Between the Tackles: 2028 Running Backs Bringing the Heat

<p>Texas continues to be one of the premier pipelines for elite running back talent, and the Class of 2028 is no exception. This sophomore group features several rushers who have already flashed high-level ability and are positioning themselves for breakout junior campaigns. These are names to know as they prepare for the spotlight.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is a workhorse back at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds who rushed for 1,037 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2025. He brings a physical presence with strong vision and decisive downhill running.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with good pad level, has a natural feel for cutback lanes, and possesses enough speed to separate at the second level. His nose for the end zone and consistent production make him one of the top backs to know out of West Texas.</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/Zeyvion_Johnson/status/2000957429807505834?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Glover put together a breakout sophomore campaign with 1,156 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns. He combines breakaway speed with quickness and shows the ability to run effectively both between the tackles and in space.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His vision and explosiveness make him a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. With offers from UTSA and Texas Tech, Glover is expected to be one of the most productive backs in Texas again in 2026.</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/2000673104566051213?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Simpson is one of the most productive returning sophomores, rushing for 1,178 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is a powerful runner with a strong lower body and a compact build that allows him to break tackles consistently.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with authority and aggression, pairing power with enough wiggle to make defenders miss in space. His explosiveness downhill and excellent pad level make him a tough assignment. With offers from Iowa State, SMU, Texas State, San Diego State, and UTSA, Simpson's recruitment is trending upward and could reach double digits soon.</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/D3ronSimpson/status/1995598674022596856?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Littleton is an under-the-radar playmaker with high-end quickness and lateral agility. He thrives in open space, where his ability to make defenders miss and his elite cutback ability become evident. His low center of gravity and burst make him difficult to square up.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He also contributes defensively at defensive back, highlighting his athleticism and versatility. With camp invites from Eastern Illinois and Drake, expect more programs to take notice as he enters his junior season.</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/m1kelittleton/status/1989763245033357789?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph had a standout sophomore season, rushing for 1,054 yards and 16 touchdowns while earning 2-4A Division II Newcomer of the Year honors. He brings a dangerous combination of breakaway speed, quickness, and elite cutback ability.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His vision and ability to recognize blocking schemes, including blitz pickup, set him apart as a complete back. With an offer from Tulane and a recent visit to Texas Tech, Joseph is quickly gaining traction and is poised to generate major buzz in West Texas.</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/KaidenJ_7/status/2005772289070227948?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Dyniewski is a compact, stout runner who thrives between the tackles. He runs with strong forward lean and leverage, consistently finishing runs and wearing down defenses. His vision allows him to find creases, and he shows reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He may not be the most talked-about name yet, but his skill set makes him a prospect worth monitoring moving forward.</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/BlakeDyniewski/status/1992745705505726552?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Graham brings a powerful yet agile running style. He excels as a one-cut back who gets downhill quickly and runs with purpose. His low center of gravity allows him to absorb contact and keep moving, while his lateral quickness makes him dangerous in the open field.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Graham also adds value as a receiver out of the backfield, giving him three-down potential. He is firmly on college radars and is a name to track closely in the 2028 class.</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/jakeograham/status/1994211908145041630?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Walker turned heads with 744 yards on just 79 carries, demonstrating elite efficiency. He is a dynamic playmaker with speed, elusiveness, and the ability to break tackles at the point of attack. His balance and body control allow him to extend runs, while his receiving ability makes him a true dual-threat weapon out of the backfield.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">With offers from Texas Tech and UTSA already in hand, Walker should play a major role in Shoemaker's offense this season and could see his recruitment take off even further.</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/JosiahWalker08/status/2038422715892117641?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor is a physical, downhill runner who wastes no time attacking the line of scrimmage. He hits the hole decisively and runs with excellent contact balance, consistently bouncing off defenders while maintaining forward momentum. At 6-foot, 196 pounds, he combines size with shiftiness and explosiveness, making him a difficult tackle in space.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He also contributes on special teams, showcasing his speed and toughness with impactful tackles. Taylor is already gaining attention, earning camp invites and has firmly placed himself on college radars heading into the fall.</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/TaylorRobert25/status/2019098999064842265?s=20 </div></figure>

Texas continues to be one of the premier pipelines for elite running back talent, and the Class of 2028 is no exception. This sophomore group features several rushers who have already flashed high-level ability and are positioning themselves for breakout junior campaigns. These are names to know as they prepare for the spotlight.