Who Will Be Virginia's Top Returning High School Running Backs in 2025?

Top High School Running Backs to Watch in Virginia for the 2025 Season

As the fall season approaches, football fans across Virginia are getting excited about the upcoming high school season. One of the most anticipated events is the opportunity to vote for the top running backs returning for the 2025 campaign. This year’s list features some of the most talented and promising athletes in the state, each with impressive stats and a strong track record.

Here are some of the standout names on the list:

Savion Hiter – Louisa County, Senior

Hiter has already made a name for himself as an All-American recruit and one of the top running backs in the 2026 class. Last season, he was a key player for the Lions, accumulating 1,897 all-purpose yards (1,698 rushing, 199 receiving) and scoring 29 touchdowns. His performance included 156 carries for an average of 10.8 yards per carry, making him a formidable force on the field.

Sirpaul Cheeks – Varina, Senior

Cheeks is a three-star recruit who recently committed to West Virginia. He had an outstanding season for the Blue Devils, totaling 1,496 all-purpose yards, including 900 rushing yards on 38 carries (23 YPC) and 22 catches for 265 receiving yards. He also scored 18 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as a player.

Michael Farley Jr. – Varina, Senior

Farley, a three-star recruit and Hampton commit, transferred from St. Christopher's to Varina for the 2025 season. In his previous year, he recorded 1,367 all-purpose yards, including 1,003 rushing yards on 128 carries, 247 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air makes him a valuable asset.

Lawrence Hewlett Jr. – Prince George, Junior

Hewlett had a solid junior season, rushing for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns on 207 carries. He also added five receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown, showing his well-rounded skill set.

Tayshawn Branche – Maury, Junior

Branche was part of the undefeated Commodores squad that won back-to-back VHSL Class 5 state championships. As a sophomore, he played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing to their dominance on the field.

Daeron Ferguson – Thomas Jefferson, Senior

Ferguson made a transfer from Highland Springs to Thomas Jefferson for his senior season. Last year, he earned First Team All-Metro honors, tallying 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns on 155 carries. He also caught five passes for 56 yards, highlighting his versatility.

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 secure the team’s victory.

Amari Priyear – Bethel, Senior

Priyear had an exceptional junior season with the Bruins, rushing for 1,515 yards and 24 touchdowns on 175 carries. He also added 14 receptions for 138 yards, proving to be a threat in multiple facets of the game.

Charles Jackson – Norview, Senior

Jackson finished as First Team All-Region in 2024, recording 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns. He transferred from Green Run to Norview for his senior year, bringing his talent to a new team.

Darren Williams – Varina, Senior

Williams, who transferred from Hermitage to Varina, will be one of the top running backs to watch for the 2025 season. Last year, he finished with over 600 rushing yards and 250-plus receiving yards as the Stallions reached the VHSL Class 5 state semifinals.

Terrance Ealy Jr. – Green Run, Junior

Ealy had a strong sophomore season, rushing for 1,016 yards and 13 touchdowns. He played a key role in the Stallions’ run to the 2024 VHSL Class 5 state semifinals.

JaShon McIntyre – Denbigh, Senior

McIntyre had a productive 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, showcasing his versatility on special teams.

Fans are encouraged to cast their votes for the top returning Virginia high school running backs in 2025. The voting period ends on Friday, August 15 at 11:59 ET. With so many talented players to choose from, it's sure to be an exciting competition.