Waco’s Ground Game: Rising Running Back Stars Making Noise

<p>The Waco area is buzzing with running back talent, both from inside the city and surrounding communities. Local backs are making waves with explosive performances, showcasing a mix of speed, power, and vision that keeps defenses on their heels. From veterans who have been consistent playmakers to rising stars emerging on the regional stage, these athletes are proving that Waco and its neighboring towns are producing some of the most dynamic backs in Central Texas. Whether it's punishing runs between the tackles, breaking off long gainers, or showing versatility as receiving threats out of the backfield, these players are making their mark week after week. Their performances are drawing attention not only from local fans but also from recruiters across the state, signaling that Waco is becoming a hotspot for running back talent ready to shine on bigger stages.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ja'Marlon was unstoppable from start to finish, powering through defenses with vision, balance, and breakaway speed. He piled up 421 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, showing he can hit the home run on any carry while also grinding out the tough yards inside. Every time he touched the ball, the defense was on its heels, and he proved to be the ultimate game changer for his team's offense.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/R_Brauninger/status/1966691955858927828 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jaylen put on a show of his own, coming close to the 400 yard mark on the ground while scoring 3 touchdowns. He consistently ripped off chunk plays, wearing down the defense and proving he can carry an offense. His combination of power and speed made him nearly impossible to bring down, and he delivered big every time his team needed a spark.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jaaylen2x/status/1969440343738171755 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Joshiah showed he can be a difference maker at the RB spot, running with toughness and patience while finding seams to attack. He has the burst to break into the second level and the strength to fight through contact, making him a reliable option to move the chains and keep drives alive.<br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Nealy is a true power back the kind of runner who thrives on contact and wears defenses down over four quarters. He lowers his pads, drives his legs, and consistently picks up tough yards between the tackles. With his strength and downhill style, Nealy is the type of back who can control the tempo of a game and punish defenders every time he touches the ball.<br></p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Lathan may have already exploded for 500 yards and 8 touchdowns in one game, but he's not done yet. With plenty of football left this season, he's focused on elevating his game even more sharpening his reads, improving his burst through the hole, and finding ways to be even more dominant. If this performance is just the beginning, defenses better be ready because Lathan is only getting stronger as the season goes on.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LathanWhisento/status/1970169820844110182 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">CJ, a member of the Class of 2028, is already proving to be a special talent. He nearly hit the 400 yard mark with 5 touchdowns, showing off rare explosiveness and vision for such a young back. Every time he touched the ball, he created problems for the defense hitting big runs, finishing with power, and flashing the kind of upside that makes him one to watch in the future.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Cj_glover12/status/1964866234832597261 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Brody has been nothing short of dominant this season, putting up video-game numbers. On the ground, he's carried the ball 69 times for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing both efficiency and explosiveness every time he lines up in the backfield. But he's not just a runner. Brody has also proven to be a reliable target in the passing game, hauling in 11 receptions for 208 yards and 2 more scores. His versatility makes him a complete offensive weapon who can hurt defenses in multiple ways.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Deleon2Brody/status/1969824195820269648 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jaden has been an absolute force this season, racking up 764 rushing yards at an incredible 17.1 yards per carry while finding the end zone 12 times. His ability to break off huge runs on every touch makes him a nightmare for defenses, and his combination of speed, vision, and power ensures he's a constant threat from snap to whistle. Every carry is a potential highlight, and he's quickly establishing himself as one of the top backs to watch this year.<br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jsimp_boi/status/1970385935964729732 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Evan has been a powerhouse in the backfield this season, rushing for <strong>853 yards and 7 touchdowns</strong>. He combines vision, speed, and toughness to consistently pick up big chunks of yardage, making him a go-to option whenever his team needs a spark. Evan's balance and ability to break tackles keep defenses on their heels, and he's proven he can carry the load game after game.<br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/evanfinis/status/1969821656127258662 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Brian has been a consistent force in the backfield, rushing for over 600 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. He combines power, vision, and quickness to move the chains and break off explosive plays, making him a constant threat for any defense. Brian's ability to find the gaps and finish runs strong shows he can carry a heavy workload while keeping the offense dynamic.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>      <p class="text-gray-700">AJ has been a touchdown machine from the backfield, finding the end zone 7 times this season. He brings a combination of speed, vision, and physicality that allows him to break off big runs and consistently pick up tough yards. AJ's ability to punch it in from close range or turn a small hole into a huge gain makes him a key weapon for his team's offense.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AjxMorrison/status/1791934932857548896 </div></figure>    <p>From Waco's city limits to the surrounding communities, these running backs are proving they belong in the conversation as some of the top talents in Central Texas. Whether it's punishing carries, breaking off explosive runs, or making plays in the passing game, each player is leaving their mark on the field. With so many dynamic backs emerging from the area, it's clear that Waco and its neighboring towns will continue to produce game-changing talent for years to come.</p>

The Waco area is buzzing with running back talent, both from inside the city and surrounding communities. Local backs are making waves with explosive performances, showcasing a mix of speed, power, and vision that keeps defenses on their heels. From veterans who have been consistent playmakers to rising stars emerging on the regional stage, these athletes are proving that Waco and its neighboring towns are producing some of the most dynamic backs in Central Texas. Whether it's punishing runs between the tackles, breaking off long gainers, or showing versatility as receiving threats out of the backfield, these players are making their mark week after week. Their performances are drawing attention not only from local fans but also from recruiters across the state, signaling that Waco is becoming a hotspot for running back talent ready to shine on bigger stages.