2022 Rising Stars: Running Backs in Houston Area

The running back position is another one with an incredible pool of talent in the Houston Area. It is easy to overlook some top talent due to the number of backs but it is important to at least get their names out there. Listed below are a few of MANY 2022 running backs located in Harris County who have not gotten the interest and attention even though they show the skills to be mentioned. All have been standouts on film and have put up decent numbers. The potential is there, now they just need some exposure. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Kendrick Bradley, Klein Forest</strong></span></em> - Bradley has some top talent skill and I believe that his name will soon be mentioned on people’s lists. Bradley is a tremendous back who catches the ball well out of the backfield and is a perfect combination of strength and speed. Bradley runs with forward lean, great balance, and only falls for positive yards. He has incredible leg drive and does not go down without a fight. Bradley finishes runs with great physicality and power, usually delivering the blow to the defenders. It is an extremely difficult challenge to bring him down with only one or two defenders. When it comes to his speed, Bradley can outrun just about anybody on the field. He shows excellent burst and explosion, which paired with his vision, leads to mainly big plays for his offense. Bradley’s name should be talked about more frequently next season. Now is his time to step up so expect him to have a breakout year. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Richard Rodriguez, Tomball Memorial</strong></span></em> - After watching Rodriguez on film, it is easy to see how he was  one of the top rushers in the state. Rodriguez shows great burst and acceleration. He shows patience, allowing his blockers to create running lanes, then accelerates right through the open gaps. Rodriguez has good speed, especially in the open field where he also displays the ability to make defenders miss with very good elusiveness. He is a name surprisingly with not as much attention as you would expect but I believe he is on the verge of breaking through. <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">[player_tooltip player_id="60810" first="Ky" last="Woods"], Clear Springs</span></em></strong> - Woods shows very good vision out of the backfield. Woods has quick feet and is decisive with his movements. He shows no hesitation and just goes. Woods can change direction in a flash and it quick to show off his top speed. In space, Woods is extremely dangerous and can make defenders whiff easily. He hits open running lanes with great explosion which leads to big plays for his team. <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">D’Koreion Hammond, C.E. King</span></em></strong> - Hammond is used at multiple positions for his offense, and with his skill you can understand why. He shows excellent speed and quickness after getting the ball and is a big play waiting to happen. Hammond exhibits great hands as well and makes plays lined up in the slot. He creates a mismatch and provides a big play threat wherever he is lined up. It will be important for him to make the most out of his touches when the ball is in his possession due to the talent the team has, but he has great potential. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Eli Smith, Second Baptist</strong></span></em> - Smith is another back who shows great talent and skill especially for his size. Smith is a bigger back who shows physicality on runs, but can also beat defenders with his speed. He causes defenders to bounce off of him on his way to the end zone and carries the ball with purpose. Smith sees the field very well and moves incredibly well for a back with his size. Inside the 10 yard line, a touchdown is almost guaranteed when he has the ball in his hands. He is a player to keep an eye on for next season. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jerrell Wimbley, C.E. King</strong></span></em> - Wimbley is another weapon used for the King offense. He shows very good strength and explosion out of the running lanes, and can be very elusive in the open field. Wimbley shows great vision and proves to be a difficult challenge to players trying to bring him down, especially in tight spaces. He has another gear when he sees daylight which always leads to his big plays. The more touches Wimbley gets, the better he will develop. He is a player to keep tabs ongoing into next season alongside Hammond. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>X’Zavier Sanders, Humble</strong></span></em> - Sanders is a back who runs with great force, but who is also light on his feet. Sanders is a nimble runner who makes cuts often, but does a good job of maintaining his balance. He does a incredible job of finishing off his runs with power, maintaining his forward momentum and getting those extra yards. Sanders shows off his good hands out of the backfield and has great run after catch ability, especially on screen plays. He is a back who shows consistency in his runs and is all around a good, talented, reliable back who gets what you need.