DFW Rushers Who Dominated Under The Thursday Night Lights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Metroplex was loaded with elite backfield talent Thursday night, as several of North Texas' top running backs delivered eye-popping performances to close out the regular season. From DeSoto to Coppell to McKinney North, ground games ruled the night. Here's a look at the top rushers who put on a show under the lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1646147"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b490"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: 151 yards, 1 touchdown in 49–0 win over Irving</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rhodes continues to showcase why SMU locked him up early. The senior back's acceleration and top-end speed were on full display as he shredded the Irving defense in a dominant shutout win. Rhodes' quick feet, fluid change of direction, and burst through the hole make him a home-run threat every time he touches the football. Lake Highlands looks dangerous heading into the first round of the playoffs, and Rhodes is a big reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["804454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b50c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: 100+ yards, 3 touchdowns in 42–28 win over Rockwall-Heath</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Osborne once again reminded everyone why he's headed to South Bend. The senior back's mix of power, speed, and explosiveness fueled Forney's statement win over Heath. Whether running between the tackles or bouncing outside, Osborne displayed exceptional vision and finishing ability. His physicality at the point of contact and breakaway gear in the open field make him one of the most complete running backs in Texas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1507730"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b564"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: 28 carries, 199 yards, 1 touchdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCray-Jones proved to be a workhorse, carrying the load and wearing down defenders with his combination of power and elusiveness. At nearly 200 yards on 28 carries, he showed excellent leg drive and contact balance, consistently finishing runs through arm tackles. His ability to blend physicality with burst gives him the tools of a complete back. Expect his name to circulate among college recruiters looking for a tough, every-down runner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["799191"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b5b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: 132 yards, 2 touchdowns</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">George continues to flash next-level traits with his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. He runs with a smooth blend of vision and agility, showing great patience behind his blockers before exploding into open lanes. His quickness and shiftiness in space make him a nightmare on the perimeter. Expect his stock to rise as college programs continue to evaluate him this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1563131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b60b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: 16 carries, 235 yards, 6 touchdowns in 53–14 win over Lancaster</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baker was virtually unstoppable, slicing through Lancaster's defense with elite burst and vision. The junior tailback averaged nearly 15 yards per carry and showcased the complete package, acceleration, contact balance, and breakaway speed. Baker's ability to find daylight and explode through the second level was the story of the night. He's emerging as one of the most dangerous all-around backs in the state and continues to strengthen his reputation as the focal point of DeSoto's high-powered offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2035659"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690e29a12b65e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats: 44 carries, 226 yards, 3 touchdowns in loss to Frisco</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Forrester turned in one of the grittiest performances of the night, toting the ball 44 times for 226 yards and three scores. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, he runs with a powerful, downhill style,&nbsp; built low to the ground with a strong lower half and great balance through contact. He hits the hole with authority and can make defenders miss in the open field with subtle lateral movement. Also a standout on defense at OLB and DB, Forrester is a two-way competitor who deserves more recruiting attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->