Among the top 5 in-state running back prospects are the Oklahoma Sooners.
Among the Top 5 In-State Running Back Prospects Are the Oklahoma Sooners
The state of Oklahoma has long been known for producing talent across all positions in college football, with running backs often playing a pivotal role in the Sooners’ success. As the 2025 recruiting cycle gains momentum, Oklahoma’s focus on securing top-tier talent has intensified, particularly at the running back position. Among the many in-state recruits generating buzz, several of the top five running back prospects are receiving considerable attention from the Sooners. This article will examine the state of Oklahoma’s top running back recruits, the Sooners’ pursuit of these talented athletes, and what their potential additions could mean for the future of Oklahoma football.
The Importance of Recruiting Local Talent for the Sooners
Oklahoma football has long prided itself on securing the best in-state talent, understanding that recruiting players who are familiar with the program’s culture and traditions is key to building sustained success. In recent years, the Sooners have made significant strides under head coach Brent Venables in bolstering their recruiting efforts, which includes making a concerted push for elite in-state prospects. With running backs being a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s offensive identity, locking down top-tier local talent at the position is crucial for long-term success.
For the Sooners, recruiting in-state running backs has a dual benefit: not only are they able to keep the best talent within the state, but they also ensure that these players come with a built-in understanding of Oklahoma’s football culture. The Sooners are well-positioned to offer these recruits the chance to play in a program with national championship aspirations, further enhancing their ability to attract and develop the state’s top running backs.
Top In-State Running Back Prospects in Oklahoma
Several running backs in Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class have emerged as top targets for the Sooners. These athletes come from high schools across the state and represent the future of Oklahoma football. Let’s take a closer look at the top in-state running back prospects and what they bring to the table.
1. Braylon James – A Dynamic Dual-Threat Back
Braylon James, a dynamic running back from Norman North High School, has emerged as one of the most coveted in-state recruits for the Sooners in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at 210 pounds, James is a powerful and versatile running back who excels both as a ball carrier and a receiver. His ability to break tackles and accelerate to top speed quickly makes him a dangerous threat on every touch, and his versatility allows him to be utilized in various offensive schemes.
James has a natural ability to make defenders miss in the open field, thanks to his agility and vision. His speed and quickness make him a threat for long gains, and he has the capability to make plays on the perimeter or between the tackles. Additionally, James is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and his ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a perfect fit for modern offenses that utilize running backs as dual threats.
James has already drawn interest from top programs across the country, but Oklahoma has made it clear that he is one of their primary targets. With his proximity to Norman, James has been able to attend multiple Oklahoma games, and his familiarity with the program only strengthens the Sooners’ chances of landing his commitment.
2. James’ Rival: Kelvonte Bradford – A Powerful Runner
Kelvonte Bradford, a running back from Mustang High School, has been turning heads with his blend of size, strength, and speed. At 6’0″ and 220 pounds, Bradford has the frame of an every-down back capable of handling a heavy workload in college football. Bradford is a physical runner who excels at breaking tackles and using his power to plow through defenders. His balance and vision make him tough to bring down in the open field, and he has the ability to gain yards after contact, which makes him a perfect candidate for the bruising, downhill running style that many college programs crave.
While Bradford’s speed might not be as elite as some of his counterparts, his ability to churn out yards in tough situations and convert on short-yardage plays is what sets him apart. Bradford’s highlight reel is full of powerful runs, where he barrels through defensive lines and reaches the second level with ease. He’s also an excellent red-zone back, showing a nose for the end zone and the ability to push through defenders near the goal line.
Oklahoma has kept close tabs on Bradford throughout his recruitment, and his powerful running style aligns well with the Sooners’ commitment to physical, hard-nosed football. His ability to take over games with his size and strength makes him an intriguing prospect for the Sooners’ future.
3. Daxton White – A Dual-Threat with Speed
Daxton White, a running back from Broken Arrow High School, has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state. With a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a slim yet muscular frame, White is an explosive back capable of making defenders miss with his speed and agility. His ability to outrun defenders and make cuts in tight spaces makes him an exciting player to watch, and his vision allows him to follow blocks and find running lanes with ease.
White also shows promise as a receiving back, able to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches for opposing defenses. His speed and elusiveness make him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. Whether on the ground or through the air, White is a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Oklahoma has already extended an offer to White, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a strong candidate to join the Sooners’ backfield in the future. White’s speed and versatility could be a great complement to other more power-based backs on the roster.
4. David Reid – A Smooth and Shifty Back
David Reid, a running back from Tulsa’s Union High School, has quickly become one of the top players to watch in Oklahoma’s recruiting class. Reid is known for his smooth running style, which allows him to glide through defenses with ease. His ability to change direction quickly and his elusive footwork make him a tough player to bring down in open space. Reid’s vision and patience allow him to wait for holes to develop, and when the opportunity presents itself, he accelerates to top speed and hits the hole with a burst.
At 5’10” and 200 pounds, Reid doesn’t have the same size as some of the other top prospects in Oklahoma, but his quickness and agility allow him to gain yards in a variety of ways. Whether running between the tackles or taking outside runs, Reid has shown that he can be effective in multiple offensive schemes.
Reid’s ability to make defenders miss and break off long runs has made him a standout in the state, and the Sooners have taken notice. Oklahoma is likely to keep close tabs on Reid as his recruitment progresses, as his skill set would be an excellent fit for the Sooners’ offense.
5. Landon Ross – A Versatile Playmaker
Landon Ross, a versatile running back from Edmond Memorial High School, has all the makings of an all-around playmaker. At 6’0″ and 205 pounds, Ross has the size to take on defenders while maintaining impressive speed and agility. He’s a downhill runner who can break through arm tackles but is also quick enough to get to the outside and outrun defenders. His versatility extends to the passing game, where he can run routes and catch passes out of the backfield.
Ross is a player who can do it all: run between the tackles, stretch plays to the outside, and even serve as a weapon in the receiving game. His well-rounded skill set makes him a sought-after prospect for many college programs, and Oklahoma is among the teams showing the most interest.
What Do These In-State Backs Mean for Oklahoma Football?
The addition of any of these top in-state running backs would be a major coup for Oklahoma. The Sooners have a history of featuring dynamic running backs in their offensive scheme, and these recruits represent the next generation of talent ready to carry the mantle forward.
For Brent Venables, securing in-state talent is an important part of his recruiting strategy, as keeping the best players in Oklahoma home ensures that the Sooners can continue to build a roster full of high-caliber athletes. Each of the top five running back prospects brings a unique set of skills to the table, and all could potentially fit well into Oklahoma’s offensive system.
With a solid mix of power backs like Kelvonte Bradford and Braylon James and elusive speedsters like Daxton White and David Reid, the Sooners could form a well-balanced and dynamic running back group in the coming years. Whether it’s pounding the ball between the tackles or creating explosive plays on the perimeter, these prospects could be the key to Oklahoma’s success on offense.
