Potential Texas Breakouts for 2025: Running Backs

The next group of this series will cover what may historically be the most dominant national position group, Texas running backs. With plenty of premier rock-toting prospects across the state, we'll look at five backs destined for a breakout campaign. Time to cover power, agility, and all-purpose as we highlight these athletes on the rise.    The dynamic slashing-style back out of Richland slid under the radar in 2024 as he missed roughly half the season. Gibson was still able to amass 492 yards and 6 TDs on the ground at 7.3 per carry. Gibson demonstrates great lateral quickness, contact balance, and burst through the line of scrimmage. "Fats" also showcases his athleticism with shocking hurdling ability. Holds offers from TCU, Arkansas, and Texas State.      Sanders is another example of a young back who didn't get a full plate of workload last year, looking to make a massive jump in 2025. Antwon fills out a great, powerful frame and accounted for 342 rushing yards with 6 TDs on 6.1 per carry in 2024. The power back looks for a strong junior campaign, as he showcases his break tackle ability, stellar hop-cut, and surprising explosiveness. Look for Sanders to get more involved in the passing game in 2025 and build upon his 6 offers which include A&M, Houston, and Arizona.      It may seem redundant to consider a rising senior who ran for over 1,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns a "breakout candidate", but I believe Gamble still has potential national notoriety to his name. Gamble achieved the honor of 1st Team All-Galveston County thanks to his unique and twitchy run style. While carrying a somewhat small frame, Malachi makes up for it with his physicality. He consistently displays great top-end speed and patience, while never going down on initial contact and always falling forward. Gamble currently holds offers from UTSA, Colorado State, Louisiana Tech, and UTEP.      Regan is another example of a senior RB that doesn't necessarily need to break out, but rather, I believe, has the chance to become a top player in the entire state. The all-purpose back out of New Braunfels has an ideal frame and was elected to the All-Area team in 2024, thanks to nearly 2,000 total yards and 27 TDs. Regan is a smooth-stride runner with loose hips and great hands out of the backfield. With great overall speed, additional progress running between the tackles will continue Jackson's path to a dominant yard-producing machine at the collegiate level. After earning several offers, Regan has committed to the Utah State Aggies.      The sheer speed alone of Jones-Priest should fire up anyone who enjoys dynamic playmakers. Javian carries the pill with ELITE straight-line speed, recently clocking in a 10.49 100-meter dash. After accumulating 450 rushing yards on 11.5 per carry during his sophomore campaign, Jones-Priest is sure to take a massive leap. In 2025, he will continue to build upon his suddenness, incredible speed, and good pad-level with the help of an expanded role and developing lateral change of direction. Jones-Priest should be primed for a thousand-yard season and to continue his list of offers that currently includes Kansas State, UTSA, and Sac State.

The next group of this series will cover what may historically be the most dominant national position group, Texas running backs. With plenty of premier rock-toting prospects across the state, we'll look at five backs destined for a breakout campaign. Time to cover power, agility, and all-purpose as we highlight these athletes on the rise.