VYPE Hot 20 RBs: No. 11 James Sims, Irving MacArthur

Editor's Note: VYPE columnist Todd Wills prepared a list of the top 20 running backs in the Dallas-Ft. Worth prior to the 2008 season opener. VYPE.com is counting down the VYPE Hot 20 running backs list from 20-1: Today's pick is: No. 11 James Sims, Irving MacArthur Sims showed versatility with limited opportunities last year, but expect his chances to pick up this year. Sims was held in check by Plano in the opener as he had 58 yards on 13 carries. But expect those numbers to pick up for the 5-11, 195-pound junior with 4.4 speed Previous picks were: 20. D.J. Cohen, Plano West Wolves coach Mike Hughes has been looking for consistency at the running back position and he thinks he's finally found it with Cohen. "He's finally bought into our system here," Hughes said. Cohen will get a chance to run behind a huge offensive line, and it's really up to him to be a patient runner. He also has to hit holes and take yards in small chunks if necessary. 19. Kendial Lawrence, Rockwall-Heath Lawrence had 1,720 yards and 20 touchdowns. His numbers should only go up in new coach Mickey Moss's offense. Lawrence is another speed burner who is a threat to break the big one at any time. 18. Charley Waldrep, Celina Just because he plays for a 3A school shouldn't be a strike against this yard producer. Waldrep, who is 5-11 and 190, had 1,779 yards last season and scored a Burkhead-like 35 touchdowns. Waldrep has exceptional speed and like just about every other player to come out of Celina, he's a winner. 17. Josh Matthews, McKinney North He had an eye-popping 247 yards in the opener against Boyd. He broke a school record with a 97-yard touchdown run -- remember McKinney North produced Texas Tech starter Shannon Woods. Matthews is a 5-11, 205-pound back who would just as soon run over defenders as run around them. "If I can make a guy miss, then I will," Matthews said. "If I have to run over someone, then I will." 16. Peter Smith, Forney Smith is a true sleeper. At 5-9, 175-pounds, he's not the biggest kid, but the senior has good speed to the outside and impresses with his toughness. Smith had a huge first game, rushing for 239 yards and breaking off touchdown runs of 33 and 17 yards. 15. Tony Peoples, The Colony Peoples had a standout junior season with 1,812 yards and 14 touchdowns as the entire Cougars' program has found new life in 4A. He has good quickness, sees the field well and has 36-inch vertical leap. Peoples, who had committed to Tulsa, has good hands and may play slot receiver in college. 14. Jeremiah Williams, Allen Williams is coming off of an injury-riddled junior season, but he's still a very talented back who had over 800 yards as a sophomore. He had 844 yards last season, and if he stays healthy, he should go over 1,000 yards even though he shares time with another talented back, Bradlee Waddell. 13. Tony Drake, Skyline The Raiders are in a situation where they are producing multiple Division I recruits each season, and Drake will be another. He only rushed for 300 yards last season, but remember again like White, he had limited opportunities because Skyline has so many talented skill players. Drake is another back with 4.4 speed. 12. Dexter Imade, Rowlett If Imade was running beneath anyone's radar, he couldn't hide after rushing for 271 yards in last year's first-round upset of Allen. The junior finished with 1,351 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rowlett expects to ride him farther in this year's playoffs and off-season shoulder surgery has not slowed him down. .