Who is the Best Running Back in Texas so Far?

It’s always fun trying to gather and account for every player that graces a field on Friday nights and try to compile a list of the best at a certain position. As the second season begins (district play) we take a look at some of the best running backs in Texas so far. These seven backs have earned this distinction and only time will tell how well their respective seasons end and where they will rank among best running backs of the 16-17 season.

Deon Hankins – El Paso Parkland (District 2-5A)

Deion Hankins currently leads the State of Texas in rushing as the man coming out the backfield for Parkland High School. It’s impressive when you lead the state in rushing, but here’s the kicker, he’s only sophomore! Hankins is already over the 1,000 yard mark with 1,082 yards in the four games played by the Matadors. His average equates to 270 yards per game and he has found the end zone on nine occasions.

Hankins in his last performance cranked out 261 yards and four touchdowns to help put his team at 3-1 on the season with a 1-1 mark in District 2-5A play. Hankins at this rate could potentially break the 2,000 yard mark as a sophomore and if that’s the case then do we even need to speculate who will be the best returning running back in the coming years?

Mark Adams – New Deal (District 2-2A)

So can we just take a minute to appreciate the performance Adams put on last week against Sunray? 411 rushing yards, 132 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns, a game like that can easily be put in any “Performance of the Year” discussions there might be come season’s end. All 5-foot-6, 165-pounds of him was playing like a man possessed that night as he scattered across the field for a memorable performance. On the season he has 988 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Adams is also a viable threat in the passing game with his 187 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Eno Benjamin – Wylie East (District 15-5A)

Heading into this season it was expected of Benjamin to deliver punishing blows to opposing defenses after running for 41 touchdowns as a junior. The Iowa commit has done nothing, but deliver and more for the Wylie East Raiders. In his career numbers as of this release, he has 5,750 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns. His numbers this season include 808 rushing yards and twelve touchdowns.

Remember the film Friday Night Lights and the scene where the Permian Panthers are practicing and Boobie Miles chucks a deep ball for a touchdown? His uncle in the film enthusiastically adds on after praising his nephew’s all-around playing ability to the scouts, “AND HE CAN PASS!”

So to can Benjamin. He is 18-for-34 on pass attempts for 318 yards and four passing touchdowns. The boy can play some football.

Caleb Twyford – Farmersville (District 7-3A)

Farmersville is currently 4-0 on the season and Twyford has played a role in the strong start for the Farmers. 56 rushing attempts have accumulated to 735 yards and 10 touchdowns for the senior. Technically speaking, Twyford can be listed as a running back/slot receiver/corner/kick returner for Farmersville. At 5-11 and 170 pounds, the amount of athleticism that is generated by this all-purpose player gives Farmersville a weapon that has yet to be slowed down. He also has 135 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

Kennedy Brooks – Mansfield (District 4-6A)

Brooks currently rides a 17-game streak of rushing for 100 yards heading into district play for Mansfield. He ran for 3,522 yards and 42 touchdowns last year as a junior (yes you read that right) and has continued to churn those legs out for impressive production. Through three games he has 681 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Tigers.

Brooks who is considered a four-star player has been a highly sought after recruit, but has yet to commit to any program yet. Even with a 1-2 record the Mansfield Tigers are still considered district favorites with Brooks coming out of the backfield.

Dominic Williams – Frisco Independence (District 13-5A)

Frisco Independence has outscored opponents 179-27 in their first three games with the help of one “Dom” Williams. Williams is a Kansas commit and has put together 518 rushing yards on the season and six touchdowns. It’s only Independence’s second year as a varsity program and Williams has contributed mightily to this program’s success. He is a game-changer and his biggest example of that was when he helped Independence defeat Haslet Eaton 68-24. In that game Williams ran for 229 yards and five touchdowns on only 10 carries!