Though the modern football era has become infatuated with prolific air-raid offenses and up-tempo ball movement, football at its core is still first and foremost a running game. Let’s face it, if you do not have a viable option coming out the backfield, then expect to be limited on the offensive side of the ball. With only a few weeks to go until the 2016-2017 season begins here is a look at some of the best running backs in the state.
J.K. Dobbins – La Grange
J.K. Dobbins, the all-purpose back for the 10-4A La Grange Leopards, returns for his senior season to anchor the offense. Rated as the No. 2 all-purpose back in the 247Sports composite rankings, Dobbins and his overall athleticism leave him in a class of his own. Dobbins was one of the 166 participants at the Opening in Beaverton, Oregon, and to say he fared well is an understatement. Dobbins actually earned the top overall score that included events such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, agility, peak power and power ball. Mind you that this event includes the best high school prospects in the nation and Dobbins left being named the Nike+ Football Rating Champion.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back was presented with a trophy from former Ohio State standout and current Dallas Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott. Dobbins looks to be the next great Buckeye running back after committing to Ohio State. Dobbins was a workhorse with 232 carries, which were good for 2291 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. J.K. Dobbins should be on everyone’s watch list this year as he looks to further increase his already impressive resume.
Toneil Carter – Langham Creek
Toneil Carter looks to blaze past opposing defenses this season. The speedster from Langham Creek is a 4-star running back according to 247Sports and rated as the nation’s 5th best running back. Earlier this summer he participated at the Opening in Beaverton, Oregon and posted a spectacular 4.5 in the 40 yard dash. Carter also recorded a time of 10.5 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
The 5-11, blistering 200-pounder accounted for 1206 yards on 142 carries and 17 touchdowns. He picked Georgia over offers that included TCU, Baylor, Texas A&M, LSU and Alabama. Carter’s decision to commit to the Bulldogs came after watching a video of Georgia great Herschel Walker.
Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
Eno Benjamin accumulated 2652 yards and scored 41 touchdowns as Wylie East reached the second round of the playoffs in 2015. 247Sports has Benjamin listed as a four-star recruit, and he is ranked No. 8 in SportsDayDFW’s top 50 area recruits. There is no doubt that Wylie East will be looking for the same type of production as he is one of three returning starters on offense for the Wylie Raiders. The 5-10, 190-pound running back has committed to Iowa.
Kennedy Brooks – Mansfield High
Kennedy Brooks is a four-star running back from Mansfield High that was recently named to MaxPreps.com’s Large Schools Preseason All-America offensive team. Brooks averaged 29 carries per game and rushed for 3522 yards and 42 touchdowns last year in his breakout season. He won the district MVP award for 4-6A and is ranked as the 18th-best running back in the nation. Brooks is still fielding offers and testing out his recruitment process.
