As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area News Group preseason recognition.
Today’s position:
RUNNING BACKS
Jaxon Bell, Liberty, 5-6, 170, senior
Rushed for 1,805 yards in 12 games with 14 TDs last season. Also had big numbers as a sophomore, compiling 1,537 yards in 10 games with a 9.0 yard-per-carry average. Eastern Washington commit has scored 39 rushing TDs in his varsity career. Also caught 28 passes for 474 yards as a junior and had over 900 punt and kickoff return yards.
Jaymieon Bradley, San Leandro, 5-8, 170, junior
Rushed for 1,227 yards as a sophomore on 184 carries, scoring 13 TDs. Workhorse back who compiled 19 tackles, four for loss, on defense last season.
Adonyae Brown, Archbishop Riordan, 5-11, 205, junior
Rushed for 913 yards last season and is poised for a bigger role as Riordan’s go-to back. Had some huge games last season, including a 20-carry, 194-yard effort against Los Gatos in the Central Coast Section Division I quarterfinals. Also averaged 52.25 yards per game on punt returns, which according to MaxPreps led the CCS.
Grayson Doslak, Los Gatos, 6-3, 210, senior
As a junior, keyed Los Gatos’ playoff win over Serra, rushing for 148 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. Also performed well in a CCS Division I semifinal win over Riordan, netting 125 yards on 30 attempts. Finished the season with 982 rushing yards.
Ismael Duenas, Amador Valley, 5-11, 200, senior
Rushed for 1,067 yards on 134 carries for a team that reached a CIF state championship game last season. Should have a bigger role this year after the departure of star quarterback Tristian Tia, who was also a major component of Aamdor’s rushing attack.
Lamar Ellis, Bishop O’Dowd, 5-8, 185, junior
The transfer rushed for around 1,200 yards and 13 TDs last season at James Logan. Also played outside linebacker. Holds offers from Grambling State, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State.
Joseph Estes, Arroyo, 5-9, 185, senior
Was a prolific rusher last season, putting up 1,661 yards on 193 carries with a 93-yard run and 18 touchdowns.
Lazaro Faraj-Washington, Archbishop Mitty, 5-10, 200, senior
Focal point of Mitty’s offense rushed for 1,153 yards as a junior, scoring 12 touchdowns and averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Returning first-team all-West Catholic Athletic League running back holds offers from Air Force, Cornell and Georgetown.
Maurice Hall, Hayward, 6-0, 175, senior
Will be the engine of the Farmers’ offense this fall. Rushed for 1,404 yards in 2024 with an explosive 11.3 yards-per-carry ratio and 21 touchdowns on the ground. Also caught 30 passes for 518 yards in 2024. Holds offers from San Jose State, Sacramento State and Northern Arizona.
Duece Jones-Drew, De La Salle, 5-8, 180, junior
Son of De La Salle legend Maurice Jones-Drew played a key role in Spartans’ rushing attack while splitting time with seniors Derrick Blanche and Dominic Kelley. Should be the primary ball-carrier this season after rushing for 447 yards last fall. Also plays DB for DLS.
Jhadis Luckey, Clayton Valley Charter, 5-9, 180, senior
Standout back rushed for 2,053 yards last season for California, leading the North Coast Section. Fresno State commit averaged 9.6 yards per carry and compiled 31 touchdowns on the ground. Also recorded 180 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air.
Michael Murphy, Branham, 5-11, 170, senior
Senior is poised to step into a bigger role as Branham breaks in new sophomore starting quarterback Andrew Ho. Rushed for 972 yards last year on 9.4 yards per carry and had 14 TDs. Also caught 10 passes for 227 yards.
Micah Parker, Campolindo, 5-10, 175, senior
Speedster runs a self-reported 4.44-second 40-yard dash, which helps explain his nearly eight-yard-per carry average. Rushed for 1,290 yards as a junior and could top it in Campo’s offense this year.
ATHLETES
Josh Elerts, Acalanes, 6-2, 185, senior
Started last season as a tight end/defensive end and ended it as a running back. Finished the year with 985 rushing yards on 156 yards to go along with 168 yards on 15 catches.
Jaden Jefferson, De La Salle, 5-9, 170, senior
Standout athlete is a multi-faceted player with elite track speed – he broke the California state high school record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.01 at the CIF state meet in the spring. North Carolina commit plays defensive back and also carries the ball for the Spartans. Posted 344 rushing yards with an 11.5 yard-per-carry average and made 27 tackles, including four for loss.
Kyan Phillips, Lincoln-San Jose, 6-0, 190, senior
Tall, rangy athlete who does whatever Lincoln requires. Rushed for 1,065 yards, caught 13 passes for 390 yards and had 27 tackles as a junior. As a sophomore, had 46 tackles in seven games played and also played quarterback for a stretch, completing 30 of 49 passes for 303 yards. Four-year varsity player.
Elijah Vallejo, Wilcox, 5-11, 170, junior
Understudy to legendary Charger Brayden Rosa will seize the role as Wilcox’s main ball-carrier this season. Recorded 859 yards rushing last season in a complementary role. Like Rosa, also plays safety for Wilcox.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.