Top 4A Running Backs: Speed, Power, and Vision

When the stakes are high, and the turf is burning under Friday night lights, these 4A running backs have proven their mettle. These athletes have left their mark on Colorado high school football by combining blistering speed, incredible field vision, and a knack for finding the end zone. Here are the top 4A running backs to watch as they dominated the gridiron this past season.    Despite his modest frame, [player_tooltip player_id='1355583' first='Avier' last='Elvira'] plays much more significant than his size. Tallying 1,455 yards on just 153 carries, Elvira averaged an eye-popping 9.5 yards per carry and crossed the goal line 17 times. His career-defining performance against Vista Ridge—where he racked up 290 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns—cemented his reputation as a game-changer.     This sophomore phenom delivered a dual-threat performance, rushing for 1,404 yards on 171 carries at 8.2 yards per rush while scoring 15 touchdowns. As if that wasn't enough, Mangrum added 551 passing yards and eight passing TDs, showcasing his versatility. He's just scratching the surface of his potential.     Lockett brings a lethal combination of power and speed, rushing for 1,369 yards on 160 carries at a dazzling 8.6 yards per carry, paired with 22 rushing TDs. He was not just a threat on the ground; he threw for 1,274 yards and 15 passing touchdowns with just five interceptions. A track star to boot, his 10.9 seconds in the 100 meters and 49.5 seconds in the 400 meters show why he's one of the most explosive athletes in the state.     Torres's relentless running style led him to rack up 1,336 yards on 179 carries with 15 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per rush. His consistency and workhorse mentality made him the backbone of Broomfield's offensive attack.     Veazy's 7.5 yards-per-carry average on 171 carries for 1,271 yards highlighted his efficiency and explosiveness. He added 18 touchdowns to his resume, demonstrating a nose for the end zone, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.     Fernengal proved himself a model of durability and grit, logging 196 carries for 1,248 yards and nine touchdowns. His ability to churn out tough yardage made him a critical piece of Air Academy's offensive puzzle.     Grijalva's 1,184 rushing yards on 151 carries with 13 touchdowns underscore his reliability and big-play capability. With an additional 172 receiving yards and one touchdown, Grijalva showed he can contribute in multiple game phases.     Chineth's versatility shines through, with 1,176 rushing yards on 164 carries for 13 touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. His 131 receiving yards and one touchdown add another dimension to his game, as does his 115 passing yards and two passing TDs.     Martinez carried the ball 175 times for 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns, proving to be a consistent and reliable offensive weapon. His ability to handle a heavy workload makes him a valuable asset for Grand Junction's offense.     McFarland made the most of his touches, amassing 1,113 yards on just 117 carries for a jaw-dropping average of 9.5 yards per carry. His 12 touchdowns punctuate his ability to deliver big plays when it matters most.

When the stakes are high, and the turf is burning under Friday night lights, these 4A running backs have proven their mettle. These athletes have left their mark on Colorado high school football by combining blistering speed, incredible field vision, and a knack for finding the end zone. Here are the top 4A running backs to watch as they dominated the gridiron this past season.