Fort Worth high school football: Top 10 area running backs to watch in 2025
The Star-Telegram is releasing its list of Fort Worth-area players to watch by position groups. Check back for more players to watch as the high school football season approaches.
Introducing the top 10 running backs to watch.
1. Juntavious “JT” Harris, Senior, Euless Trinity
The Trinity Trojans tend to have one of the best offensive lines in the area, and Harris, a Texas State pledge, has the skills to thrive alongside it. He recorded 1,428 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, solidifying himself as a top RB in the area.
2. Kiante Ingram, Junior, North Crowley
As a junior, Ingram shared a running back room with two talented seniors: Daniel Bray and Cornelius Warren III. Still, he found a way to thrive in big moments, especially as the year progressed, tallying 612 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for the Class 6A Division I state champions.
With an improved workload, look to Ingram to set the tone within North Crowley’s ground game. He is a 247Sports three-star prospect with offers from Ole Miss, SMU, Texas State and more.
3. Davis Penn, Senior, Southlake Carroll
Penn’s season was cut short due to injury, but he still put up 925 rushing yards and had 19 total TDs. Now, he looks to return to a Dragon offense that has one of the best offensive lines in Texas. As a sophomore, he put up nearly 1,600 yards and 30 touchdowns.
He was a Baylor pledge, but decommitted following his injury. Now, he is one of the top uncommitted Class of 2026 recruits in Dallas-Fort Worth. Colorado, Tulane, Rice, Kansas State and more.
4. Vudrico Roberson, Senior, Haltom
Roberson shared touches last season and still thrived, earning Star-Telegram All-Area honors and a unanimous District 8-6A first team selection. He rushed for 1,683 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season, and he also set Haltom’s single-game rushing record with 394 yards against Martin.
Roberson was a key component to the Buffs’ playoff appearance a season ago. Now, he is one of the top returners in the Fort Worth-area. He has a 4.49 second 40-yard dash.
5. Kayden Winkfield, Senior, Aledo
Winkfield has extensive experience with the Bearcats, including a state championship win. He rushed for 888 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. With star RB Ray Guillory now with Utah, more opportunities will be available.
6. Carson James, Junior, Arlington Heights
James is a physical, tough runner with a knack for bulldozing defenders. He thrived as a sophomore, recording 1,118 yards and 18 touchdowns. With Arlington Heights expected to compete for a district title, keep an eye on James to solidify his status as one of the top running backs in the Fort Worth-area.
7. Chance Lassiter, Junior, Boswell
8. Adarion Nettles, Senior, Mansfield Summit
Nettles was a machine for the Jags, rushing for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns. Summit narrowly missed the playoffs with a 5-3 district record last season. Keep an eye on Nettles as the team looks to get back in playoff contention.
9. Terry Starks, senior, Eagle Mountain
10. Carlos Harris, Junior, Fort Worth Benbrook
Harris and the Bobcats made history last season, winning an area round playoff game. That’s something a Fort Worth ISD team hadn’t done in 24 years.
Harris had his season ended early due to injury, but when he was healthy, he was a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 86 yards per game and recorded 17 TDs.
More positions (Check back for updates)
This story was originally published July 25, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
.jpg)