Football: SJ's top RBs

Here's a look at some of the top returning backs in South Jersey:

* Corey Clement, senior, Glassboro: He set the South Jersey single-season record with 2,510 yards in 2011 and scored 36 touchdowns. He's committed to Pitt. Tough back with uncanny vision. Not a pure breakaway threat but more of a Ray Rice or Emmitt Smith kind of back -- all vision, balance and patience. Needs around 1,400 yards to break all-time SJ career mark (5,380) set by Ocean City's Kevin Sinclair in 1996

* Zaire Williams, senior, Timber Creek: He ran for 1,621 yards and 28 touchdowns last season at Cherokee. He's committed to West Virginia. Hard-nosed downhill runner. Has volunteered to play some FB in sets with Khalil Pierce at RB.

* Josh Woods, senior, Triton: He ran for 899 yards in the first five games of last season. He sat out the final five games with a knee injury. Great burst if he's got that extra gear after his knee injury. Was on his way to sensational season as a junior.

* Gerald Towns-Owens, junior, West Deptford: He ran for 1,564 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. He scored three touchdowns in South Jersey Group 2 title game. Ideal FB in West Deptford's Wing T offense. A freight train in the open field.

* Marlin Finley, senior, Pennsauken: He was a first-team all-conference selection as a sophomore in 2010, running for 755 yards and six touchdowns. An RB on a mission after missing last season. Should get the football 20-25 times a game.

* Ben Boyer, junior, Gloucester: He ran for 1,865 yards and 23 touchdowns. He and the Lions should make hay in the WJFL Classic this season.

* Rob DiOrio, senior, Shawnee: He ran for 755 yards and nine touchdowns. Tough, speedy back in the mold of his dad, former Cherokee great by the same name.

* Tom Donnelly, senior, Cinnaminson: He ran for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns. Strong, shifty.

* Marques Little, junior, Williamstown: He ran for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's a break-away threat who is one of South Jersey's top recruits in the class of 2014 as a defensive back.

* John Chamberlin, junior, Williamstown: He ran for 797 yards and 18 touchdowns. Great balance, nose for the end zone. Big game last season against Cherokee.

* Wesley Hills, senior, Wildwood: He ran for 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns. One of the Shore's best athletes.

* Kahleil Chisolm, junior, Audubon: He burst on Colonial Conference scene with 1,069 yards as a sophomore. Could be poised for big junior season.

* Joe Pawlowski, senior, Seneca: He ran for 990 yards and 15 touchdowns. Combines with Alec Flexon to give Golden Eagles' top 1-2 punch at halfback in Wing T offense.

* Curtis Thompson, junior, Florence: He ran for 814 yards and 11 touchdowns and also is a top defensive end.

* Tyrone Saud, senior, Delsea: He ran for 578 yards with a 9.3-yard average and scored 13 touchdowns. Good receiver. Determined to led Crusaders to bounce-back season.

* Dimere Turner, senior, Paulsboro: He ran for 961 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Will operate behind top OL. Could have monster season.

* Ray Lawry, junior, Kingsway: He had three-touchdown games against Deptford and Highland. He's a top athlete who also excels on basketball court. Possible D-1 recruit.

* David Williams, senior, Hammonton: He ran for 939 yards and 13 touchdowns. Should flourish behind one of South Jersey's best OLs.

* DeHahn Milledge, junior, Cumberland: He ran for 961 yards and eight touchdowns. Remember the name. Could be another Andrew Pierce.

-- Phil Anastasia