Top 50 East Texas Running Backs since 2000

While the later years have favored the quarterback with the spread offense, the older years leaned heavily on the run in East Texas. The talent level in East Texas at running back trumps any other group or position. There are pro backs who did not make this list. A lot of players benefitted from run heavy schemes, while others made their legacy running and catching the football. Here's the best 50 guys in East Texas since 2000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdCn6sul5MQ

Tyler Boyd receives a lot of credit for moving the Daingerfield Tiger offense during their 3 peat, all deservingly so. Koko Smith however, deserves his share as well. In his 2 years as the varsity starter for the 08-09 state champs, Smith ran for 1,490 and 23 touchdowns as a junior and 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior. What makes Smith’s numbers even more impressive is the amount of playmakers the Tigers sported in those years. With the throwing and running of Tyler Boyd and big time weapons Keyarris Garrett and Steve Edmond, Smith was a consistent cog in 2 state championship efforts.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6423861/5e1cc4a02348d306a0055d02

Dee Black was the ultimate home run threat from the running back position. His breakaway speed led him to opportunities his freshman year. He was a backup but he found a way to rush for 296 yards on 27 touches finding pay dirt 4 times. As a sophomore he retained the same role, but got way more touches. He rushed for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 64 touches, averaging 14 yards per carry. He became the starter his junior year and went for 1,772 yards and 26 touchdowns on 118 carries. That's 15 yards per carry and he did all of this in just 12 games. As a senior he upped the ante even more. In those 12 games he rushed for 1,987 yards and 14 touchdowns on 185 carries. He averaged 10.74 yards a carry, a first down ideally on every carry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VAtragn1M8

Isaiah Ross was a specimen in 2022. He ran for 2,532 yards and 27 touchdowns, averaging 10 yards a carry. He carried Kilgore to the 4th round for the second consecutive year losing to Chapel Hill. Ross could run through you, juke around you, and most importantly finish runs. As a junior, Ross backed up Davin Rider and rushed for 700 yards and 8 touchdowns, dazzling in his one start against Palestine. Ross's low center of gravity made him a tough tackle and a name to remember in East Texas. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li0E5wnDCUM

Mason Courtney was a gem for 2 state championship teams in Carthage. Not only a threat in the running game, Mason was a receiving threat out of the backfield. As a backup his sophomore year, Courtney rushed for 934 yards on 135 carries for and 12 touchdowns. As a junior, Mason rushed for 1,679 yards and 23 total touchdowns averaging 7.3 yards per carry. As a senior he repeated that effort with 1,555 yards and 30 total touchdowns averaging 8.05 yards per carry. For a career Mason had 70 catches for over a 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns and 4,168 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLHoCfn6wbs

Shakeem Jefferson was a speed threat, that could tote it physically through  has 2 incredible seasons at New Boston in 2009 and 10 topping over 2,000 yards in both seasons. As a junior, Jefferson rushed 273 times for 2,483 (9.3 ypc) and 33 touchdowns. As a senior Jefferson rushed another 297 times for 2,847 yards (8.37) and 38 touchdowns. That's a whopping 5,330 yards and 71 touchdowns in 2 seasons of work. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGWBvMhV8UE

Braylon Stewart was a really good running back on two 12-1 Texas High Tiger teams in 2020 and 2021. Stewart's patience, balance, explosion through the hole, and ability to make guys miss were his strongest traits. As a junior he burst on the scene as the starter with 1,126 yards (7.9 ypc) and 12 touchdowns on 146 carries. As a senior those numbers jumped to 1,968 yards (7.1) and 27 touchdowns on 275 carries. 

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/1082487/5721b7db64e96b6380f818a4

Kevin Johnson performed incredibly at SMU as a cornerback, but first he was a running back in the heavy run system at Waskom. As a sophomore Johnson only had 87 carries, but went for 1,002 yards (11.1 ypc) and 20 touchdowns. In more of a starter's role as a junior Johnson went for 1,860 yards (14.1 ypc) on 131 carries and 31 touchdowns. As a senior, Johnson went for a career high 1,989 yards (14.62 ypc) on 136 carries for 23 touchdowns. For a career that's 354 carries for 4,851 yards and 74 touchdowns.

https://youtu.be/s6TlioVof20

The future NFL Pro Kendall Hunter didn't have quite the prolific a career as he did post high school. Hunter played during a difficult time in JT history. During his 3 year career the Lions went 14-18, with 1 highlight 8-3 season. As a sophomore, Hunter got back up action where he collected less than 300 yards. As a junior, he took over as a starter and had a 1,000 yard season. Kendall's best year came as a senior in 2006. He rushed for 1,464 yards and 20 touchdowns in 11 games that season. 

Jamon Edwards was a 2 year starter for college in the Pre-Suratt days of Carthage in the early 2000s. Edwards had a modest junior year, rushing for 1,105 yards as a junior for a 7-5 Bulldog team. His senior year was special. He rushed for 1,836 yards (7.45 ypc) on 245 carries and 29 touchdowns. Carthage went 8-4 that year and Edwards 153 yards per game and 2 touchdowns a game were the biggest reasons why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLSW5-E6Ye8

Justin "Bus" Johnson was the key cog in a State Runner up run in 2007 rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2007. As a sophomore, Johnson was a key member of the defense that made a in 2005 for the 10-2 Buckeyes. In 2006, Johnson rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns in an 11 game season in which the Buckeyes with G.J. Kinne were an absolute juggernaut on offense. He lands at 41 because of his master class he put on his senior year. Johnson rushed for 2,171 yards (10.69 ypc) and 29 touchdowns in 16 games as the Buckeye fell short at state. 

https://youtu.be/dKlDMjWm6ow

Perhaps the greatest Panther of all time, Jamario Thomas was an impact player for 3 years on varsity as the starting running back. His sophomore year he made a huge splash, rushing for 1,749 (6.82 YPC) and 28 touchdowns in 12 games. As a junior, Thomas rushed for even more yards on less carries in 14 games. He ran for 1,958 (7.70 ypc) and 34 touchdowns. His senior year may seem like a drop off, but in 11 games he averaged his highest ypc in his career. He rushed for 1,279 (7.75) and 24 touchdowns leading the Panthers. JaMario owns the career rushing record in yards and touchdowns at Spring Hill. His 1,958 yards in a season record was broken by none other than his little brother, Damario Thomas. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b1D0QHCQEA&t=3s

The first 5 star in East Texas since Adrian Peterson, Jermie Calhoun was supposed to be a carbon copy. At 6' 215, Calhoun had the physicality that hadn't been seen on that level since AP. Hell, he even committed and went to Oklahoma. As a sophomore Calhoun burst on the scene with 1803 yards (7.83 ypc) and 23 touchdowns in just 10 games. Van went 8-2 but their two losses came in district play and missed the playoffs. As a junior, Calhoun went for less, rushing for 1,592 (8.56 ypc) and 20 touchdowns. The Vandals went 6-4 that season. As a senior, Calhoun finished his career with 1,908 yards (7.88 YPC) and 30 touchdowns. The Vandals improved their win total from 6 to 7, but it wasn't enough to make the playoffs. Calhoun rushed for a lot of yards in school, but his placement on the list is the same reason why he wasn't that successful at Oklahoma. It may have reminded folks of AP, but it wasn't.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_cerYHSY6o

As the school leader in total and rushing touchdowns, Meredith is certified at this point. As far as total game goes, Meredith didn't have it. He was a one cut, straight line back that had tremendous home run speed. If you've only got one trick, I suppose, hitting the home run is the best one to have. As a sophomore, and 3rd on the totem poll for carries, he ran for 792 yards and 11 touchdowns and returned a kick for a touchdown against Amarillo Tascosa in the 5th round of the State Championship run in 2018. As the starter in 2019, Meredith rushed for 1,652 yards (8.99 ypc) and 20 touchdowns, 385 yards coming against Mesquite Horn, and he also returned a kick against Marshall for a TD. As a senior he had a huge finale, rushing for 1,398 yards (7.28) and 26 touchdowns as well as a 40 yard catch and run touchdown. 60 career touchdowns for a consistent workhorse. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVQfnNwwYBk

In his first year starting, Kaden Dixon looked like him in 2022. A big back, 6'1 190 pounds, Dixon has home run speed to go along with the ability to make tacklers miss. He had an explosive first act to his career, rushing for 2,250 yards (8.49 ypc) and 33 touchdowns in just 12 games. With that size, speed and production, Dixon will emerge as one of the best players in this area's history. 

Hunter Holland was a back up his first 2 years at Carthage, but in 2010 he emerged as the starter, and has one of the best 1 year starting careers ever. Of course Carthage won state, and between him and Anthony Morgan and Jalen Claiborne, there might not be a better set of triplets in ETX history. Holland ran for 2,604 yards (8.27 ypc) and 38 touchdowns in 16 games that season. Holland was great at every scheme, he could run it inside or outside and he had the speed to finish the long run. 38 touchdowns in one year is wild, especially for a team that's beating the brakes off opponents and not playing full games til the playoffs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm0On5jLhhY

Continuing the trend for one year guys, Isaiah Phillips is as talented as they come. Phillips played outside backer for the Pack in 2015 and 16, but was switched back over to offense his senior year. While the Panthers had talent out wide, Phillips was the motor to an offense that made it to the quarterfinals in 2017. Isaiah ran for 2,012 (6.77 ypc) yards and 27 touchdowns in 14 games that year. He had incredible balance, tremendous power, and breakaway speed to finish long runs. A true total package. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL9nplY4r7Y

Davin Rider has a similar story to Isaiah Phillips. Rider started as an outside backer/safety as a sophomore and junior, but slid over to the offensive side of the ball as a senior and led his team to the regional final round. He was extremely physical, patient and accelerated through holes with some of the best East Texas backs we've seen. Rider rushed for 2,286 yards (8.62 YPC) and 28 touchdowns in 14 games in 2021. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyatOCfbE2U&t=95s

3 guys in a row with real similar stories. They all started on defense and were backups and 2nd options as sophomore and juniors, and then exploded for huge senior years going for over 2,000 yards. Bryce Beall was an All-State Linebacker and all state runner in 2007, going for 2,180 yards (10.0 ypc) and 20 touchdowns in 16 games. While, Lennon Creer had a better career than Bryce at running back, I personally enjoyed Bryce's style more. He was a physical, fast mover. He might not have ran a 4.4, but on the field it seemed like there was intensity with every step Beall took. Bryce went on to Houston, where he started at running back for the Cougars for 4 years. 

Derek Farmer was a 2 year starter for the Tyler Lee Red Raiders, who eventually took his talents to College Station after his run in Tyler. In 1999, Farmer went for 1,934 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 12 games. As a senior in 12 games, Farmer went for 1,782 (7.18 YPC) and 22 touchdowns. Farmer left Legacy as the All-time leading rusher, before being eclipsed by Tyrone Ross and Jamarion Miller. He still holds the top 2 seasons in Legacy history for rushing yards in a season. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWzvM1m_EQA&t=3s

Haskins got the opportunity to watch Shakeem Jefferson go bonkers in 2011, and when it was his opportunity in 2012, he took it to another level. Haskins rushed for an incredible amount: 3,207 yards (11.1 YPC) and 52 touchdowns in just 13 games. Haskins had breakaway speed, on top of a muscular physique that made it tough to bring him down. Haskins took that big year on to Oregon State.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkOeKCbWN-Y

Personally, I've never seen someone run with as much determination as Keilyn Williams. We all know about the folk lore story of his size. 5 foot 4 inches, 145 pounds and would absolutely try to murder you every single down he was on the field. His run style was sort of untamed which helped him as much as hurt him. For a career, Keilyn ran for 2,675 yards and probably left another 500 on the field dancing in and out of holes. He was impossible to get a clean hit on, and ran with a pace and urgency  that's sorta unmatched. He took over as the starter in game 4 of his junior year when Jessie Anderson went down. He ran the ball 170 times for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, while catching it 11 times for 151 yards and 1 touchdown. He added a throwing touchdown in the 5th playoff game against Midway and returned the opening kick of the season against Lufkin for 20 total touchdowns his junior year. His senior was just as potent, rushing 206 times for 1,550 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 23 receptions for 564 yards and 9 touchdowns. 47 career touchdowns for a back at that size and splitting time with a teammate who's on this list as well. 

In 2003, Keith Gillam was on a 2-8 Sabine Cardinals team. Despite rushing for 1,247 yards, Gilliam couldn't take the Cardinals out of the mud. In 2004 Keith Gilliam transferred over to Kilgore High School, and the rest is history. Gilliam put on one of the most impressive seasons ever. He ran for 2,775 (6.75) on 411 touches and 27 touchdowns. That year Keith was the workhorse on a 16-0 football team that completed one of the more magical seasons in ETX history. A short back, Gilliam had the power to tote the load all game long, and had breakaway speed to finish long runs when he broke through the line. Gilliam still holds the record for most yards in a season, and is second on the touchdowns list for a season.  

Chris Davis put up 3 magical stat lines at Troup that can not be ignored. As a sophomore, Davis rushed for 2,072 yards (7.48 ypc) on 264 carries and 21 touchdowns, as Troup went 14-2 that season, losing to Crawford 28-14 in the State Championship game. As a junior, Davis's numbers are even more impressive in an 11 game slate. He rushed for 1,842 yards and 19 touchdowns averaging 8.37 yards per carry. As a senior, Davis went over that 2,000 yard marker again, this time going for 2,198 yards (7.74 ypc) and 25 touchdowns in 12 games. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9Jo82Sptc&t=375s

LaMichael James went on to Oregon to become one of their greatest backs ever, but before he went on to UO, James was running through things here in East Texas. As a junior in 2005, James introduced his self properly. He ran for 1,587 (6.93 ypc) and 19 touchdowns as L.E. went 10-3, winning 10 games in a season for the first time since 1967. That great momentum carried them the next year in 2006. L.E. won the state title after upsetting the greatest Gilmer roster assembled in the first round. LaMichael James was the reason. He ran for 2,043 yards (8.89 ypc) and 23 touchdowns.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ty1DOXGVjU

Makenzie McGill had one of the best careers from the recent backs that have just finished up in ETX. Makenzie started as a junior in 2021 for a team that went 5 rounds deep and 14-1. Makenzie was 4th in 3A when he rushed for 2,154 yards (7.38 YPC) and 37 touchdowns. As a senior, Mount Vernon lost their starting QB in the 4th game of the season. The offense went straight to McGill. He ran for 2,557 yards (10.74 YPC) and 35 touchdowns in just 12 games. McGill didn't have top notch speed, but his moves and skill set made him impossible to bring down for one defender. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjmqVMPGXTw&t=7s

One of a few guys that played primarily QB in school, but let's be real, they weren't using Shock to throw the ball. In 2009, Shock was the starting running back and ran for 1,473 yards and 18 scores for a team that went 8-5. In 2010, Shock moved over to the QB position. And while Linwood threw for 733 yards in 13 games, it was his 2,103 rushing yards (8.03 ypc) and 25 rushing touchdowns that landed him 1st Team All-State as a running back. Linwood of course, went on to Baylor and became an outstanding back there. 

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4331478/5721db4a9a91677e74ae8274

Cam Haller emerged as the starting running back for the most successful Marshall team since the days of Jackie Robinson in 2005. He was a bull and damn near impossible to tackle 1v1. After about the 7th game of the year, Haller slid over to the QB position and took over Justin Hart who was lost to a season ending leg injury. Despite that, Haller still rushed for  234 times for 1,815 yards and 26 touchdowns, taking Marshall to the Regional Championship round. As a senior, Marshall wasn't nearly as good as they were the year before, but Cam Haller was still as good as advertised. Haller rushed for 1,689 yards on 166 carries and 22 touchdowns for the Mavericks that year. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie7VKh0JnXs

Matthew Tucker was a huge back. Standing at about 6'1 and weighing 220 pounds, Tucker was physically imposing on all of his opponents. He had a tremendous career for the Bulldogs. In 2006, Tucker splashed on the scene with 1,086 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore for the 6-5 and Bulldogs. In 2007 as the full starter Tucker went off. In just 11 games, Tucker ran for 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns on 276 carries. In 2008, the production went up even more on less carries. Tucker ran 271 times for 2,709 yards and 31 touchdowns in again just 11 games. Tucker went on to be a quality player for the TCU Horned Frogs, and even had a stint in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhQBCeH3kwc&t=118s

Another big back comes in here at 22 in Tra Carson. At 5'11 225, Carson could run through you, but was also nimble enough to run around and juke you as well. As a junior in just 11 games, Carson ran for 1,362 (8.16 ypc) yards and 17 touchdowns. As a senior, in 11 games, Carson's production went through the roof. Tra ran for 2,202 yards (200 yards per game) on 196 carries (11.23 YPC) and 24 touchdowns. That production led him to Oregon where he transferred to Texas A&M University where he earned a stint in the NFL with the Chargers.  

For years, I considered Lennon Creer a top 10 back in East Texas, and while the drop may seem disrespectful, through film and research, this is the more appropriate place for him. Creer was the heart of 2 state championships in 2005, 06 for the Tatum Eagles. While playing as a sophomore, Creer rushed for 1,262 yards on a team that made it to the Regional Championship losing to Gilmer. As a junior, after the graduation of Stephen Hodge, Creer became the lead bird for the State Champion Eagles. Creer ran 253 times for 1,905 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 7.53 YPC that year. As a senior, Creer ran those numbers up even more. He toted the ball 283 times for 2,835 yards and 36 touchdowns, averaging 10.3 yards per carry. Creer went on to Tennessee and received carries, but transferred to Louisiana Tech after his sophomore years. There at Tech, Creer ran for 1900 yards and 19 touchdowns before a brief stint in the NFL. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF1tp2gAnqM

Trevion Sneed went on to play DE at SMU, but before then he was a 3,000 yard runner at Mineola. As a sophomore he splashed onto the scene rushing for 1,613 yards (7.13 YPC) and 16 touchdowns. As a junior, Sneed's season was cut short, but he rushed 130 times for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns. In comes his humongous senior season. Leading the Yellow Jackets to a 11-2 season, Sneed ran the ball 337 times for 3,082 yards and 36 touchdowns. That work load is incredible, and at 6'2 220, nobody wanted to tackle Sneed all game long. Currently, Sneed is a defensive end at Northwestern State University, after transferring from SMU.

Cody Glenn was a big bruising back in his days for the Rusk Eagles back in the early 2000s. Between his freshman and sophomore years Glenn ran for 2,419 yards and 32 touchdowns. As a junior, Glenn kicked into over drive as the no doubt starter. In 2003, Glenn ran 238 times for 1,828 yards and 28 touchdowns in just 11 games. He took that output and went even higher as a senior in 2004. Glenn rushed 278 times for 2,006 yards and 27 touchdowns in 11 games that year for the Eagles. Glenn went on to become a running back at Nebraska, all the way up to his senior year when he moved to LB. That decision turned out to be a good one as he spent some time in the league for the Indianapolis Colts. 

So I know. Sturns was a quarterback. That's true, he caught the snap, but Sturns was tucking that ball a million more times than he actually was throwing it. In 3 years as the starter, Sturns threw for 1,739 - an average of 580 yards per year. On the contrary though, Sturns finished his career with 6,632 rushing yards. Hence, the list and position. As a junior, in 11 games nonetheless, Sturns rushed for the most yards in 3A, rushing 331 times for 2,564 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a senior, in 11 games again, Sturns ran for the 2nd most yards in 3A: 266 carries, 2,579 yards and 40 touchdowns. Over his final 2 varsity seasons, Sturns RAN the ball 597 times for 5,143 yards and 78 touchdowns. 

https://youtu.be/hf9eURNqi-c

Korey Sutton was a key cog in the 2002 State Championship as a junior, but the start of his varsity career started the year before. As a sophomore, Sutton rushed for 983 yards on an 8-3 team, that was upset in their first playoff game. In 2002, Sutton and the Texas High Tigers came back with a vengeance. Kody ran for 2,002 yards and 24 touchdowns for the 14-1 State Champions. The next year Sutton and Marshall brought it back and fell just one round short of state, finishing with a 13-1 record. Sutton didn't have quite as much rushing yards, 1,477 yards, but did he did run for more touchdowns (28). 2002 was a special year, and it wouldn't have been nearly as great for T-High without Kody Sutton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ2mfE5VxtU

Future Baylor Bear, Dawson Pendergrass is one of the few people to play 4 years of varsity football on this list. As a freshman, Pendergrass ran for 969 yards in a backup role for the Yellow Jackets, filling in for an injured Trevion Sneed. As a sophomore, Pendergrass backed up Sneed and watched him go for 3000 yards. In the meantime, all Dawson did was go out and rush for 1,269 in relief duty. As a junior, Pendergrass became the starter and went for 2,004 yards and 26 touchdowns in a 7-5 season. As a senior, Pendergrass did it all for the Yellow Jackets. Though the team went 6-6, Pendergrass lined up all over the place. Between RB, QB and FS on defense too, Pendergrass ran for 3,184 yards and 38 touchdowns on 358 totes. Dawson looked like the 3A Derrick Henry at times with a vicious stiff arm and at 6'3 could easily separate from the defense. 

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/1579559/5721ac0db019261f80968f73

Jeff Wilson flew under the radar at Elkhart throughout his career, but you can't ignore the production. The future North Texas Mean Green member and San Francisco 49er, ran for 2,000 yards twice in his high school career. As a junior, Wilson ran 278 times for 2,329 yards and 27 touchdowns in just 10 games on a 2-8 team. As a senior, Wilson ran 307 times for 2,749 yards and 36 touchdowns in just 11 games, this time going 7-4, making the playoffs for the first time since 2004. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13VNh_wYh_c

Recent bias? Maybe. Kedren Young is a specimen. The kid is 195-205 pounds of muscle. He boulders through opponents with the speed to finish a 99 yard touchdown. As a sophomore, Young ran for about 800 yards playing quarterback and running back before being injured for the year. He took that offseason to heart and came back a new man. Kedren ran for 1,666 yards on 237 carries and 19 touchdowns in 2022 in just 10 games for the Pack. The Panthers missed the playoffs, but it's not because of Kedren. He kept them in games and won games single handily. He's still has a senior year, and I expect him to lead the Pack back to the playoffs and go over 2,000 yards.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPjAfltyOFw

Taylor gave us a hint of what he could be as a sophomore. He was in a reserve role and fought injuries, yet he still rushed for about 700 yards that year. As a junior, he was no doubt the guy. After a great off-season he ran for 1,890 yards, playing in 14 of Longview's 15 games in 2022. His 33 rushing touchdowns as well as 3 receiving touchdowns are school records for rushing and total touchdowns in a season. Taylor can literally do it all. He can run any type of scheme, but what makes him different is what he can do lined up in the slot. He runs routes as good as any receiver, and his hands are glue, despite not having crazy receiving numbers. Taylor's one of the greats and he and Kedren both will be in the Top 10 after their senior seasons. 

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12471361/5e1645a77bd37e10c037ce2e

You wanna talk about special, La-Jathan Allen is just that. As a sophomore, Allen rushed for a modest 1,106 yards on just 124 carries for 14 touchdowns for a 5-6 team. As a junior, injury cut his season short, but he used it as motivation. In 2019, Allen was the 3A Player of the Year after rushing 247 times for 2,133 yards and 28 touchdowns. Allen excelled in an offense that was limited. He had incredible breakaway speed, including a bevy of moves to make defenders miss. Allen led Pewitt, damn near single handily to state after having 131 tackles and 7 interceptions on defense as well. Pewitt came up short in the state game 43-22 against Gunter. 

Jackie Robinson was a bad man. At 6'2 205, Robinson powered through and ran by defenses for 3 years in East Texas. As a sophomore in just 10 games Robinson was the best player on offense and they fed him. Often. He ran 239 times for 1,394 yards and 13 touchdowns. That year started a trend that would grow throughout the years. As a junior in 2004, they gave Jackie the ball even more, and for great reason. The Mavericks made it to the State Championship game in 2004 and Jackie ran the ball 317 times for 1,850 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Mavericks just barely lost to Ennis 23-21. The Mavericks followed the same game plan in 2005, handing Robinson the ball 327 times for 1,972 yards and 20 touchdowns. They made it back to state, this time getting smacked to Highland Park in Tyler 59-0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FseyoTaMzE

Tyrone Ross finished his career as the all time leading rusher in Tyler Lee history. He was a 3 year starter, and despite his size was a dog. Standing at maybe 5'6 and weighing 170 pounds, Ross was a tough runner who not only excelled on outside runs, but could take it up the middle as well. In 2002, Ross rushed for 1,072 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore in 14 games. As a junior, with Matt Flynn graduating, Ross became the man. He rushed 179 times for 1,321 and 15 touchdowns in 13 games. As a senior, Ross ran the Raiders to a state championship win rushing 248 times for 1,768 times for 24 touchdowns. For a career, Ross ran for 4,178 yards and 55 touchdowns for the Raiders. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_rHhn7ZDY

I've gone back and forth on how to rank Tyler McCray. He's 4th on my all time Longview list for total accomplishments, behind Taylor and Keilyn because of their receiving abilities. For my Longview folks it's the same struggle as it is trying to rank Haynes. So how does he end up 9th here? This criteria, tape is more important than the numbers, since I don't know the back story of every player. Tyler's junior year is as special as anybody's season from Longview or East Texas for that matter. In his first varsity experience Tyler, in 16 games, ran 217 times for 1,779 yards and 26 touchdowns, with 1 td reception. This is incredible, seeing he wasn't the outright starter until district. High highlights are better than anybody on this list. His jukes were incredible, and while he may not have had the top end speed, TYL was simply impressive. Tyler was hurt in the first quarter of the State Championship against Lake Travis, and he was never the same after that injury. As a senior Tyler toted, 150 times for 1,207 yards and 19 touchdowns. While he was still Tyler, he wasn't quite the same TYL his senior year. If you take Tyler his junior year, he's probably number 4 on this list, but with the total career he slides here at 9.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iePAsnrGY8M

In just one year, how does a man get inside of the top 10? Be the best athlete on the list and that gets you a great start. Rush for 2,820 yards and 43 touchdowns in a state championship year, that's an even better reason. Dwight Smith reportedly ran a 4.3 at a USC camp in 2008 before returning to Carthage. That's extremely fast, but when you add in the 5'10 215 pound frame, it makes it damn near to stop. Dwight was incredible carrying Carthage to state, if he had more than one year he would top this list. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3_XDxQ-75I

There may not be a better picture to represent a player's style than this one of Jordan Jenkins. Jenkins was a strong, power runner, and for what he lacked in wiggle, made up for it in straight speed and will. As a sophomore, Jenkins splashed on the scene with a big 1,504 yards performance for 17 touchdowns. The 6'1 Jenkins rushed for about 6.93 YPC that season. As a junior, in 11 games, Jenkins rushed for 1,422 yards and had 30 total touchdowns and in sane touchdown production for 11 games. Things all came together for Lindale in 2020. They made it all the way to the State Championship game riding the back of Jordan Jenkins. Jenk toted 310 times for 3,053 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns on the ground. Add 3 more receiving touchdowns for a grand total of 54 touchdowns in one season. For a career, Jenkins rushed for 5,007 yards and 104 rushing touchdowns. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQq5XoVhYSk

Horace was a specimen that rode under the radar during his 3 year career at Center. As a sophomore, Horace ran for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns in a reserve type role. Horace got the start as a junior and was flat out special. In 2019, Horace ran 178 times for 2,116 yards and 26 touchdowns. That's a whopping 11.89 YPC. That's insane. He did all of this in just 11 games, as Center finished 6-5. As a senior, Horace topped the 2,000 mark again this time rushing 219 times for 2,309 yards (10.54 YPC) and 32 touchdowns in 12 games. Horace had moves, but his best trait was his speed. At 5'11 200 plus he was a tough guy to tackle all game, and once he found a crease, the man was gone. For a 3 year career, Horace ran for 5,413 yards and 68 touchdowns, phenomenal work. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d393QCKU-VU

Jamarion Miller was a 4 time letterman, and before he left for Alabama he ended his career as Tyler Legacy's all time leading rusher. What's different for most guys on this list, is that usually their tremendous rushing led to successful teams. Not so much for Miller. Most times his numbers don't look as great as the player he was because of the talent around him. Nonetheless, as a freshman Miller got t a decent start rushing 105 times for 617 yards and 4 touchdowns. Not bad for a freshman running on the 6A level. As a sophomore his role increased to a starter. Miller ran 140 times for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. The numbers take a leap his junior year, Miller ran 1,406 yards and 16 touchdowns, before his concluding season of 194 carries 1,660 yards and 20 touchdowns. Miller was a great athlete that could catch the ball and run routes as a receiver, as well as matchup at corner with some of the better receivers in Texas. (just not Jalen Hale lol) While the statistics aren't ridiculous and neither the team success, just one look at his film will show that Miller is one of the best. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1rAibN34CQ

Though the order has changed, the Mt. Rushmore of East Texas Backs haven't changed for me. Keaontay is one of three Carthage backs to rush for over 5,000 yards. As a sophomore, in reserve duty we barely got a glimpse of his potential. He rushed for 637 yards and 7 touchdowns on 74 carries. He caught 14 passes for 189 yards to add on another 2 touchdowns. In 2016, Ingram established himself as dominant. With 320 carries, he ran for 2,244 yards and 32 touchdowns. He caught another 47 passes for 492 yards for four touchdowns. His senior year he repeated that 2,000 yard effort on 90 less carries. He ran for 2,327 yards and 37 touchdowns. Add another 284 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air and Ingram is one of the most complete backs to come through East Texas. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql6ADvkndqg

The best running back from Longview, Vondrell McGee was a site to see in that number 3 jersey. He could do it all, run in between the tackles, run outside the tackles, run out of the shotgun, McGee was a thrill. He had exceptional balance and he was a pain to tackle. As a junior, in just 13 games McGee rushed for 2,039 yards and 27 touchdowns, setting the school record. His senior year, McGee rushed 163 times for 1,361 yards and 17 touchdowns in 11 games. Vondrell broke tackles in every way possible, and had the speed to blaze you away from 90 plus. In 2005, Longview was upset by South Garland, an upset the magnitude of Gilmer losing to L.E. in 2006. It was a disappointing end to a year that had much promise. Had McGee and company fulfilled their potential he could've seen his way to the top of the list. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7d93NozUV0

The 6' 265 pound running back was folk lore, myth, legend, and then it was real. Lane was insane. Through his career he rushed for 3,671 yards and 70 touchdowns. He also had 82 catches for 1,060 yards. Seeing his weight you'd think he was a straight plower, but Lane had the agility of a man 100 pounds less his size. He could move left and right, drop his hat and run you over, and coast his way for 6. He was really first of his kind; Lane slid over and played quarterback at times. A true legend. As a sophomore, Lane produced 427 yards and 7 touchdowns in a reserve role, for a team that made it to the 5th round led by Terrance Parks. As a junior, in 11 gamess, Lane rushed for 1,300 yards and 22 touchdowns while also catching the ball 44 times for 730 yards as well. As a senior, Lane got the Pack back to a deep playoff run, as he was Mr. Everything to the offense. Lane rushed 281 times for 1,944 yards and 41 touchdowns. Lane went on to play tailback and fullback at Texas A&M before stints with Miami and Tampa Bay as their fullback in the NFL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWiuB51AP6Q&t=14s

There ain't a question about who the number one running back is. Adrian Peterson in his two years of varsity football (sophomore year ruled ineligible) ran for 4,366 yards for his career on 505 carries. Peterson didn't show the ability to catch the ball in high school, (Oklahoma either hell) but he didn't need too. The level of competition is the only reason to doubt Peterson's status as a high schooler, but what AP did with Oklahoma and the Vikings proved everything you needed to know about his skill set. As a junior, AP toted it 246 times for 2,051 yards and 27 touchdowns in 10 games for the 2-8 Palestine team. As a senior, Palestine won a whopping 9 games, as the team made the playoffs for the first time since 1994. Peterson, of course was the work horse. AP ran 259 times for 2,315 yards and 32 touchdowns.