Regional Semifinals: Impact Running Backs to Watch

<p>The Regional Semifinals stage is where elite running backs separate themselves, and this year's group is stacked with explosive playmakers, workhorse leaders, and rising stars. Each of these athletes has been central to their team's playoff push, whether through game-breaking speed, power between the tackles, or the ability to take over in critical moments. As the competition tightens and every possession matters, expect these backs to be featured early and often as their teams fight for a spot in the next round.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gamble has been an important piece of Dickinson's undefeated run, providing reliability and explosiveness in one of the state's most balanced offenses. His blend of speed, power, and quickness makes him a threat to rip off chunk plays when he reaches the second level. Gamble's ability to create separation in space, push through contact, and read blocks has made him a steady force all season. Colleges have taken notice, with offers from UTSA, Sacramento State, Lamar, UTEP, and Colorado State. As Dickinson moves deeper into the postseason, Gamble's consistency and playmaking ability will remain vital.</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/GatorNationLive/status/1992073099391762507?s=20 </div></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gibson is having a season for the record books. With elite vision, burst, and long-speed, he's the definition of a big-play threat. His Area Round explosion, 321 yards and 8 touchdowns, cemented him as one of the state's most dangerous runners. Now at 2,629 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns, Gibson has elevated Richland's offense to new heights. His recent offer from Michigan reflects his growing national profile. Expect him to be the focal point again this week.</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/JayshonGibson3/status/1993822993366306866?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Baker has emerged as the tone-setter for DeSoto's high-powered offense. His great vision, power, and elite contact balance make him a nightmare for defenses trying to slow him down. With an explosive burst and the ability to run through tackles, he posted a massive 371-yard, 5-touchdown performance in Round Two. His momentum continues to build, and Texas Tech is the latest program to offer. As DeSoto aims for another state title, Baker will be leaned on heavily.</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/SaRodBaker12/status/1992267572394488259?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ingram is the engine behind North Crowley's ground attack. A strong, physical runner between the tackles, he pairs power and forward lean with excellent burst when he hits daylight. His elite quickness in space allows him to make defenders miss, and he's equally dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield. North Crowley leans heavily on his versatility, and he's poised for a major workload against Coppell as the Panthers continue their push toward a deep playoff run.</p>   <p></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Garza is one of the most productive runners in the state this year, combining downhill power with surprising burst and big-play ability. His Round Two domination 302 total yards and 6 touchdowns, showcased just how versatile and explosive he can be. Averaging an eye-popping 20 yards per touch, Garza has carried Alamo Heights through the postseason with consistency and toughness. His commitment to Cornell reflects his strong academic and athletic profile.</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/DK_Garza_21/status/1992389635352461607?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Newton has cemented himself as one of Texas' most complete and dependable running backs. A patient runner with excellent vision, he thrives between the tackles but also has the burst to break long runs. His strength, balance, and natural receiving ability make him a versatile weapon in any situation. With back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons, Newton has proven he can handle a heavy workload and still produce at an elite level. Walnut Grove will continue to lean on its star senior as the games get tougher.</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/Camnewton_2026/status/1993788790515868052?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Robinson is the sparkplug for Prosper's offense. His quickness, burst, and downfield speed allow him to create explosive plays in crucial moments. A steady, productive runner with over 1,000 yards on the season, Robinson excels in tight games where every carry matters. With a huge matchup against Southlake Carroll approaching, Prosper will need Robinson's ability to flip field position and control tempo.</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/b_5starrr/status/1992460836334694858?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hebert is one of the most productive running backs in Texas high school football history. With elite vision and natural instincts, he identifies lanes quickly and accelerates with power and balance. A physical finisher with home-run speed, he's closing in on 8,000 career rushing yards, a testament to his durability and dominance. A 4-star recruit committed to Houston, Hebert enters the Regional Semifinals as one of the most complete backs still playing.</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/JohnHebert79922/status/1978100367788290392?s=20 </div></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Tenner brings a dynamic skill set built on speed, burst, and power. He's a decisive runner with great vision, capable of slicing through defenses and exploding into open space. Highly effective as a receiver, he gives Iowa Colony flexibility in both the run and passing games. When Tenner sees daylight, he gets north in a hurry, making him a constant big-play threat.</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/Aaron_Tenner/status/1992416549525975102?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ashley has been one of the breakout stars of the 2024–25 season. With remarkable vision, burst, and speed for a sophomore, he's already producing like a seasoned veteran. His 231 yards and 2 touchdowns in Round Two further showcased his ability to take over games. At 1,709 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on the year, Ashley has established himself as one of the most exciting young backs in Texas and a key weapon for Terrell's playoff charge.</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/JulianAshley_21/status/1992943465328713760?s=20 </div></figure>

The Regional Semifinals stage is where elite running backs separate themselves, and this year's group is stacked with explosive playmakers, workhorse leaders, and rising stars. Each of these athletes has been central to their team's playoff push, whether through game-breaking speed, power between the tackles, or the ability to take over in critical moments. As the competition tightens and every possession matters, expect these backs to be featured early and often as their teams fight for a spot in the next round.