2025 Watch List: 5 Up and Coming RB’s

In our next installment, we wanted to take some time to shed light on some of the more talented RB's in the state of North Carolina, who can be seen to be on the rise as they receive more attention, and achieve different levels of success for their teams. Below, we have listed some of our favorite 2025 RB's that managed to catch our eye, and will likely have high levels of success throughout their high school careers. If you have a moment, take some time to watch their tape, as we are sure you may agree. [player_tooltip player_id="303093" first="Damon" last="June"]- Jacksonville When cutting on June's tape, it is evident that he may not have the most flashy tape, but his raw ability to run the ball, plow through defenders, and find the end zone are enough to get the job done. As a Freshman, he already has a bit of a bulky frame, with good weight, which allows him to run through defenders and shake tacklers when needed. As he grows, he will continue to develop into his frame, and will likely gain more speed, and improve his footwork as well. At this point of time, he plays very balanced, but we would like to see more sinking, and bending in his movement skills, as this will help him develop as an athlete, and fluid runner of the football. As he continues to plow through defenders next year, expect June to also emerge as a great up and coming player in the state, and for his team. [player_tooltip player_id="286161" first="Max" last="Guest"]- AC Reynolds [player_tooltip player_id="286161" first="Max" last="Guest"] may not be receiving the amount of attention right now as he deserves, but we certainly believe that he could receive more attention, and offers over time as he matures in his ability to play the RB position. Regardless, at this point of time, he has still had plenty of success, displaying a well rounded ability to tote the rock due to various traits and skillsets that he possesses. As a Freshman, he has already proven that he can run at a good pad level, and with silky smooth speed and burst that splits defenders. His footwork may not be the most polished, but he has developmental talent, that can certainly mature going into next year. One of his most valuable traits is his ability to read the line, and defenses in live action, which helps him to change direction, and gain great yards, even if it comes from catching out of the backfield. Next season, look for him to emerge as one of the better up and coming players in the state. JD Williams- Metrolina Christian Academy Williams is a bit of a different back due to his ability to run with a strong lower body, and good balance. His vision, and reaction time may not be the most polished, but the pad level he runs at allows him to bounce off of tackles, and gain the hard yards. We also love Williams’ ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which consistently creates matchup problems for the opposing defense. In a lack of words, Williams is a power back, and a workhorse for his offense. He has already had success in finding the end zone with this ability, and we have no doubt that he will continue to grow as one of the better up and coming RB’s in the state when he touches the field next season. Hezzie Rudisill- Hendersonville Out of this list, Rudisill is one of the least natural runners of the football, but due to his developmental frame, and flashes of talent, we feel that he is still an up and coming player that small schools should keep their eyes on. While he is very raw, he has slight burst to his movement and a small twitch within his footwork, which helps him change direction and gain extra yards. Perhaps what stands out most about Rudisill is the patience that he runs with, which allows him to run through holes at the proper time. This has helped him to make big plays for his team, and even gain yards, and TD's on the ground as well. If he can continue to put all of his talent together, he can become a great player for his team, and can even see more attention due to this fact. [player_tooltip player_id="270423" first="JJ" last="Gordon"]- North Gaston For a freshman prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="270423" first="JJ" last="Gordon"] looks like he has had more playing time at the varsity level than he has. When watching his tape, it is evident that he has a natural burst, and explosive lower body ability to run through defenders, and gain extra yards. Gordon also shows that he has great short area quickness, and an ability to buzz his feet, and change direction on a dime. What is also very impressive is his ability to read the tackles in real time, and adjust to broken plays, and gain yards regardless due to his speed. Going into next season, expect to see Gordon further develop into his frame, and slowly gain more attention from colleges that have already noticed his flashes of talent, and are not afraid to give him a chance.