"Power in Motion: The Relentless Drive of a Breakaway Backfield Bruiser"

David Westerman III

@davidwestermanIII

5’9, 175lbs, Class of 2027

Deer Creek HS, OK

David is a fierce, electric back who brings violence and vision to every carry. Once he sees daylight, he becomes a blur of explosive cuts, downhill fury, and punishing finishes. He doesn’t run to avoid contact; he runs through it. With a low center of gravity and powerful strides, he hits the hole like a sledgehammer and keeps his legs churning for every extra yard. Arm tackles won’t cut it. When he’s in stride, defenders bounce off or get dragged. David is a dynamic ball-carrier who brings a bruising edge but can still break away when he hits the open field. What separates him is his toughness, hunger, and ability to maximize every touch. He doesn't need 20 carries to take over a game; he just needs one lane and the mindset to finish the run. And every time he hits the field, that’s exactly what a coach can expect: power, purpose, and a relentless effort to move the chains and break the will of a defense.

Despite sharing reps with three other backs, David racked up 653 rushing yards, 112 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns on the JV squad, while also earning valuable varsity reps as a sophomore on a senior-heavy team.. His yards after contact were consistently impressive, a direct result of his physical running style and refusal to go down easy. The biggest improvement this offseason has been in his speed and strength; he’s locked in on putting on 20 pounds of muscle while building even more speed through acceleration work. That grind is fueled by a mindset rooted in toughness and opportunity. With a new offensive coordinator in place and a younger varsity group stepping into the spotlight, David is ready to carry more of the load and become the tone-setter his team can lean on. His goal isn’t just to produce, it’s to finish runs, punish tacklers, and keep the energy high.

David plays with a deeper motivation, one driven by the understanding that these four years of high school football are a gift. He’s not taking a second of it for granted. Every snap is another chance to give it everything he’s got, because he knows that one moment can change a game, and one game can change everything. When facing adversity, he responds like a true competitor, finding the next task, moving on, and never letting a bad play or rough game define him. Whether he’s exploding through the line or stepping up to block for a teammate, he stays locked in and gives his all.

He sees the field like a chessboard; the alignment of a defense tells the story before the snap. Whether it’s hitting the right gap, slipping through creases, or setting up for a pass play, David knows where he fits into the moment. His ball security is rock solid, and he’s constantly improving his elusiveness while keeping that tough edge that makes him hard to deal with in space. When asked about the future, he dreams of D1 football, but his heart is set on playing at the college level, wherever that may be. For him, it’s about the opportunity to do what he loves, to represent his program, and to give every ounce of effort to the game that means everything to him.

He lives by the words of Coach Kara Lawson: “It doesn’t get easier. You just learn to handle hard better.” That’s how he trains. That’s how he plays. And that’s why he’s built to be a difference-maker for any team that takes a chance on him.

I assess that David’s combination of physicality, balance, and aggressive running style will bring immediate toughness to any backfield. He’s a chain-mover with the mindset to take over games in short-yardage, red zone, or open-field situations. His effort on every down is contagious, and his ceiling will only rise as he continues to build size and speed.

With most varsity starters gone, David has a major opportunity to become the focal point of a new-look offense. Expect a breakout season full of explosive gains, punishing runs, and fearless execution. His potential is built on grit, production, and a motor that never quits, making him one of the most exciting 2027 backs to watch in Oklahoma. Stay tuned.