The Houston-area career rushing and touchdown records had stood in the name of Jacquizz Rodgers—a second-team All-American at Oregon State and an eight-year NFL veteran. The player who finally broke them was Rodgers' own cousin.
Landen Williams-Callis, a running back at Randle High School in Texas, has built one of the most statistically dominant careers in recent Texas high school football history. He rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 23 touchdowns as a freshman, then topped 2,100 yards and 43 touchdowns as a sophomore while leading Randle to a 16-0 record and a state championship. Last season, he eclipsed 3,500 rushing yards and scored 59 touchdowns—numbers that prompted his head coach, Brian Randle, to reach for a simple explanation: "The good Lord put his hand on that kid."
At 5-9 and 190 pounds, Landen doesn't fit the prototype, but his combination of power, elusiveness, and pass-catching ability out of the backfield has made him nearly impossible to bring down in the Texas high school ranks. "When I get that ball, I don't plan to get tackled," he said. He also handles kick returns and has the arm to execute trick plays when called upon.
Rodgers, who now trains and mentors his younger cousin, watches from the stands every Friday. He sees a rare talent grounded by the right habits. "The main thing we preach is hard work," Rodgers said. "Take care of your body, bring your teammates along." That philosophy shows up in Landen's approach to conditioning—if he feels a workout fell short, he goes back and does another one the same day.
Landen has committed to the University of Texas, where coach Brian Randle believes he'll compete for playing time immediately. Before he gets there, he has one more goal in sight: the all-time Texas high school football rushing record. With another deep playoff run, it's within reach.
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