Arthur Lockett built his reputation as one of the most accomplished running backs in Jack Yates history, rushing for a school-record 4,341 yards and 53 touchdowns before continuing his career at Prairie View A&M.
Now, the former standout is helping develop the next generation through the Arthur Lockett Running Backs Academy, a low-cost training program that provides young athletes with position-specific instruction focused on the fundamentals of the running back position.
Now in its second year, the academy brings together athletes ages 6 and older. During workouts, players move through footwork drills and ball-security exercises as Lockett moves from station to station, offering instruction, corrections, and encouragement, teaching the same fundamentals that helped shape his own success.
“I’m building complete running backs, both mentally and physically,” said Arthur Lockett. “I also care about mentorship, accountability, and confidence, not just performance during a workout.”
“One of the biggest mistakes young running backs make is relying solely on speed and talent rather than mastering the fundamentals,” said Lockett. “Many athletes want to bounce every play outside, avoid contact, or run without vision and patience. Great running backs understand timing, footwork, leverage, ball security, and how to let blocks develop. At this position, discipline and decision-making are just as important as athletic ability.”
At the academy, there is a strong emphasis on footwork, balance, vision, explosiveness, body control, ball security, and football IQ.
“Every drill has a purpose,” said Lockett. “I teach athletes to move efficiently, make quick reads, change direction without losing speed, and finish runs with confidence. I also emphasize effort, discipline, and competing the right way because details separate good players from great ones.”
With a focus on development rather than simply running drills, every athlete receives hands-on coaching, personal attention, and instruction that translates directly to the field.
“I’m building complete running backs, both mentally and physically. I also care about mentorship, accountability, and confidence, not just performance during a workout.”
The academy was born from Lockett’s desire to provide young athletes with the same guidance and mentorship that shaped his football journey.
“I’ve seen talented kids who simply needed structure, confidence, and proper coaching,” said Lockett. “This academy was created to help athletes sharpen their skills and build character, discipline, and self-belief.”
Understanding that every family’s circumstances are different and that every child deserves an opportunity to improve, regardless of financial situation, Lockett intentionally keeps the cost of participation around $20.
“Sometimes families cannot afford expensive camps, but that should never stop a kid from developing their talent and pursuing their dreams,” said Lockett. “This academy is about impact first. If we can help athletes grow, build confidence, and stay motivated, we’re already succeeding.”
That mission has attracted athletes at every stage of development, including those just beginning their football careers.
Rufus Zeigler was searching for a skill-position coach to help his son, Aedan Zeigler, develop as a running back and gain confidence in his abilities, which led him to bring Aedan to the academy.
“A fellow coach introduced me to Coach Arthur at the beginning of our little league post-season run,” said Rufus. “I observed his coaching abilities, his commitment to the game, and how he coached the kids. He took tremendous pride in making sure the focus was not only on technique but also on the purpose behind developing it.”
After watching Arthur work with young athletes, Rufus felt the academy offered more than skill development, providing players with a deeper understanding of the position and helping them grow as leaders and teammates.
“Coach Arthur has increased Aedan’s confidence and field awareness,” said Rufus. “He understands more about what it takes to play the running back position and to develop the skills to run the ball better. Aedan has also taken this opportunity to work on his leadership on the field with Coach Arthur.”
Aedan, who played for the Pearland Hurricanes last season and is entering fifth grade, said he has learned several valuable lessons from the training.
“I learned the importance of staying low, running into the hole, and protecting the ball by keeping it tight,” said Aedan. “My favorite part of training is our workout time because there is always a new challenge.”
While younger athletes are learning the fundamentals of the position, older players are using the sessions to sharpen their skills for high school.
Arian Elder, a sophomore at Jack Yates High School, has also found the academy helpful.
“I decided to train with Coach Arthur because he was one of the top running backs to come out of Yates High School back in the day,” said Arian. “I’m trying to improve my speed, power when getting into the open field, and my ability to pull away.”
For Elder, learning from someone who excelled in the position offers a perspective that extends beyond drills and workouts.
“Learning from someone who played the position at a high level helps my development by giving me a better understanding of the game at a younger age, so when I’m a senior, I’ll be a top running back in my class of 2029,” said Arian.
For Lockett, helping athletes improve at every level is exactly what the academy was designed to do.
The academy is not about records, statistics, or past achievements. It is about passing knowledge to the next generation and ensuring that young athletes have access to quality instruction, regardless of age or financial situation.
“I hope players remember the energy, the teaching, the discipline, and the belief we poured into them,” said Lockett. “I want them to remember being pushed to improve because someone genuinely cared about their growth. More than anything, I want them to remember that hard work, consistency, and character will always set them apart in life.”
Times and Locations
Mondays at 5:40 pm at Berry Miller Junior High in Pearland, Texas
Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:40 pm at Westwood Park
Sundays at 11:30 AM at Bellaire High School
Ages range from 6 years old and up, and the last day of training is July 20th
