Phoenix, Arizona, December 21, 2025

As anticipation builds for the upcoming high school football season in Arizona, standout running backs are highlighted. These young athletes showcase exceptional talent and commitment to their sport, embodying the spirit of competition and community. Coaches and players emphasize hard work, discipline, and personal growth, aiming to impact their teams and inspire future generations. The diverse styles and skills of these running backs underscore their readiness to lead, providing excitement for fans and inspiring local pride throughout Phoenix and beyond.

Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona’s Elite Running Backs Set for Dominant 2025 Season

The anticipation for the 2025 Arizona high school football season is building, with a remarkable class of running backs poised to make a significant impact across the state. These athletes embody dedication, athleticism, and the spirit of competition.

Introduction to the 2025 High School Football Season

As the 2025 State-level high school football season approaches, attention turns to the standout players who are expected to define the landscape of gridiron action. In Arizona, the running back position features a particularly strong group of athletes, each demonstrating exceptional talent and commitment to their sport. These players not only contribute significantly to their teams’ success but also inspire younger athletes and engage their local communities. The emphasis on hard work, discipline, and personal growth remains a cornerstone of Phoenix AZ high school football, with these young men setting high standards both on and off the field.

The competitive environment of Arizona prep sports fosters a culture where dedication and perseverance are celebrated. High school sports in Phoenix provide a vital platform for character development, teaching valuable life lessons through the triumphs and challenges of athletic competition. The collective effort of players, coaches, and community supporters creates a vibrant atmosphere that extends beyond game nights, reinforcing local pride and identity.

The Rising Stars of the Backfield

The upcoming 2025 high school football season is expected to showcase a diverse array of running back talent across Arizona. These athletes exhibit various styles of play, from powerful downhill runners to agile, elusive threats, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the position. Their consistent performance in previous seasons indicates a readiness to lead their respective teams to new heights, demonstrating the results of relentless training and adherence to disciplined regimens.

Key Attributes Defining Arizona’s Top Running Backs

• Speed and Agility: Many of the state’s leading running backs possess explosive speed, enabling them to break away from defenders in open space. Their agility allows them to make quick cuts and navigate through crowded lines of scrimmage.
• Power and Vision: A strong physical presence combined with the ability to anticipate defensive movements enables these backs to gain tough yardage and find running lanes effectively.
• Durability and Consistency: The demands of a full high school season require not only talent but also the physical and mental toughness to perform consistently under pressure.
• Versatility: Many top running backs contribute not only as ball carriers but also as receivers out of the backfield and as blockers, making them indispensable components of their team’s offense.

Spotlight on Leading Running Backs for 2025

Several running backs have distinguished themselves as key players to watch in the Arizona running backs scene for the 2025 season. Their performances in the previous year indicate their potential for even greater achievements.

Keshawn Barkus, Westwood (Junior)

As a rising junior, Keshawn Barkus of Westwood High School demonstrated exceptional talent in his sophomore year, rushing for over 1,000 yards. He led Division 6A in rushing, averaging 117 yards per game and scoring nine touchdowns in 10 contests. His ability to protect the football was evident, with only one fumble recorded.

Jacob Brown, Hamilton (Senior)

Jacob Brown from Hamilton High School enters his senior year with collegiate offers from institutions such as Arizona, Arizona State, and UTEP. In the 2024 season, he accumulated 980 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Notably, Brown maintained a clean sheet with no fumbles across 161 rushing attempts, showcasing his reliability.

TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr., Liberty (Senior)

TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr., a versatile athlete from Liberty High School, is recognized as a significant two-way player, excelling at both running back and middle linebacker. During his junior year at Tonopah Valley, he rushed for 1,184 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. He is committed to play at Hawaii and is widely anticipated to have a strong senior campaign. He was also voted by the public to have the best 2025 season.

Karlo Harris, Blue Ridge (Senior)

Blue Ridge High School’s Karlo Harris proved to be a productive runner in 2024, gaining 1,376 yards on 191 carries. He reached the end zone 10 times in 10 games, averaging an impressive 7.76 yards per carry and 137 rushing yards per game.

Courshawn Hill, Williams Field (Senior)

Courshawn Hill, a 3-star prospect from Williams Field High School, is rated as a top 2026 running back in Arizona. He has committed to San Jose State. In his junior season, Hill rushed for 723 yards and scored six touchdowns in 10 games.

Josh Manuelito, Pinon (Senior)

Josh Manuelito of Pinon High School, a senior-to-be, showcased remarkable offensive output in just eight games, rushing for over 1,200 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns on the ground. He averaged more than 150 rushing yards per game.

Khavontae Paul, Ironwood (Senior)

Khavontae Paul from Ironwood High School returns for the 2025 season as the State-level returning leader in rushing yards. He recorded an outstanding 1,635 yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games during the previous season, averaging 163.5 rushing yards per game.

Noah Roberts, Basha (Junior)

Despite being a rising junior (2027 prospect), Noah Roberts of Basha High School is considered one of the most highly touted prospects in Arizona across all positions and classes. This 4-star prospect has received offers from prestigious programs including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. In his sophomore year, he amassed 1,067 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 152 carries over 13 games.

Community Impact and Opportunities in High School Athletics

The success and visibility of these talented athletes extend beyond the football field, creating valuable opportunities for both their schools and the broader community. Strong athletic programs, fueled by the dedication of players like these, often attract local sponsorships, which in turn support team resources, facility upgrades, and scholarships. This symbiotic relationship strengthens school pride and fosters significant fan engagement, turning Friday night games into cherished community events.

Local businesses often find high school sports an excellent avenue for community involvement and brand visibility. By supporting high school athletics Phoenix, sponsors contribute to the development of young leaders and promote positive values such as teamwork and perseverance. This engagement creates a vibrant local economy around sports, from ticket sales and concessions to merchandise and local dining before and after games.

Conclusion

The 2025 Arizona high school football season is set to be an exciting showcase of talent, particularly within the running back position. The dedication, skill, and leadership demonstrated by athletes like Keshawn Barkus, Jacob Brown, TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr., Karlo Harris, Courshawn Hill, Josh Manuelito, Khavontae Paul, and Noah Roberts exemplify the best of Arizona prep sports. Their commitment to excellence on the field and their positive influence in their communities highlight the profound impact of high school athletics.

We encourage all readers to support these dedicated young athletes and their teams. Attend local games, cheer on your community’s rising stars, and engage with athletic programs. Your presence and encouragement play a crucial role in fostering the spirit of competition and growth. Stay connected with HEREPhoenix.com for ongoing coverage of high school sports stories, celebrating the achievements and character-building journeys of our local athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona’s Top High School Running Backs in 2025

Which high school running backs are anticipated to be top performers in the 2025 State-level Arizona season?

The high school running backs anticipated to be top performers in the 2025 State-level Arizona season include Keshawn Barkus (Westwood), Jacob Brown (Hamilton), TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr. (Liberty), Karlo Harris (Blue Ridge), Courshawn Hill (Williams Field), Josh Manuelito (Pinon), Khavontae Paul (Ironwood), and Noah Roberts (Basha).

What were Keshawn Barkus’s notable statistics in his sophomore year?

In his sophomore year, Keshawn Barkus rushed for over 1,000 yards, led Division 6A in rushing, averaged 117 yards per game, and scored nine touchdowns in 10 games. He only fumbled once.

Has TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr. committed to a college program?

Yes, TJ Fo’ilefutu Jr. is committed to play at Hawaii.

Who was the State-level returning leader in rushing yards for the 2025 season?

Khavontae Paul from Ironwood High School returned for the 2025 season as the State-level returning leader in rushing yards. He tallied 1,635 yards on the ground with 17 touchdowns in 10 games, averaging 163.5 yards per game.

Which running back is considered a top 2027 prospect with multiple Power 5 offers?

Noah Roberts of Basha High School, a 2027 prospect, is considered one of the most highly touted prospects in Arizona. He has received offers from Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.

Key Features of Arizona’s Top 2025 High School Running Backs

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.