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| Ryder Hooks (24) looks to close in on 2,000 yards as he celebrates during a week 6 game against Fairfield. (Provided photo: Ryder Hooks X- photographer unknown) |
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Mid-major programs are closely evaluating the 5-foot-8 running back from Lakota East, as Ryder Hooks has been excelling in his senior year, nearing 2,000 rushing yards for the season.
"My mentality never changes, I feel like if you put the work in, it will separate you on the field," said Hooks. He has been working through nine games, accumulating 1,443 rushing yards, 290 receiving yards, and a total of 13 touchdowns offensively, accumulating 24 tackles, which include 13 solo and 11 assisted, while also returning two interceptions for touchdowns and amassing an impressive 169 return yards defensively, as reported by the Greater Miami Conference statistics.
Following an injury that kept him out for several weeks at the beginning of his junior year, he has utilized that time to train more intensively as he finished the year out and approached his senior season. "I worked out with my team, then train with Jalin Marshall [NFL]. He has been training me and my brother for the last five years; he's family, and he taught me everything he has learned over the years," he stated.
One of his biggest achievements this season was surpassing the single-game rushing record that had remained unbroken for 28 years, originally set by Jay Boyd in 1997 with a total of 308 yards. He broke this record with an impressive performance of 321 rushing yards against Colerain in week eight.
Congratulations to @ryderhooks for breaking the Lakota East single game rushing record last night!
— Lakota East Football (@LakotaEastFB) October 11, 2025
The previous record was set by Jay Boyd in 1997 w/ 308 rushing yards.
Ryder rushed for 321 yards!
He also had 27 rec yds, 26 ret yds, & 114 int ret yds. 488 all purpose! pic.twitter.com/srQ1nClAgq
"Man, it feels so good to break the record," said Hooks. "Like I was saying, I missed two games last year and really had set high rushing goals for myself and knew that I would need a huge year, and once I got healthy, I was able to do some great things."
A lot of what he does comes from the big guys upfront, "I'm definitely thankful for my O-Line doing their thing for me all year. We are young up front and those guys have been killing!" he stated.
That's not the only support he has, especially his family, and playing for an ex-NFL quarterback in Jon Kitna, who played 15 seasons as a pro, "Coach Kit told us we could have a special year if we continued to build the brotherhood." Hooks elaborated.
"My biggest supporter is my pops; he has been behind me the whole way. He was my coach when I was little and has always pushed me to be my best and told me if I keep God first, anything is positive," he stated. "Him and my mom are definitely my biggest supporters."
According to 247Sports, Hooks has several offers for his services at the next level, including Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Toledo, Bowling Green, and Eastern Michigan. He has also visited Ohio State during this process, "But I really like EKU and the relationship I have with Coach Wells and his staff. They are honest and real with their relationships, and I really respect that," Hooks stated.
With one additional regular-season game remaining against Lakota West in week ten, they have secured a playoff spot. I am confident that 2,000 yards is quite attainable for this strong running back.
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