When it comes to running backs, it might be an easy call for the Consensus All-state - well, it is for two players ... Tavon Austin and Michael Campanaro.

Austin was the Baltimore Sun Player of the Year; Campanaro was the Washington Post Player of the Year. It's hard to imagine that they will be anything but unanimous all-state selections.

But who will be the third back? 

In anticipation of the release of this week's All-State ballot (with the All-State teams named next week), we are sharing a preview of the players being considered for the Consensus All-State squad.

More than 25 media members will vote on the Big School and Small School All-State teams. From those first-team selections, the top 30 vote-getters are named to the Consensus All-State squad - the highest honor for Maryland high school football players.

Today, we unveil a list of running backs who are in the running for Consensus All-State and we invite your feedback. This list is not all inclusive. In fact, there are more than 40 running backs in consideration. We have narrowed the field to six for online purposes. Select three from the list below:

Tavon Austin, Dunbar: The state's all-time leading rusher and scorer - and he capped his career with a game-winning two-point conversion run on his final play. Need we say more?

Michael Campanaro, River Hill: Could be All-State as a running back or defensive back. But so far his honors are coming for his offensive numbers - more than 1,800 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns.

Malcolm Crockett, Einstein: The last time a sophomore made Consensus, his last name was Austin! Crockett put up more than 1,500 yards despite not being a fulltime starter this year.

Dawaun Genies, Quince Orchard: This senior stepped up with a 1,400-yard performance when Travis Hawkins was slowed by injury. He kept the Cougars' offense moving forward.

Hakeem Hines, Havre de Grace: Rushed for 1,850 yards while helping his team to one of the great turnaround seasons - going from 5-6 to 11-1.

Caleb Porzel, Good Counsel: The Maryland-bound Porzel is dazzling, but will his 1,152 yards be enough for Consensus honors? Of course, Good Counsel was so loaded, it did not have to rely on Porzel getting tons of carries.

Arlando Scott, North Point: Here is a name to remember for next year. The junior turned in a stellar season leading the new school to an 8-3 record. 

Dino Stevens, North County: The leading rusher is pass-happy Anne Arundel County with 1,555 yards.

* Note - Devon Smith, one of the state's leading rushers, is on the all-state ballot under the "all-around" category to include his special teams performances.

So who would you vote for? Or, is there another person you would consider? Leave your comments below and let us know who you think should make the All-state team.

By Mike Loveday

Looks like the Terrapins are gaining some traction in their recruiting. Edmondson's stud defensive end, David Mackall, committed to the University of Maryland today according to head coach Dante Jones.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound rising senior was recruited as both an outside linebacker and defensive end.

Mackall recorded 140 tackles and 13 sacks for the Red Storm last year, helping the team to a 9-3 record and a North Region final berth.

This is the second commitment from a Maryland athlete this week for the Terrapins, who also received a verbal from Good Counsel's Caleb Porzel.

Overall, nine Maryland high school football players have committed to play for Maryland this year.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.

You can e-mail Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com

I just got off the phone with Good Counsel's Kevin McFadden and was informed that running back Caleb Porzel is in the process of committing to the University of Maryland.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Porzel rushed for 967 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and made news earler this year when he committed, then decommitted to the University of Virginia.

Check MDVarsity.com later for more information on the Maryland athlete.

Make sure to leave your comment below and let us know how we're doing.