1. Aiden Ramos, Bishop Amat, senior

There is no player more important to Bishop Amat’s offense than Ramos, a physically imposing back who is listed at 5-10, 210 pounds. Ramos rushed for 794 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. He was named to the Mission League first team and SGV All-Area first team. Ramos started carrying the load toward the end of last season, rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown in a Week 10 victory over Serra (41-40 in OT), and he rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown in a playoff win over Yorba Linda. Ramos has offers from Louisville, Army, Navy, Nevada, Northern Colorado, Cal Poly SLO, Liberty and others.

2. Zakkarii Black, Charter Oak, senior

There has been a lot of buzz about Richie Munoz transferring from La Salle to Charter Oak to play quarterback, but opponents shouldn’t overlook this elusive 5-foot-9, 160-pound back. He combines quickness with speed and is Barry Sanders-like in his ability to make defenders look silly with his cutting ability and the way he changes speeds. He has offers from Penn State, Grambling State, Montana State and Morgan State. With the Chargers’ offense more balanced, Black will be even more dangerous. He rushed for 1,463 yards with 17 touchdowns last season.

3. Devyn Turner, St. Francis, senior

Talk about being able to plug and play. The Golden Knights lost Star-News player of the year Max Garrison to graduation but now they have Devyn Turner, a senior transfer from one of Texas’ best teams, Allen High School. Turner rushed for 1,046 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior. Turner is also a dual threat with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He has offers from Washington State, UNLV, Oregon and Cololorado. By season’s end, he might be the area’s best all-purpose back.

4. Steven Chavez, Damien, sophomore

Chavez was the area’s best freshman last season. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he more than held his own, and he showed that he could be dominating and imposing in the years ahead. He was named to the San Gabriel Valley second-team after rushing for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns. Chavez rushed for over 100 yards three times, and had one of his best games against Bishop Amat, rushing for 112 yards and three touchdowns.

5. Zach Ford, Glendora, junior

He is the younger brother of former Tartans standout Xzavier Ford. Playing behind Braydon Brus last season, he rushed with 680 yards and nine touchdowns and was named to the Citrus 4 League first team. When the Tartans turned him loose against Los Osos last season, he rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Behind the Tartans’ usually strong offensive line, Ford can carry the load if called upon.

– Fred Robledo