Top-ranked running back Landen Williams-Callis donates to youth football league where he started

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) -- Before Randle High School running back Landen Williams-Callis was a Lion, he was an Oiler.

Williams-Callis, one of the best high school running backs in the country, is giving back to the youth football league where it all started for him.

"I remember playing in the early morning, just balling," Williams-Callis said. "It feels good to be back here seeing all the little kids because this is where I was this little, this young."

He was the lucky number 7 back in the day, making plays all over the field on both sides of the ball, and he loved playing defense.

"I played quarterback, running back, and safety," he said. "I used to hit. I'll tell you, I was trying to get Coach Randle to let me play defense this year, but he said he would be the dumbest coach alive if he did let me (play defense) and I get hurt."

The Oilers were his foundation, like so many youngsters before and after him.

"For us to be able to be the forefront of the foundation of getting these kids ready for that next level, that's what it's all about," Richmond Oilers President Matt Jackson said.

Williams-Callis ran for over 3,500 yards and 59 touchdowns last year and was named a Gatorade Player of the Year finalist, prompting him to come back to George Park in Richmond.

Surrounded by current and former Oilers, cheerleaders, parents, and coaches, he presented a $1,000 check to League President Matt Jackson.

"It means a lot. I mean, I don't know if you see our field right, we're in the country," Jackson said. "We're limited in funds and limited in resources."

For the nationally-ranked running back who's a top prospect for over 60 colleges already, being able to give back was the best feeling.

"It made me feel good because it's some of the same coaches are out here when I was here," Williams-Callis said.

The money came from Gatorade through the Player of the Year award. Williams-Callis chose a social impact partner that helps the next generation of athletes benefit from sports, and he kept it close to home.

"I lived out here with my grandma, up the street, so it means a lot to come back and give to where I came from," Williams-Callis said.

The money is much needed. Jackson said they'll buy new equipment and improve their gameday field, which gets torn up by wild hogs and gophers.

"You see those dirt piles, a lot of people think that it's ants, but those are from gophers," Jackson said. "Any given time on a Saturday, you see one just pop up and say 'hello, peekaboo,' then they roll back."

Landen has been working hard trying to get the Randle Lions back to state for the third year in a row.

"There will probably never be another Landen," Jackson said. "But I'm sure every one of those kids out there wants to live up to Landen and look up to Landen."