Class of 2025: Top Running Backs in WNY
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Most schools are following the NFL way of being a “Passing League” but I firmly believe in all levels of football that if you can’t run the ball (or have a threat of running the ball) you can’t win. This…
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Continue ReadingMost schools are following the NFL way of being a “Passing League” but I firmly believe in all levels of football that if you can’t run the ball (or have a threat of running the ball) you can’t win. This is a list of my top incoming Seniors that control the ground game in Section VI and the Monsignor Martin League.
Not to discredit the Running Backs to follow but Brayden Tryon Brayden Tryon 5’8″ | 155 lbs | RB Maryvale | 2025 State NY is my #1 ranked at this position. I love the way he plays; it’s all business on the field. He plays with a humility you don’t see very often. Tryon was the featured back for a dynamic Maryvale rushing attack, gaining 1,214 yards on the ground and an amazing 24 touchdowns on just 123 carries (averaging 9.9 yards per carry and 1 touchdown for every 5 rushing attempts). 2023 was a remarkable season as Brayden earned 1st Team All Western New York and All State Honorable Mention honors. He was also a Connolly Cup finalist. Because of his strength, balance, and impeccable vision, he was a menace for opposing defenses. Tryon also has blazing speed as half of his rushing touchdowns were from at least 40 yards out. He has received many collegiate camp invites but with another season coming up, I fully expect him to be a highly scouted player in 2024.
As the Offensive Player of the year for Class A2, Christian Earnst Christian Earnst 5’10” | 205 lbs | ATH North Tonawanda | 2025 State NY was the Section VI rushing leader in 2023 with 1,082 yards. He had 16 touchdowns, 5 of which went for 50 yards or more showing off his excellent speed. He is also quick with extraordinary balance. His vision is one of the best in the area. Among other accolades, Earnst earned 2nd team All Western New York and 3rd team All State. This season brought Christian several Junior Day invitations. His Senior season will be one to monitor as his collegiate opportunities will shine.
Highlights
Daquan Stone
Daquan Stone
If there is a player physically ready to play college football it is Daquan Stone. In his first year on varsity, Stone gained All Western New York honors rushing for 729 yards and 10 touchdowns. He wasn’t a major factor in the passing game but at 6’2 over 220 lbs., he offers a big target as a safety valve. Daquan is a big, powerful, bulldozing Running Back that also possesses the speed to break off a long gain. He is a physical specimen that should garner much deserved collegiate attention in 2024.
Giorgio Panepinto
Giorgio Panepinto
A 1st team All Catholic Running Back and an All Western New York honoree, Giorgio Panepinto is a versatile athlete as a rusher, receiver and returner. Panepinto struggled statistically but he was the focal point of the Marauder offense in 2023. He has great balance and has a determination that to never go down upon first contact. Panepinto is a two way football player and a two sport star at St. Joe’s. He is sure to commit to an excellent college and be a superb student-athlete.
Jahkwon Davis Jahkwon Davis RB Lockport | 2025 State NY has a great cut step with excellent footwork. He is incredibly fast as the offensive scheme is designed to get him outside the tackles to work the sidelines. After playing sparingly as a Sophomore, Davis’s usage increased immensely in 2023 and was awarded 2nd team All-League. At this rate, Jahkwon Davis Jahkwon Davis RB Lockport | 2025 State NY should be a name to look for this upcoming season.
Joe Richardson received many accolades in 2023; 1st Team All League, 4th Team All State and All Western New York Honorable Mention. He displays patience when following his blockers and is an explosive, tough runner between the tackles. His speed makes him a nightmare in the open field. In 2 years on varsity, Richards has improved every season going from 410 yards in 2022 to 746 yards as a Junior. In his Senior year he should be looking for 1,000 yards and several collegiate offers.