In this installment of the Three Point Stance, high school writers Warren Arceneaux and Rodrict Anderson examine the running back position.

Who is Southwest Louisiana’s top returning running back?

RA: Tony St. Julien of Vinton. There is so much hype surrounding Vinton RB Tony St. Julien that he might have to hire a secretary to keep track of all his offers. St. Julien ran a time of 10.84 seconds to place second in the 100-meter dash at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class 2A state track and field meet in May, so don’t let him loose in the open field. He has rushed for 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons and has more than 1,000 career receiving yards. With all the positions he can play (RB, WR, DB, KR), expect St. Julien to validate his lofty recruiting status.

WA: Darrian Achane of Jennings. Playing second fiddle to Travis Etienne last year, Achane was limited to 84 carries but averaged more than 8 yards a carry and had five games of 80 yards or more. That should be the norm this year as he assumes a larger role in the offense.

 

Which running back is likely to have a breakout season?

RA: Glenn Willis of Sulphur. After running for two seasons in the shadow of record-setter J’Cobi Skinner, who walked on at McNeese State, Willis will get chance to shine. While not quite as big as Skinner, Willis is every bit as fast and elusive. He found a way to rack up nearly 900 yards last year despite Skinner rushing for 2,263.

WA: Braedan James of South Beauregard: The Golden Knights love the ground-and-pound game. James has speed and can put up big numbers. He averaged more than 10 yards a carry last year and should get all the carries he can handle this year. Last year’s starter, Matt Uhlik, had 261 carries and 1,476 yards. James could top that yardage total with his ability to break long runs.

Of the other running backs, which duo would you like to see paired?

RA: Elton’s Darnell Robinson and Merryville’s Desmond McCain. Robinson and McCain were somewhat lost in the shuffle last year with the likes of Oberlin’s Kirklin James and Elton’s Keyshawn Lyons taking most of the spotlight in District 4-1A. Both broke the 1,000 yard mark last year and would make a formidable one-two punch.

WA: Iota’s Kaleb Guillory and Washington-Marion’s Gerron Duhon. Guillory can be the power back, he had 270 carries last season. Duhon can be the dual-threat guy with his receiving and big-play capabilities.