The 2024 Oregon high school football season is upon us, with Week 1 starting in less than a month. The Statesman Journal takes a closer look at the best returning players in the Salem-Keizer area at every position.
Next up: the running backs. Here are some of the best returning RBs from the region.
The list was based on responses from coaches as well as statistics and year-end awards from the 2023 season.
Salem-Keizer Running Backs to Watch in 2024
Jaydon Estrada, Sr., Kennedy
Estrada was instrumental in Kennedy finishing 8-2 in 2023 and earning honorable mention in Class 3A at the state level.
Jacob Hadley, Sr., Willamina
Hadley was one of the most productive players in the state of Oregon last season, regardless of classification, rushing for 2,036 yards and 36 touchdowns, earning Tri-River Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and being selected to the state’s 2A first team.
Kenya Johnson, Sr., Sprague
Johnson was selected to the league’s second team last fall after totaling 1,429 yards and 16 touchdowns on 197 receptions. He is a participant in the 2024 Les Schwab Bowl and has drawn interest from colleges such as BYU, Eastern Washington and Oregon State.
“We believe Kenya is the best player in the league,” said Sprague coach AJ Robinson.
Bryce Kuenzi, Jr., Cascade
Kuenzi was one of only two sophomores selected to the all-state first team at the 4A level last season and is expected to be on the short list of candidates for 4A Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.
“He can turn a bad play into a great one,” Cascade coach Shane Hedrick said. “You think, ‘Oh no, that’s not good,’ and then all of a sudden he’s gone. That’s the kind of running back he is.”
Johnny Mariano, Jr., Gervais
A two-way star who also excels at linebacker, Mariano was a key driver behind Gervais’ run to the 2A state championship quarterfinals last fall. He was selected to the league’s first team as a running back and to the state championship second team at defensive back.
Jakai Phillips, Jr., North Salem
After a brilliant sophomore season with the Vikings, Phillips will assume a leading ball-carrying role this season and could become one of the region’s best playmakers.
“Jakai is a special (running back) and (cornerback). He’s one of our best athletes,” North Salem coach Caleb Singleton said. “He has the potential to be an all-league player on both sides of the ball.”
Noah Scharer, Sr. and Colby Raddle, Sr., South Salem
Scharer and Raddle are both among the best two-way players in the state; both will be crucial for the Saxons at running back and linebacker. They combined for over 1,500 rushing yards and 40 receptions last season, and Scharer earned all-league honorable mention.
“I think Noah and Colby are two of the better running backs out there,” South Salem head coach Josh Vanlue said.
Clay Smith, Sr., St. Paul
As a junior last season, Smith helped St. Paul reach the 1A state championship semifinals and was named to the state’s second team on both sides of the ball. If the Buckaroos make the jump to the next division, he should be one of the state’s best returning players at the 2A level.
Smith has drawn interest from Linfield, George Fox and Willamette colleges, head coach Tony Smith said.
Jeremiah Tracy, Sr., McNary
Tracy was a central point of McNary’s offense last fall and received all-league honorable mention.
“He’s a really athletic kid; can be a really tough running back for us,” McNary coach Connor Astley said. “He has a very good view of the field.”
Cooper Yocum, Sr., Amity
Amity’s run-heavy offense relied on Yocum last season, and he delivered consistently. The Warriors’ standout fullback was named to the league’s first team on offense and is also a standout linebacker.
“He just makes things happen – the kid is an absolute star,” said Amity coach Bobby Walker. “He’s working really hard to get to the next level.”
Jarrid Denney covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at [email protected] or at X @jarrid_denney
