SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top 10 running backs to watch heading into the upcoming 2025 high school football season in West Texas:
Christian Villarreal, Ozona, Sr.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Villarreal was one of the most dangerous running backs in West Texas last year, averaging a whopping nine yards per carry. He was limited some by injuries, but still had 1,438 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games, highlighted by a 361-yard game against McCamey. He also did damage out of the backfield with 15 catches for 247 yards and three TDs. Look for him to lead the way for an Ozona team that returns nine starters on both sides of the ball from a 7-4 team.
Ozona running back Christian Villarreal evades a tackle during the 2024 season.
Sire Garcia, Grape Creek, Sr.
Garcia was the focal point of Grape Creek’s rushing attack with 1,260 rushing yards and 15 TDs. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and added 10 two-point conversions, along with a TD catch. With first-team all-district fullback Josue Arellano blocking in front of him, Garcia could have another strong season in store.
Ashton Taylor, Brady, Sr.
Taylor was part of a 1-2 punch in Brady’s backfield last season with Johnny Menefield. He had 1,117 rushing yards and 12 TDs, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. This season, he could move into the role as the Bulldogs’ feature back. He showed his versatility in the summer by lining up as a receiver and helping Brady reach the 7-on-7 state tournament.
Jayden Payton, Menard, Sr.
Payton had a breakout season for Menard last year, earning district MVP honors with 1,750 rushing yards and 26 TDs while averaging nearly 12 yards per carry. He also threw five TD passes, had a TD catch and two kick returns for TDs. With five starters back on both sides of the ball from a team that went 9-2-1, Menard begins the season ranked No. 19 in the state in Class 1A Division I, and Payton is primed for another big year.
Aiden Pena, Ballinger, Sr.
Pena had 894 rushing yards and 11 TDs last year, averaging five yards every time he touched the ball. He was a big part of a Ballinger team that went 5-6 following a winless season in 2023, and he should lead the Bearcats’ rushing attack again this fall.
Jager Thompson/Hagyn Barbee, Wall, Jr.
Thompson gave Hawks fans a glimpse of his potential last year when he turned 41 carries into 421 yards and four TDs in a backup role. He averaged a ridiculous 10.3 yards per carry. He has speed and athleticism, as evidenced by qualifying for the state track meet in the 4x100 relay and long jump. Barbee is a similar threat who was part of the Hawks’ 4x200 relay that won state, along with their runner-up 4x400. He had 507 rushing yards as a sophomore before being limited by injuries. Wall’s spread offense will put up a lot of yards through the air, but these players could be a real threat on the ground.
Brody Walts, Garden City, Jr.
Walts had a breakout sophomore campaign with 818 rushing yards and 13 TDs in 10 games. He also had 19 catches for 355 yards and 10 TDs, and he completed 14 of 19 passes for 217 yards and four TDs. He won’t be taking anybody by surprise this season. Texas Football named him the Preseason Offensive MVP in District 4-1A Division I. Sophomore RB Miles Colunga (586 rushing, 7 TDs) could make an impact as well.
Cohen Ethridge, Richland Springs, Jr.
Ethridge earned first-team all-state honors last year as a special teams player after returning four kicks for scores. He also had 713 rushing yards and 16 TDs, averaging 13.2 yards per carry. Though the Coyotes reached the regional final, they rarely played more than one half of football each game during their 12-1 season, so Ethridge’s numbers don’t jump off the page. But make no mistake, he’s one of the area’s biggest threats.
Blake Teeple, Eden, Sr.
Teeple was named the Preseason Defensive MVP of District 15-1A Division I by Texas Football for his play at defensive end. But he’s also a strong running back who had 802 yards and 12 TDs on the ground last year, along with 19 catches for 302 yards and five TDs. Eden returns its entire offense, and Teeple could put up some big numbers this fall.
Boston Wiese, Water Valley, Sr.
While he’s rightfully regarded as one of the state’s best defensive players in six-man after recording 198 tackles last year, Wiese was also a big contributor as a fullback during the Wildcats’ run to the state semifinals. He had 79 carries for 599 rushing yards and 16 TDs, plus 24 catches for 346 yards and five TDs. With standout running back Anthony Quintana gone after graduating, Wiese could be asked to carry the offense more this fall.
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