Tony could be one of the biggest sleepers at the running back position heading into the 2026 season. While he may not have the same spotlight as some of the more recognized names, he has the ability and mindset to make a major impact once his opportunity arrives. Tony brings a hunger to prove himself and is ready to show what he can do with a bigger role.

What makes sleeper players dangerous is their ability to catch defenses off guard, and Tony has the tools to do exactly that. He has been putting in the work behind the scenes and is ready to unleash his skill set when the season begins.

Tony is a powerful, downhill running back who brings a physical edge every time he touches the ball. With 1,049 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on just 124 carries, he proved he can be both productive and efficient while wearing down defenses.

What separates him is his blend of power and speed. Tony runs through contact with strong leg drive, breaking tackles and pushing piles, but once he gets to the second level, he has the burst to pull away and finish runs. He doesn’t just rely on strength—he has enough acceleration to turn a physical run into an explosive play.

He’s the type of back who sets the tone for an offense, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations, while still having the big-play ability to change momentum. A true power back with speed, Tony is a constant problem for defenses trying to slow him down.

Manuel III brings a classic downhill running style that fits perfectly within a physical offensive scheme. He runs with purpose, consistently getting north-south while showcasing quick feet and solid vision between the tackles. His strong lower body allows him to absorb contact and continue driving forward, making him a reliable option in high-volume situations.

Manuel III turned in an impressive junior season at Katy, rushing for 1,049 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has the speed to break longer runs once he clears the line of scrimmage, but his value is rooted in consistency and toughness. Heading into his senior season, he is expected to take on a primary workload and serve as the offensive centerpiece.

Tony put together a productive camp showing consistency, toughness, and attention to detail throughout the session. During cone drills, he displayed quick feet, good body control, and the ability to change direction smoothly while staying balanced. His speed and explosion were evident as he accelerated quickly out of cuts and reached top gear in a short amount of space. In individual work, he ran with urgency and purpose, showing patience when pressing lanes before bursting through with sudden acceleration. Tony consistently finished runs with physicality, secured the ball well, and approached each rep with a competitive mindset that allowed him to stand out from start to finish.