2023 Austin Area Rankings: Running Backs

The Austin area is home to multiple talented running backs, and these five are just a few. These running backs have a lot of potential for their senior seasons to truly knock the socks off of any college scouts. However, what is not seen is the other running backs that did not make this list that could easily be on it at the end of next season. That being said, these five ranked here have already got a head start showcasing their abilities. Stats provided by <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/">MaxPreps</a>. 1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="241713" first="Quinten" last="Joyner"] - Manor High School (Manor, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 2,494 rushing yards, 31 rushing touchdowns Joyner was one of the ultimate backs last season. He was a complete dominant force. On top of his speed and agility, he was also nearly impossible to take down and could break multiple tackles. Joyner also has great agility and has a spring in his step the minute the ball is snapped. However, his tape also displays his excellent on-field awareness. He can scan the line for gaps quickly and shoot through the holes in the line. Joyner also has size behind him as he comes in at 5'11" and 203 pounds. He has also received multiple offers including from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Houston, Indiana, and Louisville. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13156427/6164e95b5eec2c06fcb68387" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121975" first="Sedrick" last="Alexander"] - LBJ Austin High School (Austin, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 2,204 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns One of the main driving forces for the LBJ Austin offense, Alexander displayed an intensity that is almost unmatched. Not only is he able to break multiple tackles, but disruptions, such as the referee accidentally being in the way, Alexander is able to shave it off with no problem. He has an intense amount of agility and on-field awareness. On top of all of that, Alexander is incredibly fast and is entertaining to watch. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13030035/6144e78f3863ae0b84a70dfa" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 3. <strong>Jaidyn Brown - San Marcos High School (San Marcos, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 1,452 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns The trend of running backs being hard to tackle continues as Brown is a part of that group. He can stiff arm and use his shoulder to break multiple tackles on a single play, all without slowing his speed down. Brown also has excellent speed behind him, as once he gets past the defensive line, he is tough to chase down. Much like the first two running backs, Brown can find the endzone often and he has a lot of potential going into his senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15186515/61a6f52ca6806504e43ad910" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121983" first="Demire" last="Thompson"] - Bastrop High School (Bastrop, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 1,327 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns Although he did not find the endzone as much as the other running backs in this list, Thompson still gained tons of yardage for his team. This includes an 80-yard touchdown run vs Cedar Creek. Once more, Thompson is a running back that is incredibly tough to bring down, which allows him to gain more yards. His size aids him in this ability with 6'0" and 185 pounds. What Thompson also has is an ability to catch the ball as well, and not just out of the backfield. He has excellent route-running capabilities and can make some tough catches. Thompson is another running back with a lot of potential to explode in his senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13003796/61919a5a34530605d810b55f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 5. <strong>Daelen Alexander - Weiss High School (Pflugerville, TX)</strong> 2021 Season: 1,272 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns When it comes to speed, Alexander is also unmatched. His speed and agility are incredible, so much so he should be nicknamed The Flash if he does not already have a nickname. On top of his speed, he is always able to keep his feet moving somehow, even when he bounces off of would-be tacklers. Whether it is receiving on a screen or shooting from the backfield, Alexander is capable of going all the way down the field in just seconds. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13221605/619d308919afc10b04e69606" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>