Byron Brandon Byron Brandon 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Desert Edge | 2028 State AZ is one of those backs where sometimes you have to rewind a run just to figure out how he got through it. There will be traffic in the hole, bodies around his legs, nothing that looks clean, and somehow he slips out of it. That’s what makes him so interesting. The cuts can be subtle to the point where you barely even catch them live, but they’re there, and they’re paired with the kind of vision and lateral agility that let him navigate messy inside runs without panicking. He has a really natural feel for where space is about to open, not just where it currently is, and that lets him slide through tight areas before defenders even realize the gap is there. His acceleration through the line and his ability to find cutback lanes both consistently show up on his tape. One second it looks like the run is bottled up, and the next he’s slipped through a crease and is already working into the second level. He took a huge jump as a sophomore with more than 1,200 rushing yards on 6.6 yards a carry after already getting varsity work as a freshman, and that early productivity says a lot about how naturally the game comes to him. What I also really like is the violence in his style. Even when he gets a clear lane, he runs like he’s trying to take something from the defense. He finishes runs with intent, keeps his legs churning, and rarely lets the first hit stop the play. That kind of effort and edge tends to stick with a back, and it typically creates hidden yards that more passive runners never find. Pair that mentality with his burst and instincts, and you get a runner who constantly stresses a defense even when it feels like the play should already be over.

The top-ranked 2028 running back in the state put together a dominant outing, racking up 25 carries for 250 yards and three touchdowns. He’s an explosive playmaker with natural ball-carrier instincts, showing quick acceleration through the line and the lateral agility to navigate traffic with ease. His vision consistently allows him to identify cutback lanes, and once he finds daylight, he has the breakaway speed to finish drives in the end zone. His early recruiting profile continues to rise, holding offers from Idaho, Sacramento State, and SMU.

Byron Brandon Byron Brandon 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Desert Edge | 2028 State AZ fits right in with the wave of speed Desert Edge has seemed to have coming through the program lately. He’s already picked up his first offer — Idaho jumped in early — and it won’t be his last. Brandon is the kind of back who can hit a crease, make one sharp cut, and be gone. He’s shifty, explosive, and has that stop-start quickness that makes defenders freeze. But he’s not just a finesse guy either — he’s got enough strength to lower the shoulder and power through contact when needed. The thing that stands out most, though, is what happens after the cut. He doesn’t just make a guy miss — he turns it into something big. There’s a real chance he becomes one of the most dangerous backs in the state over the next few years. 

Brandon holds his spot as PRZ’s top ranked RB in the 2028 class. 5’10” 185 lbs. he’s an explosive, well-balanced runner with natural instincts and fluid movement. Shows excellent burst through the hole and lateral quickness to navigate traffic. Good ability to change directions with quick cuts and stay upright through contact. Strong feel for defenders around, using vision and awareness to maximize yardage past the second level. Three D1 offers to date from Idaho, SMU, and Sacramento State.

Brandon comes in as PRZ’s top ranked running back in the initial 2028 state rankings. At 5’10” 185 lbs. he’s a dynamic athlete that is quick and agile through the first level. He’s patient as he allows the play and his blocks to develop and then accelerates through the running lane with speed. He’s decisive when attacking with change of direction and quick cut ability to make defenders miss and break away to space. Low center of gravity and good balance contribute to his ability to make sharp cuts and burst out with little wasted motion. Like his ability to get skinny and squeeze through tight spaces between the tackles. Flashes plus field vision and spatial awareness to find space and know where defenders are to extend gains past the second level. Recently picked up his first offer from Idaho and will move up recruiting boards as he sees more opportunities to showcase his skillset over the next several years.

Byron Brandon Byron Brandon 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Desert Edge | 2028 State AZ from Desert Edge is another name that deserves the spotlight. At 5’9″ and 180 pounds, Brandon is a running back who combines sharp cuts with explosive burst, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to plant his foot, change direction, and leave defenders grasping at air is truly special. But it’s not just the agility — it’s what happens next. Brandon’s burst after a cut allows him to quickly gain yards and turn small plays into big ones. For his size, he’s a strong runner who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder when needed. As he continues to develop, the next step in his game will be improving his pull-away speed to consistently outrun the fastest defensive backs. If he can add that dimension, there’s no telling just how high his ceiling could be.