Daily News football countdown: Top running backs to watch in 2025

There are so many different kinds of running backs. Some programs feature their tailback. Other programs have a committee of running backs to run, pass and block. Some running backs are just used on third down, maybe because they’re better at catching in long down-and-distance scenarios.

They come in different styles. Some make you miss in tight spaces, some have top-end track speed, and some just run right through you. There’s a little of everything on this list of top running backs to watch this fall for the Los Angeles Daily News in the 2025 season.

(Top players are listed in alphabetical order by last name)

Demanie Bell, Westlake, Sr.: Despite going 0-10 last season, Bell ran for 1,333 yards and 13 TDs for the Warriors. Now under new coach Rick Clausen, Westlake is looking to take big strides in 2025 with Bell as a key weapon.

Brian Bonner, Valencia, Sr.: Bonner is a Washington commit with big-time playmaking ability. He’s a threat out of the backfield, of course, but is a very good pass catcher, too. He tallied 1,493 yards rushing and 25 TDs in 2024, and also added 40 catches for 498 yards and four TDs.

George Hastings, Agoura, Jr.: Hastings does everything. That’s why he was named Tri County League MVP for the Chargers last year. He ran for 677 yards, caught 14 balls for 177 yards, and also led the team in tackles with 170. This rising junior is an athlete.

Ronnell Hewitt, Chaminade, Sr.: Hewitt was a standout at Birmingham Charter in the LA City Section before transferring to Westlake for his junior season – now he’s at Chaminade. Hewitt is a physical runner who also plays outside linebacker.

Kayne Miller, Calabasas. Sr.: Miller ran for 1,232 yards and 11 touchdowns on 151 carries as a junior for the Coyotes. He tallied 100-plus yards rushing in eight games last fall. He also added 24 receptions for 228 yards and a score.

Deshonne Redeaux, Oaks Christian, Sr.: Redeaux has been a standout since his freshman season at Oaks Christian. Coach Charlie Collins compared Redeaux to Napoleon Kaufman, who was a legendary player at Lompoc High in the 1990s – that’s monster praise. The USC commit ran for more than 1,200 yards last season and scored 17 rushing touchdowns.

Jaxsen Stokes, Sierra Canyon, Jr.: Stokes is primed for a monster season. He takes over for Dane Dunn, who graduated and was the Trailblazers’ featured back the last three seasons. Stokes ran for 542 yards and nine scores in 2024. He holds offers to Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Arizona State.

Elijah Wilson, St. Francis, Jr.: Wilson’s transfer from St. Monica Prep to St. Francis was one of the bigger impact moves of the summer. He ran for 887 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore. He’s expected to be eligible right away for coach Dean Herrington and the Golden Knights.

Others to watch: Ty Hall, Saugus, Sr.; Jake Williams, Grace, Sr.; Wyatt Davidson, Moorpark, Sr.; Ty Stromsoe, Newbury Park, Jr.; Kai Martinez, Alemany, So.; Dallas Jones, Birmingham, Sr.; Nevada Ford, Oak Park, Jr.