Sophomore Season Spotlight: DFW Running Backs

<p>As the temperatures finally cool and playoff previews prevail, it is also a great time to recap some of the special moments and players the 2025 regular season brought us. Statewide, Texas continues to make its case for being the "RBU" of high school football, churning out another elite senior class. However, not enough attention is being brought to the electricity encapsulated in the class of 2028 Lonestar RBs. From elusive speedsters to downright bruisers, check out five of the top sophomore backs from this season. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">A shifty workhorse back, Stephens was one of the most productive and explosive playmakers in the state this season. With a slim frame and rapid, intentional footwork, King slides in and out of running lanes as they open and close. Though not the largest back out there, Stephens runs as physically as anyone, constantly breaking initial contact and bouncing off defenders, showcasing great contact balance. He also provided immense value to his offense in the passing game, with consistent hands and after-the-catch ability. In 9 contests, King remarkably compiled over 1,750 total yards and 17 total TDs. In a tough season for the Hornets, Stephens was a massive bright spot, and don't be surprised when his name picks up motion on recruiting boards.</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/king_stephens22/status/1984722424479318125?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ward is a high-waisted back with great burst through the line of scrimmage and vision at all three levels. He displays twitchiness and violent vertical cut ability when toting the rock. DJ also does a great job of running behind his pads and falling forward through contact. He has a twitchy physical running style, accelerating through lower-body contact, and showcasing the ability to run between the tackles or get outside. When you watch Ward take the handoff, he is seemingly shot out of a cannon, already putting defenders at a disadvantage. In only 8 games played, DJ stacked up an incredible 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. Recently picking up an offer from Texas State, don't be surprised if he helps lead his Pirates on a deep playoff run.</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/DJWardJr/status/1988746087847588339?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A polished all-purpose back with great pad-level, vision, and patience, Smith-Adams is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in the '28 class. He totes the rock with little wasted movement, bending and weaving through lanes with acceleration and precision. With savvy footwork and great speed at all levels of the field, Jatavion is a phenomenal tailback. He also showcases elite abilities in the passing game, with hands like a receiver and thrilling moves that make you miss after the catch. A true all-purpose back, Smith-Adams totaled over 650 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground, along with 326 and 2 scores receiving in just 8 games. After a tough finish to the Lions' season, expect Jatavion's name to pick up traction on the recruiting trail.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Ashley is an absolute rocket out of the backfield, showcasing electric (4.4) speed and violent cutback ability. He runs the ball with short strides and a ton of twitchiness. Julian runs downhill with physicality at all times, excelling at putting his foot in the ground and exploding out of his cuts. He also demonstrates big-play ability in the receiving game, often taking screen passes into the third level. The Tigers' offensive star had an incredible regular season, amassing 1,200 yards and adding 19 TDs. Recently picking up an offer from Southern, Ashley and the Tigers are 10-0 and looking to bring home a state championship.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">With a menacing, Jeanty-esque stance in the backfield, Utubor boasts a strong, compact frame and runs with power and agility. He rumbles and tumbles through the second and third levels, always falling forward with stellar contact balance. Jonathan likes to hit holes with patience, timing his cuts to accelerate when defenders become vulnerable. With his rare combination of power, speed, and athleticism, Utubor is also an extremely valuable piece to the Raiders' passing game, as both a receiver and blocker. Undefeated thus far, Jonathan has led the Raiders on offense with nearly 900 yards and 14 total touchdowns. Watch out for his name across recruiting boards, but as for now, Utubor is focused on a championship vision.</p>

As the temperatures finally cool and playoff previews prevail, it is also a great time to recap some of the special moments and players the 2025 regular season brought us. Statewide, Texas continues to make its case for being the "RBU" of high school football, churning out another elite senior class. However, not enough attention is being brought to the electricity encapsulated in the class of 2028 Lonestar RBs. From elusive speedsters to downright bruisers, check out five of the top sophomore backs from this season.