Names to Know: Class of 2027 Houston Running Backs

The turf is at its boiling point down in HTX, which means it's just about time for the season to kick off. Always producing exceptional talent across the field, a class and position that particularly sticks out in Space City right now is the 2027 RBs. There is a ton of speed and thump coming out of the Houston backfields right now. If you follow the region's high school football, here are 5 names you'd better know before the season.    LWC possesses an electric burst and the top-end speed to follow into the second level. While not monstrous in size, he plays with strong physicality and great contact balance to break tackles and pop linebackers. Williams-Callis also plays with great vision and cut-back ability. He excels at shifting in and out of gaps and running lanes without losing speed, accelerating downfield. While so explosive, Landen also totes the rock in a polished manner, showcasing good pad-level and footwork. Williams-Callis produced a dominant sophomore season with nearly 2,400 total yards and 45 total touchdowns in 2024. The dynamic back should be in store for another season that reaches the national spotlight. Landen has obtained a long list of offers, including schools such as Texas, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.      The Cubs' electric tailback carries the ball with a versatile combination of power and speed. He displays good burst and great contact balance, constantly lowering his shoulder and breaking tackles. Dixon is also extremely gifted in the pass game, thriving at taking screens and short passes into and past the second level. With a strong frame and great agility, Dixon does a great job of exploding out of his cuts with little wasted movement. As a sophomore, Jakoby was as productive as nearly any back in the state, totaling over 2,500 yards and 34 total touchdowns. Dixon will look to lead Brenham's offense again this season as powerhouse programs such as Oregon, Miami, and Texas continue to offer the talented junior.      Shanks is a great all-purpose back with a strong frame, loose hips, and impressive (10.8) speed. The Falcons' rising star displays a stellar hop cut at the line of scrimmage and great change of direction to make defenders miss through the end of runs. Shanks showcases great pad-level and little wasted movement. Wayne also has great body balance control and the ability to break tackles. He constantly sheds lower-body tackles with spin moves, stiff arms, and everything in between. This is a player who truly never goes down at initial contact. Shanks led Kinkaid to a state championship while producing over 1,900 yards and 27 total touchdowns. The young phenom will look to go back-to-back and continue to build upon his offer list, which already includes Georgia, Ohio State, and Florida.      Sanders projects as a power back at the next level with his size and strength, but make no mistake, he also possesses great overall speed and loose hips. He runs the ball with great vision and patience, constantly setting up his blocks and opening new running lanes. Additionally, Antwon demonstrates the ability to put his foot in the ground and accelerate up field. With good contact balance and consistent pad-level, Sanders is a polished runner primed to impact early at the next level. But for now, he will continue to help lead the Panthers' offense after compiling over 300 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025. Expect Sanders to take a massive leap in his junior season and add to his offer list, already including schools such as Florida State, Texas A&M, and Arizona.      Willis is a high-waisted, twitchy, powerful back with great long speed for the powerhouse Sharks' offense. He demonstrates a great hop cut at the line of scrimmage with great burst to complement it and set himself up for long runs. Willis has loose hips and a great forward-leaning style run that entails a smooth-stride running style and sustainable top-end speed. He also displays very solid hands out of the backfield and the willingness to block in pass protection. There's a lot to be excited about as Tristan steps into a massive junior year for SC after producing nearly 1,000 total yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. Willis holds a plethora of offers from schools, including SMU, Wisconsin, and Mizzou, among others.

The turf is at its boiling point down in HTX, which means it's just about time for the season to kick off. Always producing exceptional talent across the field, a class and position that particularly sticks out in Space City right now is the 2027 RBs. There is a ton of speed and thump coming out of the Houston backfields right now. If you follow the region's high school football, here are 5 names you'd better know before the season.