The ground game took center stage across the Metroplex on Thursday night as several of North Texas’ premier running backs delivered statement performances. From DeSoto’s explosive playmaking to McKinney North’s physical dominance, the region’s “factor backs”, complete players who can change a game on any snap, put up monster numbers and reminded everyone why DFW continues to be the heartbeat of Texas high school football.
Here’s a look at the backs who took over under the Thursday Night Lights.
Sarod Baker | 2027 | RB | DeSoto (TX)
Stats: 16 carries, 235 yards, 6 touchdowns in 53–14 win over Lancaster
Baker was simply electric. The sophomore back shredded Lancaster’s defense for 235 yards and six touchdowns, averaging nearly 15 yards per carry. He displayed elite vision, burst, and body control, gliding through arm tackles and exploding through open lanes with ease. Baker has all the traits of a future Power Five feature back: patience, acceleration, and the ability to turn routine plays into game-changing runs. He’s the total package and continues to strengthen his case as one of the top 2027 backs in Texas.
Jayden George | 2027 | RB | Coppell (TX)
Stats: 132 yards, 2 touchdowns
George continues to impress with his dynamic skill set and natural instincts. The sophomore runs with outstanding vision and fluid change of direction, showing the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. His quickness and body control in the open field separate him from most young backs in the state. George has breakout written all over him, a name to remember as he develops into one of the most complete 2027 playmakers in DFW.
Ayson McCray-Jones | 2026 | RB | Hebron (TX)
Stats: 28 carries, 199 yards, 1 touchdown
McCray-Jones turned in a workhorse performance, carrying the load for Hebron with nearly 200 yards on 28 carries. He runs with a physical, punishing style, showing impressive lower-body strength, balance through contact, and enough burst to create separation in the open field. His powerful leg drive and ability to consistently move the chains make him the definition of a tone-setter. McCray-Jones is a name college coaches should already have circled heading into the offseason.
Javian Osborne | 2026 | RB | Forney (TX) — Notre Dame Commit
Stats: 100+ yards, 3 touchdowns in 42–28 win over Rockwall-Heath
Osborne lived up to his four-star billing, powering Forney to a big win over Heath with another statement performance. The Notre Dame commit found the end zone three times and eclipsed the 100-yard mark, showing the physicality and burst that make him one of the nation’s most complete backs. He runs with vision and confidence, lowering his shoulder through contact and accelerating away from defenders. Osborne continues to look every bit like a future difference-maker in South Bend.
Danny Forrester | 2026 | RB/LB | McKinney North (TX)
Stats: 44 carries, 226 yards, 3 touchdowns in loss to Frisco
Forrester delivered one of the toughest performances of the night. The junior back was the heartbeat of McKinney North’s offense, carrying the ball 44 times for 226 yards and three touchdowns. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, Forrester runs with purpose and power, a downhill bruiser who thrives on contact but still has wiggle in the open field. He’s also a standout two-way athlete at OLB and DB, showcasing versatility and toughness that translate to the next level. A true under-the-radar gem in the 2026 class.
Christian Rhodes | 2026 | RB | Lake Highlands (TX) — SMU Commit
Stats: 151 yards, 1 touchdown in 49–0 win over Irving
Rhodes continues to show why SMU made him a priority early. The junior standout posted 151 yards and a touchdown in a dominant win over Irving, flashing elite acceleration and smooth lateral movement. His ability to hit the hole with speed and create explosive plays once he gets into space makes him a nightmare for defenses. Rhodes’ combination of athleticism, quickness, and balance makes him one of the most complete backs in the Metroplex and a big reason Lake Highlands looks dangerous heading into the playoffs.
Platform Takeaway:
The DFW area remains a breeding ground for elite running back talent. Thursday night’s performances were a reminder that “factor backs” , the ones who can control a game with every carry are alive and well across North Texas. From future Power Five stars to emerging underclassmen, these backs are proving that the future of Texas football still runs through the Metroplex.
