 5'9" 172, Paint Branch

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1866857/cedric-content

Cedric gave Paint Branch a great spark splitting time with Daryl Hill in the backfield. Content is a versatile back having a wide receiver background so while he is going to be carrying the load a lot more with Daryl Hill gone, expect him to be all over the field for PB.

2015 Projection: 1, 235 All Purpose yards, 15 Total TDs

8. Shawn Cazeau, RB, 5'7" 170, Springbrook

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3071874/shawn-cazeau

It was not a great year for Springbrook, on or off the field. They ended the year decimated by a number of factors that were really out of the control of the kids. Now Springbrook will go into next year with a new coach and a new philosophy. Whoever lands that job will at least feel good about having a big play RB to build around. Shawn has home run capability. Springbrook has had a few down years, but at least they have something to work with.

2015 Projection: 940 yards rushing, 200 receiving yards, 13 TDs

9. Kahlil Owens, RB, 5'8" 165, Northwest

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3391872/khalil-owens

E.J. Lee is gone, and now Northwest must turn to the next up. With first team All-MoCo and two-time state champion quarterback, Mark Pierce, returning there is no time to waste on the youth. But have no fear Northwest fans, because waiting in the wings is the very talented Khalil Owens. Khalil has gotten experience the last two championship runs for Northwest. He is not E.J. Lee yet, but the versatile Owens can do some of the same things that are going out the door with Lee. Owens is very shifty and has good vision. Look for Owens and Pierce to be on the same page early next year.

2015 Projection: 835 yards rushing, 375 receiving 12 TDs

10. Bryan Juarez, RB, 5'8" 180,  Magruder

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1694201/bryan-juarez

Don't look now, but Magruder has something going over there. They were very competitive this year against good competition; which was not the case in the last few years and the face of the turn around effort is Bryan Juarez. He is a fast, physical runner that goes into every game with a chip on his shoulder. If his teammates take on his attitude,  Magruder could be a tough out for anyone.

2015 Projection: 1,025 rushing yards 200 receiving yards, 11 TDs

By Kevin Grant

mocofootball.com

Email: inthecountyfootball@gmail.com

Contact: (240) 855-8898 | Twitter: @MocoFBPodcast

photo credits: Jonathan Newton, Reggie Hildred, Rodney Rice, Connection Newspapers, Bartsch