Certainly! Here’s a 2000-word SEO-optimized article summarizing the top high school running backs in Orange County ahead of the 2025 season.
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### Top High School Running Backs in Orange County for the 2025 Football Season
As the 2025 high school football season approaches, Orange County is buzzing with excitement, especially surrounding its talented running backs. These athletes not only display remarkable skill and versatility on the field but also represent their schools with grit and determination. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 running backs in Orange County, who are poised to make significant impacts this season.
#### 1. Sean Morris II, Orange Lutheran (Senior)
At the top of our list is Sean Morris II from Orange Lutheran. The transfer from Loyola is set to bring his impressive track record to the Monarchs. Last season, Morris rushed for 1,762 yards and 16 touchdowns, showcasing breakaway speed and exceptional receiving abilities. Committed to Northwestern, Morris stands at 5-10 and 205 pounds—perfectly combining strength with agility. His dynamic play and highlight reel make him a must-watch player this season.
#### 2. Justin Lewis, Mater Dei (Senior)
Next up is Justin Lewis, a versatile back from Mater Dei. Lewis, also a senior, comes off a strong stint with Division 4 Thousand Oaks where he racked up 1,306 yards and 15 touchdowns. Alongside his rushing prowess, he added 24 receptions for 324 yards, proving that he can be a dual-threat on the field. With the addition of transfer Malachi Roby this season, Coach Raul Lara plans to keep his running backs fresh, contributing to an already potent offense.
#### 3. Skylar Lendsey, Western (Senior)
Skylar Lendsey also makes our list after transferring back to Orange County from Warren. With a solid performance last season, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, Lendsey (5-10, 200) is known for his physical playing style. His commitment to UNLV reflects his potential to excel at higher levels. Under Coach Dan Davidson, Lendsey will likely be one of Western’s key offensive weapons this season.
#### 4. Lenny Ibarra, Los Alamitos (Senior)
Lenny Ibarra stands out as another top performer in Orange County. The Army commit averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season, finishing with 886 yards and 13 touchdowns. Beyond his rushing stats, Ibarra also excelled in the receiving game, totaling 275 receiving yards on 15 catches. His versatility adds depth to the Los Alamitos offense, making him a crucial player to watch in the upcoming season.
#### 5. Elijah Ayala, San Juan Hills (Senior)
Elijah Ayala is a powerhouse for San Juan Hills. Known for running hard between the tackles, Ayala (5-11, 194) rushed for nearly 900 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. His rigorous playing style has earned him high praise from Coach Robert Frith, who calls him a “stud.” Ayala’s ability to maintain physicality in challenging games will be vital for the Stallions this season.
#### 6. Ethan Mundt, Troy (Senior)
Ethan Mundt, the reigning Iota League Offensive MVP, is another standout player. Averaging an impressive 8.2 yards per carry last season, Mundt tallied 1,502 yards and 18 touchdowns. At 5-10 and 205 pounds, he specializes in breaking tackles and possesses strong football knowledge. Coach Michael Echaves has noted a significant increase in Mundt’s speed, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
#### 7. Makya Chee, El Toro (Senior)
Coming into the spotlight is Makya Chee from El Toro. Under Coach Peter Lofthouse, Chee emerged as a standout running back, finishing last season with 1,228 yards and 15 touchdowns—all while averaging an impressive 10.3 yards per carry on just 119 carries. Lofthouse has described Chee as the best high school running back he has ever coached, highlighting Chee’s exceptional talent and work ethic.
#### 8. Radley Geiss, Dana Hills (Senior)
Radley Geiss, a senior at Dana Hills, demonstrated his prowess last season with 1,419 yards and 17 touchdowns. Standing at 5-8 and weighing 170 pounds, Geiss is a testament to the adage that good things come in small packages. His strength is evident, as he managed 247 carries, leading his team to the Division 6 semifinals. His powerlifting capability, with a record of 295 pounds in the power clean, shows how he maximizes his physical abilities on the field.
#### 9. Kevika Martinez, La Habra (Junior)
At only 6-0 and 200 pounds, junior Kevika Martinez made his mark last season with 1,021 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Epsilon League honors. In addition to his offensive contributions, Martinez doubles as a valuable linebacker for La Habra. His ability to excel in multiple roles underscores his value to the team and paints a bright future for this young talent heading into the new season.
#### 10. Malachi Roby, Mater Dei (Senior)
Rounding out our list is Malachi Roby from Mater Dei. Although he had a quieter season last year—rushing for 206 yards and two touchdowns in a playoff game—his experience against top teams showcases his potential. At 6-0 and 200 pounds, Roby’s skill set adds depth to Mater Dei’s already rich roster. His developmental potential is enticing, making him a player to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.
#### Conclusion
As Orange County gears up for the 2025 high school football season, these top-running backs stand at the ready to make significant contributions to their teams. With their diverse skill sets, remarkable stats from previous seasons, and the physical and mental fortitude to overcome challenges, each player brings something unique to the table. From Sean Morris II’s breakaway speed to Ethan Mundt’s tackle-breaking strength, each running back will aim to leave a mark on the field and elevate their team’s performance this season.
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