Sophomore Season Spotlight: Houston Running Backs

As everyone's regular season comes to an end, it's a great time to look back at what was a thrilling campaign filled with awesome storylines across the state. In H-Town, we've seen another season highlighted on the offensive side by massive trench battles and dominant ball carriers. While the older backs get most of the love, the Class of 2028 RBs have balled out this year as well. Here are five sophomores that have dominated on the ground this season.    Another dominant season for Simon and the Dawgs' offense, the only difference is that this year, he has produced the greatest RB season in school history. With one game remaining, La Porte is 8-1 and it's in large part thanks to the explosive power and speed of their start tailback. One of the best players in the state, regardless of position or class, Sean runs with a strong frame, great pad-level, and violent footwork. "F-150" excels at running behind his pads and falling forward through contact. While often noted for his power and balance, Simon also showcases explosive speed at all levels. With a ridiculous four 250+ yard contests, Sean has officially amassed 2,000 yards rushing along with 24 touchdowns. With offers from schools such as Tennessee, Arizona State, and SMU, get your popcorn ready for Simon's playoff production.      One of the most electric offensive stars across the country, Micah displays elite burst through the line of scrimmage and runs with explosiveness through the second level. Rhodes showcases great vision and suddenness in his cuts, setting up his blocks and then making defenders miss. He has very little wasted movement and smooth but violent change of direction. A true all-purpose back, Micah also provides immense value in the passing game as both a receiver and blocker. While the Panthers' star playmaker doesn't have stat totals posted for the season, it's sure to say he's somewhere over 1,500 yards and 20 TDs in a dominant season. With an offer list that includes schools such as Ohio State, Georgia, and Oklahoma, Rhodes will look to continue leading the offense into a deep playoff run.      Thomas is a high-waisted all-purpose back who showcases great vision, elusiveness, and contact balance. He thrives at running behind his pads, keeping his feet moving in and out of cuts, and accelerating downfield. Ian possesses a unique combination of instinctiveness and explosiveness as a ball carrier. He also is very productive and polished in the receiving game out of the backfield. Taking a massive jump from a potential-flashing freshman season, Thomas has compiled over 1,250 total yards and 16 touchdowns through 9 games this year. The slender slashing tailback has helped lead the Cougars to a 7-2 record and will look to add to offers from Texas Tech, Houston, and UTSA after a deep playoff run.      A twitchy quick-footed back with plenty of speed at all levels, Brown has been a bright spot throughout a disappointing season for the Mavericks. While not the largest RB in the state, Cameron consistently breaks tackles with physicality and contact balance. He showcases loose hips and intentional footwork in his cuts, constantly making defenders miss, keeping his eyes downfield, and accelerating for six. Last week, Brown officially surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and he will look to finish the season strong and likely progress his recruitment into the postseason.      A lengthy powerful back, Simpson displays long strides and explosive cuts, beating defenders with a combination of size and burst. He excels at setting up his blocks, weaving in and out of running lanes with vertical cuts, and running through contact. Deron seemingly always breaks the first tackle and often drags defenders downfield, picking up a ton of extra yardage. He's been a big play machine this year for the Eagles, averaging over 10 yards per game. After a slow start, Simpson has helped wheel the Eagles to a 5-game win streak, and he has totaled over 900 yards and 13 TDs this season. With offers from UTSA and Texas State, Deron will look to stay electrifying through the playoffs.      Swan is an instinctive ball carrier with sudden lateral cutback ability and the speed-power combo to run both between the tackles and outside. He showcases explosive burst through the line of scrimmage and the ability to bounce off tackles like a pinball. Royce runs behind his pads with quick feet and excels at accelerating out of his cuts, beating defenders out of the second level. Averaging 8 yards per tote this season, Swan has totaled nearly 700 yards and 12 TDs through 9 contests. The Oilers are undefeated and have their sights set on a state title run with the help of one of their star playmakers. Watch out for Swan on the recruiting trail as the season wraps up.

As everyone's regular season comes to an end, it's a great time to look back at what was a thrilling campaign filled with awesome storylines across the state. In H-Town, we've seen another season highlighted on the offensive side by massive trench battles and dominant ball carriers. While the older backs get most of the love, the Class of 2028 RBs have balled out this year as well. Here are five sophomores that have dominated on the ground this season.