2023 Rankings – Running Back Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the month of October, we had an update to our prospect rankings. Three weeks ago, we released our first&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank">watch list for the 2026 class</a></strong>. The first rankings for that class will come out in January. Two weeks ago, it was all about the 2025 class. We've updated those rankings to feature the top 75 sophomores in the state. You can check out the full rankings&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2025-rankings/" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>. Last week, we took a look at some of the top juniors in Oklahoma with an update to the 2024 rankings. You can check out the full rankings&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2024-rankings/" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>. This week, we finish up the ranking breakdowns with a look at the 2023 rankings. You can check out the Top 200 Seniors&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2023-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this post, we're taking a look at some of the absolute best running backs in the 2023 class. 10 of the top 11 running backs in the recent ranking update are spotlighted on this breakdown. Stay tuned throughout the week for more 2023 prospect breakdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a607d284e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["157522"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Norman North has been one of the top teams in Class 6A-1 this season and they are a serious contender to not only be the u0022best from the westu0022 but make a run in November. And they've emerged as a top team despite missing star running back [player_tooltip player_id='157522' first='Chapman' last='McKown'] for several games in the middle of the season. With McKown now back in the lineup, the Timberwolves are even stronger with the playoffs right around the corner. McKown had a fantastic junior season and he was supposed to be one of the top running backs in 6A-1 this season. He still is just that, he's just battled some injuries along the way. But the backfield duo of McKown and senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='382965' first='Kamden' last='Sixkiller'] make Norman North not just a darkhorse in 6A-1, but a contender that people need to take seriously.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee090"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a629d284f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199075"],"_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_0_evaluation":"One of the best small school standouts in the state over the last three seasons has been Vian running back [player_tooltip player_id='199075' first='DeSean' last='Mays']. There isn't much else to say when you look at the production of Mays over the last three seasons. He is so incredibly productive and has been a big part of Vian's success over the last three seasons. The Wolverines are once again in the state championship picture this season and Mays is a big part of that. Now, he's been moving around a little bit to make an impact elsewhere while Vian works in their freshman star [player_tooltip player_id='424595' first='Masyn' last='Wright']. But when it comes down to it, Mays is still the go-to back in the Vian offense and should be considered one of the top running backs in this state's 2023 class. He's made 200+ yards and four to five touchdowns seem like a normal routine.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee0cf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a641d2850","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["57158"],"_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_0_evaluation":"With McAlester star [player_tooltip player_id='91049' first='Erik' last='McCarty'] now being listed as a defensive back, that opened up the top spot at the running back position and the new number one running back in the state's 2023 class is Grove standout [player_tooltip player_id='57158' first='Emmanuel' last='Crawford']. The Grove star had an absurd junior season. He added some muscle in the offseason and while the numbers haven't been as impressive, he is a much better running back this season. We saw Crawford in person in late October against defending 5A champion Collinsville and Crawford could not be contained. Even when it looked like three or four Cardinal defenders had him bottled up, they didn't. The best way we can describe it is the old school u0022he couldn't be tackled in a phone boothu0022 analogy. Crawford is so slippery and elusive and then he has the breakaway speed in the open field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee0f8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a65ad2851","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["157514"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Hilldale running back [player_tooltip player_id='157514' first='Eric' last='Virgil'] has been one of the more productive backs in Class 4A over the last three seasons. If the Hornets make a deep run in the playoffs, Virgil could eclipse 2,000 yards rushing on the season. He's been outstanding all year for the Hornets and has been incredibly productive. The only game Virgil was limited this year was against district foe Poteau, another top ten team. But then he bounced back with a big game against another ranked team in Broken Bow. So we will definitely have our eye on Virgil as the Hornets go into the playoffs. We want to see what he does when the competition is at its highest. But there's no argument that Virgil knows how to put up numbers and get into the end zone. He's definitely a prospect to watch at this already deep position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee11f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a675d2852","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["47955"],"_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_0_evaluation":"It's been an unlucky season for Jenks senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='47955' first='Jaiden' last='Carroll']. It began in the season opener when Carroll was ejected from the game and suspended for the next two games. Then Carroll was part of many Jenks starters that have dealt with injuries this season. Over the last few weeks, it appears that Carroll is getting back to full strength, which is bad news for the rest of 6A-1 as the Trojans look for a third consecutive state championship. Despite missing the majority of this season, Carroll is still one of the best running backs in this class when he's healthy. He's so productive at the running back spot and can be a workhorse if you need him to be. It seems like Carroll very rarely gets brought down behind the line of scrimmage and he's as close to a lock to gaining at least five yards as you'll find.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee14c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a692d2853","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["98176"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The word u0022underratedu0022 gets thrown around a lot when it comes to recruiting and high school athletes. It's definitely a buzzword on websites like ours. But there's no better word to describe Choctaw running back [player_tooltip player_id='98176' first='La'Trell' last='Ray']. He is one of the more underrated prospects in the state and not just in the 2023 class. A lot of the attention with Choctaw goes to Ray's backfield mate with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='38780' first='Steele' last='Wasel']. But take a closer look at the Yellowjacket offense and Ray is such a critical part to what they do. The combination of running ability and even catching the ball out of the backfield makes Ray such a fun prospect to watch and evaluate. Ray has been having another strong season and we're looking forward to seeing how far he and the Yellowjackets can go in November.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee182"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a6abd2854","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["57161"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Chickasha senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='57161' first='Malek' last='Murphy'] has been playing lights out football all season. We've been waiting for this from him since we saw him following his sophomore season. We've long believed that Murphy was one of the best backs in Class 4A and a top ten guy at the position in the 2023 class. But we wanted to see it under the lights on a Friday night. He's produced this year in a big way. Last week, he eclipsed 2,000 yards rushing for the season after going for more than 400 yards in week nine. He has another game where he ran for at least 300 yards. Murphy has been outstanding this season and has been the unstoppable running back that we had seen flashes of in the last two offseasons. As his senior tape makes the rounds, college coaches are going to take notice.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee1b0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a6cbd2855","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["51871"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Similar to a few other prospects on this breakdown, Bishop McGuinness running back [player_tooltip player_id='51871' first='Mike' last='Taffe'] has been on the radar since his freshman and sophomore seasons. We first saw Taffe as a freshman when he was at Millwood and he has become one of the best backs in the state over the last three seasons at Bishop McGuinness. The one time we saw Taffe in person was their only loss of the year as they fell to rival Carl Albert. But even in that game, Taffe was an absolute machine. McGuinness fed him the rock time after time and every time Taffe delivered. He had ten carries on their first drive alone. Taffe committed to Lindenwood in the last couple months and that's a good get for them. They're heading to the D1 level soon and Taffe has the potential to make an impact as they make that transition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee1e0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a6e7d2856","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199948"],"_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_0_evaluation":"An intriguing running back prospect to watch is Stillwater running back [player_tooltip player_id='199948' first='Noah' last='Roberts']. We've known about Roberts since last year when he and [player_tooltip player_id='215207' first='Holden' last='Thompson'] split carries as the Pioneers replaced the school's all time leading rusher in Qwontrel Walker. Roberts turned into the workhorse this year with Thompson missing the entire season with a knee injury and Roberts has delivered. He's incredibly quick and has been unbelievably productive all season. In Stillwater's nine games, he's scored at least two touchdowns in eight of them. Roberts is a smaller back but he has shown that he can be a variety of things for an offense at the next level. We're going to be keeping a close eye on Roberts and the Pioneers as they have their biggest test of the year this week against Muskogee.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee214"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362a709d2857","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["57205"],"_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_0_evaluation":"We tried to warn you back in July that Millwood was going to be bouncing back in a big way in 2022 after a rare season in which they missed the playoffs in 2021. The Falcons are back in the playoffs as district champs and a big reason behind that is senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='57205' first='Rickey' last='Hunt Jr'] as he's helped lead Millwood this season. This dynamic player has played just about every skill position there is on the offensive side of the ball and he's also made an impact in the return game as well as on defense. Hunt has consistently been one of the top prospects at his position since we started ranking the 2023 class. And in the last month, Hunt announced that he would be making his commitment in early November. Well, we've flipped the calendar to the eleventh month of the year so that commitment should be coming pretty soon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0255ee248"} /-->