We kick the week off with you giving a look at some of the players to watch for this season at every position and in the 2022,2023, and 2024 classes.
Today we take a look at some of the top running backs prospects to watch out for this year and who could have some very good seasons for their respective teams. Everyone knows about the top 5 or 10 running backs here in Texas but what about some of the others guys who are just as talented or if not better than some of the guys ranked in front of them.
Regardless of rankings or stars, we hope to bring a spotlight to those players who are special on and off the field and handle their business. Here is which players and teams we think will be special at the running back position this season in Texas High School Football.
Top Players to Watch this Season
Jamarion Miller | 5’10” 185 | Lewisville
The future Texas longhorn is on top of our list for plenty of good reasons. He’s had an outstanding career so far rushing for over 3,200 yards and scoring 34 total touchdowns in his three years as a starter. This guy is built like a gladiator and he can sure run over a few guys on his way into the endzone. He chooses Texas over 26 other division I school like Florida Alabama and Texas A&M. Miller will be a pivotal player for Lewisville this season and one that can be very special at the next level.
Dareion Murphy | 6’0″ 195 | Floresville
In 2020 Murphy had over 1600 yards rushing and 22 rushing touchdowns. He has 26 divisions I offer to schools like Nevada, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and the Ragin Cajuns. Murphy is also a three-sport athlete who competes in basketball and track along with football. In 2020 he was also named 5A -II Overall MVP as a junior.
Damien Martinez | 5’10” 220 | Lewisville
2020 Martinez was named 6A Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. 2019 was awarded Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Last season was his breakout year as he rushed for over 2,000 yards, and had 30 rushing touchdowns on the year.
Nathan Livingston | 6’0 190 | Cy Park
Nathan could have himself a breakout season for Cy Park this season. He is a dangerous runner with his elite speed that can leave defenders in the dust. He’s got a sneaky way of breaking out of arm tackles and can run in between the tackles and make some big plays happen. Last season he rushed for over 1,000 yards. Next year I think he will be on pace to put up double that. He’s got a big tall frame for a running back and still has room to add mass at the next level. Holds offer to Missouri State, Nevada, Houston Baptist, and Marshall.
Jaylen Jenkins | 5’8″ 180 | Allen
Jaylen is built for speed. Don’t let the height fool you this is an elite player who has Olympic sprinter speed and who can still bulldoze over people despite being undersized. He has some room to add some more mass to his frame this summer and at the next level, This is one running back who I think will be one who could break out and have an amazing senior campaign and who could also really raise his stock. A strong player running the ball and should score plenty of touchdowns this year for Allen as this running back can do it all and even run some pretty nice routes out of the backfield and make people miss in the open field. Offers include schools like Hawaii, UTSA, and Tulsa to name a few.
Jayshon Powers | 6’0″195 | Garland
Garland has some strong offensive weapons this season and Powers is one of them. He is an explosive runner out of the backfield who can run in between the tackles and take the ball into the endzone anytime he touches the football. I love his ability to break tackles and that extra effort he gives to earn every inch and or score on the run. In a two-year career, Powers has over 1200 rushing yards on the ground and has scored 12 rushing touchdowns. Illinois State, Oklahoma State, and Tulane have all offered.
Braylon Stewart | 5’10” 205 | Texas High
Braylon is a great running back and he can make one cut and be off to the races and putting up six points so fast the film cameraman has a hard time keeping up with him. I’m not saying he’s the fastest player alive but for his size and build his lateral and vertical speed are second to none. Holds 7 Division I offer to schools like Colorado, Colorado State, and Tulane to name a few. He should be very special for Texas High and one who could really raise his stock this season. Keep your eye on him.
Preston Alford | 5’11” 190 | Dripping Springs
In two seasons this running back has accumulated over 2000 yards rushing, 37 touchdowns, 51 receptions, for nearly 700 yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns, and oh yeah he can pass too. and Preston like a swiss army knife and is one of the most underrated players on this list. He has elite talent and ability. He’s got some good size, still got time to add some mass. This is more of a receiving type of running back or back who can be lined up at the slot receiver position and can run routes as good as any receiver. Not bad out of the backfield either. Alford has got that break-away speed and can make defenders miss in the open field.
Andrew Paul | 5’11” 200 | Parish Episcopal
Parish Episcopal’s running back Andrew Paul is a hidden gem. How this guy does not have any stars or is not highly ranked is beyond me. Some colleges think his talent is worthy enough for a scholarship like Colorado, Marshall, Texas State, and others. Andrew is your workhorse back that can be used to pick up some tough yardage and or run over some people. Should be a very special player to watch out for this season and one who I think will go on to do great things at the next level and possibly beyond.
Malachi Medlock | 6’2″ 215 | Duncanville
The 6’2 Duncanville running back can sure plow over some people and has the size and talent most colleges and pros scouts are already looking for at the running back position. I believe he will be one special player who can help lead the Panthers far into the playoffs and give them a strong chance at a title. Paired with an offensive line who is arguably one of the best in the state year in and year out. Medlock should have no problem putting up some eye-popping numbers this season.
Dhamir Mcdonnaugh | 5’10” 195 | Midway
Here is one running back maybe many have not heard of but is some serious talent. Has no stars and is not ranked but holds five-division I offer to schools like Pittsburgh, San Diego State, and Bowling Green. Should be one that will help lead his team this season and light up that scoreboard.
Hymond Drinkard | 5’10” 180 | George Ranch
Haymond may very easily take the cake for being one of the most underrated running backs in the senior class and is one of my favorite prospects. This is a beast at the RB position and he is a hard one to coral and bring down. One or two cuts and this guy could be off to the races. Wow, I think those could be a special one at the next level. I loved his athletic stature, speed, and ability to make people miss in the open field. He has great balance and the lateral speed to stop on a dime and take the ball a completely different way than defenders are expecting. FBS talent who could end up in the headlines gaining the spotlight he deserves.
Under-the-Radar
JC Solitaire | 5’8″ 180 | Veterans Memorial
Has interest from colleges like Baylor, Cal, North Texas, SMU, and TCU going into this season.
Moses Wray | 5’11” 215 | Wimberley
One of my favorite under-the-radar running backs who is a very special player and FBS talent. Should be one exciting boll dozer watch plowing over people this season.
Chris Henley | 6’0″ 200 | DeSoto
This DeSoto back is a very special one and should prove that this season. Has offers to Illinois State, Navy, and Texas Southern.
Makhilyn Young | 5’10” 180 | Midland Lee
Another player on the rise here who has the ability to raise himself many charts and recruiting boards this season and should be one special one for Midland Lee. He is an explosive back that can do it all.
Chris Hicks | 5’9″ 170 | Duncanville
The Duncanville running back has one of the best chances to raise himself to elite status. He already holds 4 divisions I offer to schools like Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Houston, TCU, and Baylor.
BJ Phillips | 5’11” 200 | Guyer
Don’t sleep on this guy. We will cover him in more detail later on but this will be a special player this year for Guyer.
Johntre Davis | 5’10” 190 | El Campo
Ky Woods | 5’9″ 160 | Clear Springs
Ashton Jeanty | 5’10” 195 | Frisco Lone Star
Honorable Mentions
Jared White | 5’10” 190 | Frisco Wakeland
Xadrian Huerta | 5’10” 215 | John Jay
Michael Whitaker | 5’9″ 170 | Taylor
Jack Brown | 6’0″ 200 | Paetow
Elijah Oakmon | 5’9″ 190 | Pflugerville
We will come back and take a deeper look at some of the “under-the-radar” and “honorable mention” players later on in the week and will do a deep analysis on them. Thanks for reading and if you don’t already please follow us on Twitter @TDRecruits & @LoboRecruits .
