By 5ATexasFootball.com July 6, 2010

Unbelievable. The current running back talent stable in Texas, especially at the 5A level, is best summed up with that one word. Even by this state’s lofty standards for the position, the next two classes are extraordinary.

The talent is such that it would not be surprising if more than ten players rush for over 2,000 yards at the 5A level this season. The backfield virtuosos are not limited to the major hotbeds of Houston and Dallas. It stretches from El Paso to the far eastern reaches of the Piney Woods.

Two of 5ATexasFootball.com’s first team All-State running back selections from 2009 return this year, both of whom were named overall Players of the Year. Abilene’s Herschel Sims and Katy Cinco Ranch’s K.C. Nlemchi both rushed for over 2,300 yards in highly successful junior campaigns. Sims ran for 2,346 yards on 265 carries for 35 touchdowns. Nlemchi piled up 2,307 yards on 265 carries for 28 touchdowns. Sims played three more games than Nlemchi. Nlemchi will be the Cougars’ workhorse again this season. Sims’ toughest competition could come from his own teammates (QB Ronnell Sims, RB Tony Curtis).

Cibolo Steele’s Malcolm Brown would have been a first team All-State selection on this site last year had his Knights been in 5A. Steele moved up from 4A in this year’s realignment. Brown is arguably the most complete back of the bunch, but that’s a bit like trying to pick favorites at a Ferarri dealership.

One of Brown’s competitors for San Antonio area supremacy is likely to be Madison’s Aaron Green. Green, like Brown, is regarded as one of the state’s best available prospects in this senior class. Green first earned playing time as a freshman, and his explosive running has netted a national listing of scholarship offers. Converse Judson junior Quaylon Jones will be heard from as well. Jones was named to 5ATexasFootball.com’s All-Sophomore team last year with 1,509 yards and 21 touchdowns in 11 games.

El Paso Coronado’s Sam Brown, a 5ATexasFootball.com second team All-State selection in 2009, is one of the state’s best players. Brown ran for 2,014 yards on 265 carries for 24 touchdowns as a junior. El Paso Montwood’s Tim Rocha gained 1,650 yards on 239 carries for 15 touchdowns in 12 games last year. Fellow West Texan Bradley Marquez, of Odessa High fame, is well known in recruiting circles for his on field exploits with the Bronchos.

The Dallas-Fort Worth crop doesn’t quite boast the huge numbers because of the increased passing influence, but there is outstanding talent as always. Arlington Martin senior Danzel Williams is an absolute gem of a player. Williams contributes in multiple phases. Arlington Bowie junior Russell Hansbrough is one of the area’s brightest young talents. Hansbrough ran for 909 yards on 98 carries for 13 touchdowns, but wasn’t used as a major weapon until roughly halfway through the regular season. Euless Trinity’s Terrance Tusan stepped in when Tevin Williams went down to injury last year and helped the Trojans to the 5A championship. Trinity could have the state’s most potent one-two punch. Coppell senior Cam McDaniel, a 5ATexasFootball.com first team All-State all-purpose selection, leads the Cowboy offense. Hurst Bell senior Kenny Farrow ran for just under 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore and added 622 yards and 6 touchdowns in an injury shortened as a junior.

Lufkin junior Jamarcus Walker is one of the more promising young players in the eastern part of the state. Walker earned first team All-District and 5ATexasFootball.com All-Sophomore honors last year. In Central Texas, Austin Bowie senior Brelyn Sorrells and Westlake’s Van Gramann are two top returning players. Bryan-College Station will see another head-to-head battle between Bryan’s Nathan Jones and Consolidated’s Chris Nutall. Round Rock Stony Point’s Sam Kelley emerged as one of the state’s top backs last year despite not featuring heavily until Week 8. Kelley ran for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns even with the late start.

The Houston area has never struggled for running talent. In addition to Nlemchi, there is also The Woodlands’ Daniel Lasco and Cy Creek’s Jermichael Selders among others in the senior class. Lasco’s world class speed landed him a spot on the Highlander roster as a freshman, and he was an All-District selection as a sophomore and junior. Selders piled up over 1,500 yards in just 11 games last year. Spring DeKaney junior Trey Williams shocked and awed his way to 1,930 yards on 237 carries and 18 touchdowns (10 games) in an astounding sophomore season. Houston Memorial junior Justin White ran for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore. Brazoswood senior Ricky Lundford racked up 1,536 yards and 16 touchdowns despite splitting carries.

As crazy as it may seem, several other backs could be included in this article for each area. Texas is always a hotspot for national recruiting, and that’ll be magnified as much as it ever has been with this level of running talent. Texas has produced its share of top notch quarterbacks in recent years with the expansion of spread offense, but the running back is still front and center in Texas high school football.

Pictured (left to right): Abilene’s Herschel Sims, Cibolo Steele’s Malcolm Brown, Katy Cinco Ranch’s KC Nlemchi, and San Antonio Madison’s Aaron Green