5 Central Texas Running Backs Making Their Mark

Central Texas has long been known for producing top-tier football talent, and the running back position is no exception. From powerful ball carriers to elusive playmakers, this region has been home to some of the most dynamic athletes on the gridiron. In this article, we'll highlight five standout running backs from Central Texas who have proven their skills and continue to make a name for themselves for the upcoming 2025 season.    Trae is a smooth, instinctive runner who plays beyond his years. He has a natural feel for finding lanes, setting up blocks, and making defenders miss in space. As a sophomore he rushed for 1,428 yards, 195 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. As A junior he rushed for 609 rushing yards and 10 TD's . His body control and vision, showing patience when needed but hitting the hole with urgency. Trae also brings value as a pass catcher, making him a complete back who can stay on the field all three downs. His football IQ and natural playmaking ability make him stand out every time he touches the ball. With offers from Fordham, Air Force, and UTEP already on the table, Trae's just scratching the surface of his potential.      After spending his first three years at Del Valle High School, he transferred to Weiss High School for his senior year, where he's shown growth both as a ball carrier and a pass-catcher. On film, Dent displays excellent vision and agility, consistently making defenders miss in the open field. His quick feet and burst through the hole make him a threat on inside and outside runs. What sets him apart is his ability to contribute in the passing game—he's shown reliable hands and the ability to run crisp routes out of the backfield. This added dimension makes him a dual-threat who can cause problems for defenses in multiple ways.      Bryce is a versatile and tough minded back who operates within a Wing-T offensive system a rarity in today's spread dominated landscape. He's got decent speed, but what stands out more is his vision between the tackles, ability to stay patient behind blocks, and finish runs with low pad level. What makes him especially intriguing is his ability to stress a defense pre- and post-snap. In the Wing-T, he's asked to read keys, sell fakes, pass protect, and contribute in misdirection-heavy schemes      Gary Jefferson Jr. is a dynamic playmaker who truly does it all. He's a versatile weapon with legit speed and explosive ability in space. Whether he's lining up at receiver, taking handoffs out the backfield, or flipping field position as a returner, Gary is a constant threat to take it the distance. His ability to contribute as a WR, RB, punt returner, and kick returner makes him one of the most valuable and electric players on the field.        Noah is a well-rounded athlete with a strong combination of vision, burst, and physicality. He's a patient runner who lets plays develop, but when he sees a crease hemake sure to hit the hole with speed. His frame allows him to absorb contact and keep his balance through arm tackles, while his footwork and lateral quickness make him elusive in tight spaces. What separates him is his ability to contribute in all phases he can run inside with toughness, bounce outside with speed, and catch the ball out of the backfield, making him a true three down back. He understands leverage, sets up defenders well, and finishes runs with intent. With the right system and continued development, he has the tools to be a major impact player at the next level.     The running back position continues to evolve, with these five players representing the diverse skill sets that make the modern backfield dynamic. From power runners who can grind out tough yards to elusive backs capable of breaking away at any moment, each of these athletes brings something unique to the table. Whether it's their vision, agility, or ability to read defenses, they all embody the importance of versatility in today's game. As they continue to develop and refine their craft, it will be exciting to see how they impact their respective teams and make their mark on the league.

Central Texas has long been known for producing top-tier football talent, and the running back position is no exception. From powerful ball carriers to elusive playmakers, this region has been home to some of the most dynamic athletes on the gridiron. In this article, we'll highlight five standout running backs from Central Texas who have proven their skills and continue to make a name for themselves for the upcoming 2025 season.