Rankings / Football

Javian Jones-Priest Leads District 3-6A Running Back Rankings After Week 1

Our first look at the district's running backs after opening week.

These rankings are based primarily on film, with production, athletic traits and game context used to support the evaluation. The goal is to identify the most complete backs in the district while also highlighting players who may not yet have major recruiting attention.

1. 1

   Javian Jones-Priest — Arlington Martin

   Class of 2027

   5-10, 190 • Virginia Tech commit

   Jones-Priest looked like the most complete running back in District 3-6A through Week 1. He rushed for 184 yards in Martin's 38-35 win over Mansfield and consistently showed quick feet, contact balance and legitimate breakaway speed. Once he reaches the open field, his ability to separate is on another level, and his verified track speed backs up what shows on film.

2. 2

   DJ Quimby — Weatherford

   Class of 2027

   5-9, 190

   Quimby's long speed is what separates him from much of the district. He accelerates well once he gets daylight and has shown the ability to finish explosive runs rather than simply create them. Coming off a 2025 season in which MaxPreps credited him with 1,261 rushing yards, Quimby enters this season as one of the district's most proven productive backs.

3. 3

   Zaeden Smith — Arlington Bowie

   Class of 2027 • ATH

   Smith brings an explosive element to Bowie's backfield. His acceleration and speed immediately stand out, but his contact balance is equally impressive for a smaller runner. He showed flashes of that explosiveness against Prosper Rock Hill and remains one of the district's more intriguing backs as the season develops.

4. 4

   Tayrone Thomas — Arlington Lamar

   Class of 2027

   5-10, 170

   Thomas is one of the quickest runners in the district in confined spaces. His feet, patience and ability to navigate traffic consistently show up on film, and his 2025 production — 1,368 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns — proves that those traits translate to sustained production. Thomas remains one of the district's strongest under-the-radar running backs entering his senior season.

5. 5

   Jeremiah Johnson — Aledo

   Class of 2027

   6-0, 210

   Johnson brings a different style than several of the backs ranked ahead of him. He is physical, difficult to bring down cleanly and shows strong contact balance while also contributing as a blocker and complete offensive player. A difficult Week 1 matchup against North Crowley did not provide many opportunities, but his size, toughness and overall football ability remain clear on film.

6. 6

   Jokory Melbourne — Arlington Sam Houston

   Class of 2028 • RB

   Melbourne gives Sam Houston a bigger, physical presence in the backfield. He runs with strength, handles contact well and showed productive downhill ability as Sam Houston opened the season with a 24-21 win over North Mesquite.

7. 7

   Christian Moore — Arlington

   Class of 2027

   5-8, 178

   Moore's best trait is his short-area movement. He is shifty, changes direction quickly and shows the ability to find space when running lanes become crowded. His ability to navigate tight quarters gives Arlington a useful change-of-direction threat in the backfield.

8. 8

   Hunter Rodgers — Granbury

   Class of 2028

   5-9, 155

   Rodgers rounds out the first edition of the rankings as a developing runner with room to continue growing into the position. He led Granbury in rushing production last season and has already shown that he can handle meaningful varsity carries. His development throughout the season will be worth following as Granbury moves deeper into district play.