Kickoff '11: Top 10 running backs to watch

Slide show: OCVarsity's Carlos Arias lists his picks for the top 10 running backs to watch in Orange County this season:

1. Tyler Siudzinski, Tustin, Sr., 5-10, 185: Siudzinski led the county in rushing as a junior with 2,142 yards and 24 touchdowns on 209 carries. Siudzinski, who combines power and speed, is a good bet for another 2,000-yard rushing season as the featured back in Tustin's double-wing offense. Siudzinski rushed for 634 yards in four playoff games to help the Tillers reach the CIF-SS Southwest Division finals.

2. Buzzy Yokoyama, Mission Viejo, Sr., 5-10, 198: Yokoyama's junior season got interrupted by a dislocated knee injury, but he still rushed for 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns on 166 carries in eight games for Newport Harbor. Yokoyama, who transferred to Mission Viejo in the spring, had three 200-yard rushing games last season, including a season-high 283 yards and three touchdowns against Loyola of Los Angeles.

3. Jahleel Pinner, Mission Viejo, Sr., 6-2, 230: Pinner is a big, bruising runner with breakout speed. He had 141 carries for 1,004 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, splitting time with Dallas Kessman. Pinner and Buzzy Yokoyama give the Diablos one of the most potent 1-2 punches in the county at running back this season.

4. Jeff Kim, Beckman, Sr., 5-10, 180: Kim, who had 272 carries for 1,714 yards and 17 touchdowns, is a big reason the Patriots are expected to get back to the CIF-SS Southern Division finals this season. Kim had his biggest game of the season in the Southern Division quarterfinals when he rushed for 315 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries in Beckman's 59-42 triumph over Loara.

5. Sean DeRosa, Servite, Sr., 6-0, 190: DeRosa, who had 119 carries for 693 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, is one of the leaders for the two-time defending CIF-SS Pac-5 Division champions. DeRosa had 100-yard rushing games against Edison, JSerra and Chaparral of Temecula last season.

6. Cody Paul, Los Alamitos, Sr., 5-6, 155: With the graduation of Nick Richardson, Paul figures to be the featured back for the Griffins. Paul, who has loads of speed and a ton of moves, showed flashes last season, rushing for 652 yards and six touchdowns on 96 carries.

7. Alex Waked, Marina, Sr., 5-11, 185: Waked showed a lot of potential, rushing for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns on 232 carries as a junior. Waked had five 100-yard rushing games last season, including a season-high 230 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries against Western.

8. Alex Salera, Laguna Hills, Sr., 5-5, 180: The Hawks will rely on the hard running of Salera as they make a run at a seventh consecutive league championship. Salera had 169 carries for 937 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.

9. Mike Elespuru, San Clemente, Sr., 5-10, 185: The Tritons have a high-flying passing attack led by highly recruited quarterback Travis Wilson, but Elespuru gives San Clemente at threat on the ground. Elespuru had 79 carries for 400 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

10. Grant Escobar, Whittier Christian, Sr., 5-10, 165: If the Heralds hope to return to the CIF-SS Mid Valley Division finals, they will need another strong season from Escobar, who led the team in rushing and scoring. Escobar rushed for 1,034 yards and 15 touchdowns on 182 carries last season.

Others to watch (Listed in alphabetical order):

Shane Boukorras, Northwood, Sr., 6-0, 180: 165 car., 1,015 yards, 9 TDs

Tanner Bryant, Foothill, Sr., 6-0, 180: 219 car., 1,238 yards, 7 TDs

Robert Murtha, Estancia, Jr., 5-9, 170: 302 car., 1,679 yards, 19 TDs

Dallas Parent, Troy, Jr., 5-6, 145: 137 car., 915 yards, 5 TDs

Zack Rivera, Beckman, Sr., 6-0, 190: 142 car., 865 yards, 10 TDs

Nick Privitelli, Villa Park, Sr.: 143 car., 859 yards, 5 TDs

Timmy Robinson, Ocean View, Sr., 6-1, 220: 193 car., 1,194 yards, 13 TDs

Gerardo Saldivar, Los Amigos, Jr., 5-5, 155: 208 car., 1,081 yards, 5 TDs

Mitchell Simonsen, Trabuco Hills, Sr., 5-10, 182: 125 car., 837 yards, 10 TDs

Nate Tago, Tesoro, Jr., 5-11, 183: 106 car., 519 yards, 8 TDs

Josh Vizcaya, Brea Olinda, Jr., 5-6, 195: 207 car., 1,139 yards, 13 TDs

Brandon White, Brethren Christian, Sr., 5-11, 210: 143 car., 965 yards, 11 TDs