Spence and Co. Presents The Top 10 2025 East Texas Preseason Running Backs

The running back position has always been the backbone of East Texas and this year we've gotta couple who can possibly join the Top 5 of running backs. While the list is top heavy, there are heavy hitters up and down this list.

It's tough not to compare Jorden Prince to his predecessor J'Koby Williams, but luckily for Prince he's a dog and can play. Last season, Prince ran 235 times for 2,141 yards and 37 touchdowns. As dominant as those numbers are, his play last season matches. He's a physical runner and has the top end speed to finish runs from anywhere on the field.

The Texas Tech commit is an upcoming 4 year starter, Kaegan Ash has been running through folks his whole career. Last year, in 9 games, Ash ran for 1,960 yards and 32 touchdowns on 244 carries. Ash has already ran for 6,820 yards and 96 touchdowns in his career. He's a bull in a China shop and he's ready to run one more time.

Jaxson Haire is a versatile weapon for Sulphur Springs lining up at RB and WR for the Wildcats. Last season, Haire went for 965 yards on the ground and 13 touchdowns, while catching 56 passes for 709 yards and 5 touchdowns. His RAC ability whether it be through contact or after catch, is second to one in East Texas, and Haire is looking to finish his career strong this year.  

Watters has the least amount of numbers from the rushers returning, but this season will be Watters year. Building off his 500 yard 12 touchdown performance, Watters patience and physicality will be on display in 2025. Watters has the best passer in East Texas in Kayson Brooks, but with a new batch of receivers I expect Watters and Rayshaun Williams to be the forefront of the Kilgore offense.

Benny Smith backs up possibly the best back in Carthage history, but Benny is one of the more talented runners in East Texas too. Thunder to Edwards lightening, Smith punishes defenses late in games, and in the playoffs Smith proved his worth in rounds 4 and 5. Both games Smith brought the bacon home, running through defenders and scoring multiple touchdowns in the 4th quarter in both games. Last season, Smith had 133 carries for 1,262 yards and 19 touchdowns. 

Last season Ashton Rowden ran for 1,337 yards and 14 touchdowns on just 146 carries. Rowden is a big guy that is not fun for a defense to hit. He has great movement skills and can find himself through creases he probably shouldn't fit. He's due for a huge senior year, and is looking to place his self back on the Top 100.

Starling is as tough as any player to ever play in East Texas. He's a miniature back, and boy does he give a defense hell trying to find him. He hides behind blockers until he find his crease and then he's gone. Last season, Starling topped 1,000 yards again, going for 1,377 yards and 22 touchdowns on 195 carries. Starling has proven to tote the load for a seasons course more than once, and is going to do it one more time in 2025.

Last season, Jeremy Bluford made a splash first entry at number 40 on my top 100. As a sophomore, that's a helluva feat. Bluford has exceptional balance and toughness. From the profile picture, you can tell he's tough to bring down to the ground. He runs with great pace, and isn't wasting anytime gaining yards. Bluford ran for 1,324 yards and 14 touchdowns on 236 carries last season.

KJ might be the best Carthage back ever. His senior year will be very critical in taking down Keaontay Ingram, and the Texas A&M Aggie commit is set to repeat. Last season, Edwards ran for 1,789 rushing yards, had 384 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns last season. KJ's always been fast, but last season Edwards added the physicality to his game. Edwards proved he could bounce off and run through contact this past year, and with added weight and muscle and a ring, I expect to see even more from here on out.

Tra Ball was bound to be the second guy to make my Top 100 all 4 years of high school, but didn't put out a highlight tape until after the Top 100 was released. We both missed. Ball would've been probably the top guy last season, because what he can do on the field, not many can do. Ball reminds me of Taylor Tatum. He can run the ball with the best, but he can line up out wide, run routes, and score the ball. Ball can flat out play. The Duck commit ran for 777 yards and 11 touchdowns on 68 carries, but caught the ball 44 times for 1,017 yards and 14 touchdowns. It's hard to tell where the Tigers will use him the most this year as they have to replace Javari Johnson at RB, and are moving former receiver Kam Wrightner to QB. That screams for more carries, but we'll see how they'll use this dynamic Tiger.