As we have kicked off our rankings of the class of 2027 here in Texas High School football, we have uncovered some top-tier talent that are making a name for themselves and moving up rankings and recruiting boards. Today, we cover some of the top stock rising running backs who had special 2024 seasons and whose recruiting stock is taking of,f coming off the heels of spring football and moving into camp season. As many more coaches get eyes on players, we will bring you who we believe will have breakout seasons this fall and continue rising up.
Yogi Martin Jr. , RB , Cy Springs , 5-7 / 155
Martin is a fast and explosive running back and one who could rise up the ratings and rankings this fall. With his elite speed, agility, and vision as a runner to find the open holes along the offensive line, Martin can often go untouched on his way into the endzone. A one cut back who could be off to the races for the endzone in the blink of an eye. If Martin continues to develop and finish runs with consistency by ending up in the endzone or with longer gains, he could easily surpass many other running backs who we have ranked above him at the current moment. Yogi received his first two offers this year in April from Sacramento State and UTSA.
SaRod Baker, RB/ATH, DeSoto, 5-10 / 195
DeSoto’s running back SaRod Baker is a shifty running back who can elude tacklers and shake off a few tackles on his way into the endzone. A hard-nosed runner who could easily raise his recruiting stock this fall. He knows how to make people miss, can catch out of the backfield, and can be utilized in many different ways on offense, lined up as a slot wide receiver and make plays. After last season, Baker has earned the attention of many college football programs and picked up six out of the eight total Division I offers in 2025 thus far. Look for Baker to be one to remember and keep an eye out for on the field this fall.
Brandon Smith, RB, Alief Elsik, 5-8 / 190
Alief Elsik may very well have a star in the making out of the backfield in Smith who has earned three Division I offers this year alone from Texas State (May 9th), UTSA (May 8th), as well as Tulsa on the same date. Smith is an athlete who can line up wide as a wide receiver and make plays or break runs off to the outside, displaying his speed and athleticism to help his team put points up on the scoreboard.
Daylon Gordon, RB, Wylie, 5-10 / 190
Gordon is flying largely under the radar and could have a huge breakout season on the horizon this fall, making him one of the best stock risers potentially on this list. Most recent offers included Baylor (May 7th) and UTSA (Feb.7th), with an offer from SMU last summer. In 2024, Gordon earned Texas District 9-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore. Racking up just over a thousand yards rushing on 135 attempts, 15 rushing touchdowns, and adding 185 yards receiving on 12 receptions(according to 247sports.com). Look for Gordon to be special and move up on many recruiting boards soon.
Highlights from this spring ball @_TopFlightBoog @Rhashad95 @TDGSKILLZ @Youngbullz22 pic.twitter.com/IpLphdge9k
— Daylon Gordon (@DaylonG2027) May 9, 2025
Arian Taylor, RB, Liberty-Eylau, 5-9 / 165
Last season, Taylor turned a lot of heads and earned the attention of many Division I programs with a stellar year, picking up 1,330 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, on 210 attempts, not to mention his ability to pass and catch the football as well. Sacramento State, Arkansas, and Temple have all offered Arian after an impressive 2024 campaign, and we believe this year should build upon the success Taylor had last fall.
