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Texas high school football is still a few months away from fall practice, but excitement grows as fans, players and coaches with high aspirations anticipate the return of Friday night lights in West Texas.
Despite the turnover from departing senior classes, many of the nearly 40 teams in the Standard-Times coverage area retained plenty of young talent, as well as bringing in some new faces, looking to make their mark on the 2024 season.
Before the season begins, the Standard-Times will highlight the top local players at seven position groups — quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, defensive backs and linebackers.
Today, we highlight the top returning running backs to watch in West Texas.
Running backs
Honorable Mention: Sire Garcia, jr., Grape Creek; Luke Kemp, sr., Wall.
Korren Hoing, sr., Junction
Hoing was a major piece in Junction's resurgence and youth push last season. He took the majority of carries last season after starter Aiden Cardwell missed time with an injury, amassing 1,002 yards and eight touchdowns rushing. For his efforts, he earned a spot on the second-team All-West Texas team.
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Bryce Martin, jr., Veribest
On a team loaded with senior leadership and talent, Martin earned his stripes dominating from the start as a sophomore in 2023. He finished the season with 838 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing, helping Veribest to its best season in years. He was named to the All-West Texas six-man team.
Tevin Meade, sr., Miles
Meade finished his junior season shy of 1,000 yards on the ground as the rushing leader for the Bulldogs, who finished second in their district behind back-to-back state champions Albany. He totaled 964 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing, adding 262 yards and five touchdowns receiving.
Devin Medina, sr., Miles
Medina was the second running back in the Bulldog's two-headed rushing attack. He finished the season with 712 yards and four touchdowns rushing, adding 87 yards and two touchdowns receiving and was crucial in Miles’ playoff win over Sterling City. He was an Honorable Mention for the All-West Texas team.
Billy Perry, jr., Richland Springs
Perry was a breakout star for the Coyotes as they made another journey to the state tournament in 2023. For his efforts, he was named the District 16-A Division II first-team running back, second-team all-district running back and an all-state honorable mention. He was also named the All-West Texas six-man football MVP.
Manuel Riojas, sr., Christoval
Riojas led the offensive attack for the Cougars, finishing the season with 859 yards and six touchdowns rushing. He was named the District 3-2A Division I running back and was an All-West Texas Honorable Mention.
Sutton Silerio, sr., Mason
Silerio was a breakout star for the Punchers sharing the backfield with Ryne Todd — one of the most prolific athletes in Mason history. Despite splitting carriers, Silerio still racked up 1,118 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing, helping Mason secure another district title and earned a spot on the All-West Texas second-team.
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Huston Stockton, sr., Forsan
Stockton was named the District 3-2A Division I first-team running back after collecting 686 yards and seven touchdowns rushing in 2023. He helped the Buffaloes earn a share of the district title in Forsan’s run-heavy offense.
Christian Villarreal, jr., Ozona
Villarreal was a breakout star for the Lions in 2023. As a sophomore, he turned around the Ozona offense finishing the season with 1,262 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing, adding 10 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown reception. He was named to the District 3-2A Division I first team and was the All-West Texas Newcomer of the Year.
Jaidyn Vineyard, sr., Coahoma
Vineyard finished the season as one of the most prolific rushers in West Texas with 1,415 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing in Coahoma’s explosive offense. He also recorded eight receptions for 103 yards.
Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@gosanangelo.com. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @Paul_Witwer
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