J.D Runnels attended Carl Alber High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma where he helped his team to four straight 5A state championships in four years. He played receiver, tight end, and defensive end but was primarily a fullback. As a junior, J.D. caught 34 passes for 747 yards and 9 touchdowns. As a senior he caught 29 passes for 568 yards and 8 touchdowns on his way to all-state honors. He finished his career with 192 tackles, 11 sacks and 1 interception on defense and school records for receiving yards (1,391), receptions (67), and receiving touchdowns (17) on offense. He was ranked as the 35th player in the nation at fullback and tight end. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where he contributed as a lead blocker immediately. He was named offensive newcomer of the year for his play as a freshman. In 2003 J.D. was named honorable mention all-big 12 after catching 16 passes for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a junior he totaled 14 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown. As a senior, Runnels was named first team all-big 12. He caught 20 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown on the year. He received the Don Key award for extraordinary character, work ethic, and dedication.

J.D. Runnels has a good deal of experience having started at fullback for the Oklahoma Sooners over the past three seasons. He is an excellent lead blocker who paved the way for Adrian Peterson the past two seasons. He is a hard worker and a person with no character issues. He is a good receiver out of the backfield. Once he has the ball in his hands he has good speed, can break tackles, and will fall forward to gain additional yardage. He will drop some catchable passes at times. He is an unknown quantity as a runner, having only carried 2 times for 5 yards in his four years at Oklahoma. J.D.has a good chance to be among the first fullbacks selected in April and will make a nice second day pick for a team that needs a lead blocker who will be required to catch the football out of the backfield on occasion.