Running Backs to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the high school football season starts to wind down, it is time to highlight several running backs to watch out for over the next few games. In this article, we are going to highlight several running backs to keep an eye on over the next few weeks. Several of the running backs mentioned today have an excellent shot at the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194187' first='Grady' last='Ohman']-Running Back-Hot Springs Lakeside-5'10” 215-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each Friday night, [player_tooltip player_id='1194187' first='Grady' last='Ohman'] does a great job of showcasing what a patient running back that he is. Ohman allows his offensive linemen to clear a path before exploding through the lane. He uses his vision well to scan the defense and figure out which path will lead to the biggest gain. Ohman shakes off tackles well and will not go down on initial contact. He has rushed for 901 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. I expect him to have a strong close to the 2024 football season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1346246' first='Xavier' last='Harrell']-Running Back-Nettleton-5'7” 170-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nettleton running back is one of the most elusive running backs in the state of Arkansas. Harrell is able to use his speed to slip away from tacklers using his speed. He is a nightmare to bring down in the open field. Harrell can kick it into a second gear in the open field. He has rushed for 764 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season. I expect the Nettleton running back to continue to add to the total over the next few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.']-Running Back-Forrest City-5'10” 205-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.'] is a player that excels at the running back position. He has the vision to read the defense. Young Jr. allows the rushing lanes to develop, and he explodes into the second level. The Forrest City running back wears down an opposing defense the more he carries the football. Young Jr. has rushed for over 500 yards this season and is setting the stage to close out the 2024 season in impressive fashion. He is a player to watch out for over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1396707' first='Kiandrea' last='Barker']-Running Back-Newport-6'0” 190-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1396707' first='Kiandrea' last='Barker'] is one of the most explosive running backs in the Natural State. He has the ability to easily run through tackles. Barker chooses his rushing lanes wisely and that allows him to break into the second level. Up to this point in the season, Barker has rushed for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a threat to take it the distance from anywhere on the field. I expect Barker to close out the 2024 season in strong fashion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1525361' first='Gabriel' last='Holmes']-Running Back-Gravette-6'0” 225-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gravette running back is a physical runner that will deliver punishment to opposing tacklers. He has no problem running through opposing defenders. Holmes has the ability to be more effective running the ball as the game wears on. Gravette has always been able to run the ball well and Holmes shows what he can do running between the tackles. The Gravette running back is a player to watch out for as the playoffs approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->