A pair of running backs who could challenge the all-time national career rushing record are among 10 players MaxPreps has targeted as the best candidates to lead the nation in rushing in 2012.
Kelvin Taylor of Glades Day (Belle Glade, Fla.) already unofficially holds the all-time rushing record in Florida, if you count his yardage as an eighth-grader. Then there is Arkeel Newsome of Ansonia (Conn.), who could become the all-time leading rusher in Connecticut by the end of his junior year.
Both Taylor and Newsome have a shot at breaking the all-time career rushing mark held by Ken Hall of Sugar Land, Texas.
Hall set the mark in the early 1950s and his total of 11,232 yards has barely been threatened in more than 60 years. Taylor gets the first shot at it this season and Newsome will have his chance next year.
In the meantime, both Taylor and Newsome will battle for the title of national rushing leader for 2012. Here's a look at the 10 potential candidates.
Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia (Conn.),
313 carries - 3763 yards - 58 touchdowns
Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia
Photo by Kevin Pataky
Last
year, Newsome posted the second-best single-season yardage total for a
sophomore. While a lot of things will have to fall into place for him to
do it again, namely a deep run in the playoffs, there's no reason to
believe that Newsome won't be near the top again. In two years, he could
also challenge the record of Ken Hall.
Why he will lead the nation in rushing: He finished third in the nation to Jonathan Gray of Aledo last year and Gray has graduated.
Why he won't lead the nation in rushing: A slip-up in the playoffs might be enough to cost Newsome the rushing title.
