The Texas Longhorns relied on a run-first offensive attack in the first year under head coach Charlie Strong, and that appears to be the style of play he wants to run. However, he doesn't have a star running back yet - something he's looking for in recruiting. Strong has put a focus on keeping the best high school prospects from Texas in-state and playing for the Longhorns. Here are the best five running back prospects in Texas that Strong and his staff are going after:
1) Devwah Whaley
Size: 5'10", 195 lbs.
Rivals Overall National Ranking: 214
Offers: Texas, Alabama, Baylor, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M
Whaley has elite explosion that makes him a threat to score every single time he touches the ball. His agility allows him to shake past defenders into daylight, but he's still a north-south runner that is a great decision-maker with the ball in his hands. He's not the highest ranked prospect on this list, but he has the most potential and really has a chance to be a star at the next level.
2) Kyle Porter
Size: 5'11", 190 lbs.
Rivals Overall National Ranking: 177
Offers: Baylor, California, Maryland, TCU and Tennessee
Porter is a big play threat that is versatile enough to make a big impact in the passing game and as a return man. There are doubts about Porter being an every down type back, but he'll make an impact right away at the next level because of his outstanding speed and quickness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0ay7xivW1s
3) Kameron Martin
Size: 5'10", 175 lbs.
Rivals Overall National Ranking: 177
Committed to Baylor
Martin has similar explosiveness to Whaley, but he's more of an east-west runner. That said, he seeks out contact more than you'd expect from a smaller back. He's not great in between the tackles, but his game-breaking speed make him a threat anywhere on the field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFbhBhPEhjw
4) Rakeem Boyd
Size: 6'0", 195 lbs.
Rivals Overall National Ranking: 210
Offers: Oregon State, SMU, West Virginia and Colorado
Boyd doesn't have elite explosiveness, but he has more size and great balance that allows him to rack up big yards. What makes him special is his ability to take hits around his legs and shake it off while hitting the second level of the defense. Once Boyd gets going he can outrun defenders and should have success in any offense.
5) Darius Anderson
Size: 5'9", 180 lbs.
Rivals Overall National Ranking: NR
Offers: Texas, California, SMU, Kansas, Houston and Colorado
Anderson has excellent agility and his ability to break defenders down in space makes him a dynamic multi-purpose weapon. He doesn't have top-end speed, but his quickness and receiving ability will let him have an immediate impact at the next level.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irFCi-Cz7G8
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