Top High School Running Backs to Watch in Virginia for the 2025 Season
As the fall season approaches, fans across Virginia are getting excited about the upcoming high school football season. One of the most anticipated events is the opportunity to vote for the top returning running backs in the state for the 2025 campaign. This year’s competition features a strong group of athletes who have already made a name for themselves through their performances on the field.
Voting for the top running back is currently open and will close on Friday, August 15 at 11:59 ET. Fans can cast their votes for the player they believe deserves recognition as the best at his position.
Here are some of the standout running backs who are expected to make an impact in the 2025 season:
Savion Hiter – Louisa County (Senior)
Hiter is an All-American recruit and one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. Last season, he was a key player for the Lions, recording 1,897 all-purpose yards (1,698 rushing, 199 receiving) and scoring 29 touchdowns. With 156 carries and an impressive 10.8 yards per carry, Hiter has proven to be a force on the field.
Sirpaul Cheeks – Varina (Senior)
Cheeks is a three-star recruit who recently committed to West Virginia. He had a standout season for the Blue Devils, accumulating 1,496 all-purpose yards, including 900 rushing yards on 38 carries with an average of 23 yards per carry. He also added 22 receptions for 265 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Michael Farley Jr. – Varina (Senior)
Farley, a three-star recruit, transferred from St. Christopher’s to Varina for the 2025 season. Last year, he recorded 1,367 all-purpose yards, including 1,003 rushing yards on 128 carries and 247 receiving yards. He also scored 11 touchdowns, making him a versatile threat on both sides of the ball.
Lawrence Hewlett Jr. – Prince George (Junior)
Hewlett had a solid junior season for the Royals, rushing for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns on 207 carries. He also caught five passes for 97 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
Tayshawn Branche – Maury (Junior)
Branche was part of the undefeated Commodores squad that won the VHSL Class 5 state championship in 2024. As a sophomore, he played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them repeat as champions.
Daeron Ferguson – Thomas Jefferson (Senior)
Ferguson moved from Highland Springs to Thomas Jefferson for his senior season. He was named First Team All-Metro last year, totaling 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns on 155 carries. He also caught five passes for 56 yards.
Ty’jae Curtis – Oscar Smith (Junior)
Curtis was a key player on the Tigers’ VHSL Class 6 state championship team in 2024. He rushed for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns on 109 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. His performance helped the team secure a historic victory.
Amari Priyear – Bethel (Senior)
Priyear had a stellar junior season for the Bruins, rushing for 1,515 yards and 24 touchdowns on 175 carries. He also made 14 receptions for 138 yards, showing his versatility as a player.
Charles Jackson – Norview (Senior)
Jackson was named First Team All-Region in 2024 after totaling 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns. He transferred from Green Run to Norview for his senior year, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Darren Williams – Varina (Senior)
Williams transferred from Hermitage to Varina and will be one of the top running backs to watch for the 2025 season. Last year, as a junior, he finished with over 600 rushing yards and 250-plus receiving yards, helping the Stallions reach the VHSL Class 5 state semifinals.
Terrance Ealy Jr. – Green Run (Junior)
Ealy had a productive sophomore season for the Stallions, rushing for 1,016 yards and 13 touchdowns. He played a vital role in the team’s success as they reached the 2024 VHSL Class 5 state semifinals.
JaShon McIntyre – Denbigh (Senior)
McIntyre had a standout 2024 season as a junior for the Patriots. He received honors as an All Region First Team Punt Returner, Second Team All Purpose Offense, and Honorable Mention Kick Returner, highlighting his contributions in multiple areas.
These players represent the best of Virginia’s high school football talent and are sure to make a significant impact in the 2025 season. Fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process to help determine who will be recognized as the top running back in the state.
