SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top 10 running backs to watch heading into the upcoming 2024 high school football season in West Texas:
Sutten Silerio, Mason, Sr.
Silerio is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,118 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games to earn Offensive MVP honors in District 14-2A Division I. With his entire offensive line returning, Silerio is primed for an even bigger season in 2024. He has won three medals at the state track meet, so he has plenty of breakaway speed. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder also earned honorable mention on the all-state team last year as a linebacker.
Christian Villarreal, Ozona, Jr.
Villarreal was a big play waiting to happen during a breakout season last fall for the Lions. Averaging 7.8 yards per carry, he rushed for 1,129 yards and 13 TDs in 10 games to garner first-team all-district honors. He added nine catches for 110 yards and a TD. Villarreal has a chance to be one of the best backs in West Texas this year.
Tevin Meade, Miles, Sr.
Miles' passing game commands a lot of attention due to its 7-on-7 success, but the Bulldogs' ground game is dangerous, too. Meade, who has clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, had 964 rushing yards and 16 TDs last season, along with 262 receiving yards and 5 TDs. Meade and Devin Medina (712 rushing yards, 4 TDs) are a formidable 1-2 punch in Miles' backfield.
Manuel Riojas, Christoval, Sr.
Riojas was a first-team all-district selection at running back and inside linebacker. Playing for a Christoval team that averaged only 13.2 points per game, Riojas still managed to churn out 859 rushing yards and 6 TDs. With all of the Cougars' returning experience around him, Riojas is a threat to break 1,000 yards this fall.
Hagyn Barbee, Wall, Jr.
Barbee had 509 rushing yards and 7 TDs last year as part of the Hawks' vaunted ground game. He added three receiving TDs. He was also a member of two state-qualifying relays during track season. Barbee was a first-team all-district pick at running back and safety, where he had 48 tackles and four INTs.
Wall running back Hagyn Barber breaks for the end zone against Eastland in 2023.
Gage Behrens, Richland Springs, Sr.
Behrens was an honorable mention all-state selection as a fullback last year. He was also named first-team all-region at fullback and linebacker after helping the Coyotes to a 13-1 record and a spot in the state semifinals. He'll be part of a dangerous group of runners in the Richland Springs backfield along with second-team all-region running back Billy Perry and honorable mention all-state utility back Cohen Ethridge.
Bryce Martin, Veribest, Jr.
Martin was the No. 2 option in the Falcons' rushing attack last year with 684 yards and 20 TDs on the ground, averaging 12.7 yards per carry. He added 140 yards and four TDs as a receiver. Heading into his junior season, Martin looks poised to be the featured back in Veribest's offense.
Korren Hoing, Junction, Sr.
Hoing rushed for 1,002 yards and 8 TDs last season for the Eagles to earn first-team all-district honors. He helped Junction go 6-5 and reach the playoffs. Along with running back Aidan Cardwell (767 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and quarterback Chasen Doyal (452 rushing yards, 7 TDs), Junction could have one of the area's better rushing attacks.
Parker Posey, Irion County, Sr.
Posey earned second-team all-state honors for his play at linebacker, but he was also a force on offense, where he earned second-team all-region honors at fullback. With the Hornets hit hard by graduation, Posey may be asked to take on a bigger role on offense his senior year.
Anthony Quintana, Water Valley, Sr.
Quintana had 850 rushing yards last season with the Water Valley struggling to a 2-7 record in 11-man football. With the Wildcats back in the six-man game, he has a chance to post some eye-popping numbers this fall.
OTHER AREA STANDOUTS
Ivan McCann, Roscoe, Sr.
Colton Lawdermillk, Irion County, Sr.
Keymd Faciane, Wink, Soph.
Jaidyn Vineyard, Coahoma, Sr.
Huston Stockton, Forsan, Sr.
Seth Turner, Sterling City, Sr.
Kreed Cummings, Blackwell, Jr.
Cole Knight, Bronte, Sr.
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MORE: West Texas Football 2024 District Predictions
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