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Countdown to Kickoff: Running backs to watch

With the 2013 football season set to kick off Friday, here's a look at some of the top running backs, listed in alphabetical order, in Southeastern Pennsylvania:

Josh Adams, Central Bucks South, junior. Adams had quite the rookie campaign, carrying 257 times for 2,085 yards and 28 scores. He already has scholarship offers from Notre Dame and Stanford, among others.

Ryley Angeline, Downingtown East, senior. In 10 appearances last season, the Delaware commit rushed 232 times for 1,102 yards and 10 touchdowns.

J.T. Blyden, Cardinal O'Hara, senior. The Massachusetts recruit is expected to be the focal point of a wing-T attack that also features quarterback Dashawn Darden and receiver Thaddius Smith.

Nasir Bonner, Imhotep Charter, junior. Bonner takes over for David Williams, now at South Carolina, as the Panthers' go-to back.

Samir Bullock, Archbishop Ryan, junior. Bullock, a 1,000-yard rusher at Father Judge last season, will give foes major headaches.

Mike Class, Pennridge, senior. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder was the area's top rusher last season, with 2,417 yards and 32 TDs on 293 carries. He has mostly drawn interest from Division I-AA schools.

Jake Irving, Garnet Valley, senior. In the Jaguars' triple-option attack, he rushed for 1,015 yards and 15 TDs last season.

Jarred Jones, Spring-Ford, senior. After missing six games last year with a broken wrist, Jones, who has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is primed for a breakout season.

Malik Jones, Ridley, senior. Coming over from Roman Catholic, the lightning-quick Jones gives the Green Raiders a big boost. He is the defending Class AAA state champ in the 200-meter dash (22.49 seconds).

Dimitri Kelly, Roman Catholic, junior. The Cahillites, with the plan of running the ball more, will turn often to Kelly.

Jerry Lanier, Academy Park, senior. In the Knights' drive to the Del-Val League crown, Lanier carried 246 times for 1,566 yards and 16 TDs.

Kevin Leyden, Haverford High, senior. Leyden, who has committed to play lacrosse at Penn State, is back after rushing for 1,077 yards.

Terry Loper, West Chester Rustin, junior. Loper, also a strong safety, and QB Dave Fithian lead the Golden Knights' wing-T attack.

Craig Reynolds, Abington, senior. Impressive in summer workouts, Reynolds has drawn the interest of the Division I-AA likes of Monmouth and Villanova.

Donte Simmons, Bristol, junior. In the Warriors' drive to the Class A state quarterfinals last season, Simmons rushed for 1,542 yards and 17 scores.

Charles Snorweah, Pennsbury, junior. Snorweah's running is key in the Falcons' bid to defend their Suburban One League National Conference title.

Dave Stellato, Wissahickon, senior. Stellato, a true handyman, has been clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Marvin Todd, Central Bucks West, senior. Todd's arrival from Harry S Truman makes the Bucks a threat in the SOL Continental Conference.

Greg White, West Catholic, senior. White, a 1,469-yard rusher last season, has scholarship offers from Central Florida, Massachusetts, and Temple, among others.

Daquan Worley, Coatesville, senior. Worley, who is projected to play defensive back at Penn State, is a major threat any time he touches the ball.

Olamide Zaccheaus, St. Joseph's Prep, junior. Zaccheaus, who has a scholarship offer from Miami, and freshman D'Andre Swift headline a dangerous backfield.