2027 Running Backs Flying Under the Radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season in Texas is off to a fast start and new names are already beginning to emerge. Today, I wanted to shine some line on some sophomore running backs that are flying under the radar. These guys have had a great start to the 2024 season and should only get better as the season progresses. I will most certainly be monitoring their development this season and the two seasons beyond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1250348' first='Eric' last='Walker'] II, 5'9" 190, Bartlett</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An explosive runner that can get to the edge and create havoc, he's got pristine vision, effortless change of direction, and the speed to out run defenders to the corner. He easily navigates through heavy traffic, he's got excellent body control and has a nasty jump cut in his back pocket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Trey Cook, 5'9" 195, South Hills</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, rugged runner who consistently caps off runs falling forward. He runs with good forward body lean, he can make defenders miss 1 on 1 and has compact cuts that ensure he doesn't overstride. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1609196' first='Kash' last='Schwab'], 5'10" 165, Bridgeland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kash does a good job of reading the blocks in front of him, he can stick his foot in the turf and get north &amp; south in a hurry. He's quick, decisive, and has surprising power for a smaller back. He's got ridiculous balance through contact and his feet never stop churning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='485633' first='Kenyen' last='Cotton'], 5'7" 170, Crowley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sure-handed scatback who can catch a swing out of the backfield and generate an explosive play of twenty yards plus. He's got great patience between the tackles, he pinballs through opposing tackle attempts and uses his size to get lost behind the line before bursting through a seam. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lejuandro Zeigler Jr., 5'10" 190, Copperas Cove</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical runner who loves contact, Zeigler will run through defenders that get in his way and is rarely brought down by the first tackler. He runs angry, will drag tacklers with him, and can pick up an abundance of yards after first contact. I love this kid's playing style and think he puts fear in the eyes of his opponent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ethan Meadows, 5'10" 165, Katy Tompkins</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ethan has the patience, burst, speed, and stop-and-start ability you look for in a back. He accelerates through arm tackle attempts, he follows his pullers &amp; gets downhill, and has the wiggle to make third level defenders miss in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->