Sophomore Sleeper Running Backs
Today, we’re out in the great state of Missouri looking at some sleeper running backs in the 2025 class. The group as of right now is quite unheralded, entering their second high school season. Some made an immediate impact at…
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Continue ReadingToday, we’re out in the great state of Missouri looking at some sleeper running backs in the 2025 class. The group as of right now is quite unheralded, entering their second high school season. Some made an immediate impact at the varsity level, while others performed well at the lower levels.
Regardless of what level they played at, these guys showed a ton of promise and should be names to watch over the next three years. Look for them to have an even bigger role this fall, and it could soon lead to even more recruiting attention. Their time is most certainly coming. With that being said, here’s which sophomore running back sleepers you need to know!
Ryver Peppers, 5’11” 165, Fort Osage
- Plenty of build-up speed.
- Slippery through contact at all three levels.
- Has the vision to spot incoming defenders overpursuing.
- Tool-box is deep enough to provide value as a perimeter receiver.
- Can get extremely creative with his burst and body control.
Travon Pankey, 6′ 185, Oak Park
- Has a long frame for a running back.
- Makes a decision and sticks to it on outside zone runs.
- Easy hips give defenders nightmares in the open field.
- Has some major pop behind his punch as a blocker.
- Play strength allows him to muscle past arm tackles with no change in speed.
Jyren Green, 5’10” 150, Fort Zumwalt West
- Outstanding contact balance in traffic.
- Has the speed to get to the perimeter and pick up free yards if an edge isn’t set.
- Once he gets going, watch out, this young man is dynamic with a full head of steam.
- His cuts are sharp & crisp with no wasted steps.
- He’s an able pass protector who can hold his own on half slide or full slide schemes.
DJ Harris, 5’8″ 175, Grain Valley
- Runs low behind his shoulder pads.
- Has a physicality beyond his years as a blocker.
- Can pick up the dirty yards & move the chains in short yardage scenarios.
- Has proven to be a stellar pass catcher out of the backfield.
- He plays with a certain toughness that isn’t easy to find in a smaller back.
Aaron Johnson, 5’9″ 190, Christian Brothers
- Has a lower half that defenders seem to bounce right off of.
- Has a subtle sidestep in his repertoire that makes defenders look silly.
- Stiff arm creates an abundance of YAC.
- Looks to deliver punishing hits as an in-the-box runner.
- Radar to spot unblocked defenders is always on high alert.