Breaking It Down: West Running Backs

During the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Game, the West had a pair of running backs who eventually became teammates and backfield mates in college. Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush split carries with Lendale White in that game in San Antonio, a preface of things to come.

When the U.S. Army All-American Game returns to the Alamodome in January, the four running backs representing the West could all be following in the footsteps of White and Bush, as each ball-carrier is currently listing the Trojans at or near the top of the list.



All four rank in the top 10 nationally by Scout.com, led by Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey’s Stafon Johnson (6-0, 200).

Stafon Johnson

Johnson was the class of a strong running back group in the L.A. City Section and the best in an outstanding group of Golden State ball-carriers.



Despite suffering an ankle injury in Dorsey’s semifinal loss to Crenshaw, it couldn’t put a damper on what would become the first 2,000-yard season in Dorsey’s illustrious history. .



The Trojans have long been Johnson’s leader, but the race isn’t over for UCLA, Cal, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Miami.



Klein (Tex.) Collins running back Michael Goodson (5-11 ½, 190), ranked No. 5 by Scout.com, gave a commitment to Oklahoma State back in July, but then de-committed from the Cowboys in early December and will now choose between the Trojans and in-state Texas A&M.

Michael Goodson

Like Johnson, Goodson suffered an ankle injury that limited his playing time and forced him out of a handful of games, yet he still put up nearly 1,000 yards.



Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman running back DeMarco Murray (6-1, 185), ranked No. 9 by Scout.com, has the Trojans in his final three, with Oklahoma and Florida, and he will be one of the many prospects who will announce their decisions in San Antonio.

DeMarco Murray

Murray maintains all three are even, but Oklahoma is thought to be a slight leader because there is less of a logjam in their backfield, despite the presence of Adrian Peterson. The Sooners also signed Murray’s former Bishop Gorman teammate Ryan Reynolds a year ago.



His senior season saw him produce monster numbers, rushing for over 1,800 yards and having over 600 yards receiving while scoring 37 touchdowns.



Rounding out the vaunted West backfield is Coppell (Tex.) High running back Emmanuel Moody (5-11, 190), the 10th ranked back by Scout.com.



Moody committed to in-state powerhouse Texas in March, but backed off that pledge and eventually dropped the Longhorns altogether.

Emmanuel Moody

Now, Miami and, who else, the Trojans are the two finalists for Moody’s services. He will have his decision made prior to arriving in San Antonio.



During his final prep campaign, Moody ran for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns.



The impact that Bush and White have made on the college football landscape has made an obvious mark on the seniors of this class, who were freshman during their trip to San Antonio. Its fitting that each of these prospects could be continuing their career in Los Angeles.