PRZ Next Southeast Camp: 2026 Running Back Preview

Prep Redzone Next is holding the first of three, one-day showcases this upcoming Sunday, April 2nd, at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta, Ga. The camp is designed for middle school athletes to compete in combine testing, individual position work and competitive one on work. The camp sold out in just 12 days, and athletes from 11 different states are slated to come out and compete at the event. Here's a preview of the class of 2026 athletes who are registered to play Running Back. A very deep and talented group of eighth graders are set to take the field at camp. The lone North Carolina running back will be Cameron Melvin. More of a power back, Melvin has played linebacker and defensive line in various events this off-season. Will be interesting to see how he tests and whether or not he'll continue to play running back, given his versatility. Delvecchio Alston II out of Alabama is one that should impress a lot of people. As an eighth-grader he wrestled varsity for Hewitt-Trussville this past season, earning Most Outstanding Wrestler. He was an All-Metro selection and is a natural running back that should open up some eyes. Moving to South Carolina, where the The Palmetto State is home to a pair of exciting backs. Taurus Thomason Jr. is listed at just 5-foot-3 and 124 pounds, but is gnat-like with his quickness. Very quick and agile kid that may be overlooked at first, but has the ability on film to shine. The other SC back is Jaiden Taylor. The young man they call "Speedy" is lighting up the 7v7 scene this off-season with the SC Outlaws. He should live up to his nickname, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him run somewhere between a 4.7 and 4.9 in the forty yard dash. The only running back coming with an announced offer is Travail Mathis out of Florida. Per his Twitter account, Mathis already holds offers from Pitt and Nebraska despite him currently finishing up his eighth-grade season. He's an incredible mix of speed and power at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds. Nebraska may have been first, but they will not be last. Look for him to push on a show. Rounding out the class of 2026 backs are a trio from Georgia that should put on for their home state at the showcase. Jrue Keeling was a standout all season long for Blessed Trinity. His 5-foot-10 and 155 pound frame is ideal for adding a lot of muscle at the next level. I expect him to excel during the one-on-one portion of the showcase. Look for explosive McEachern back Jayreon Campbell to get quite a good amount of attention at the showcase. The two-sport athlete recently earned the MVP award at the NextGen camp in Atlanta. This past regular season he helped lead McEachern to an undefeated season with his special blend of speed and power, at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds. Rounding out the group, Future Buford Wolf Dylan McCoy should really put on a show at the camp, as well. He's one of the best backs not only in Georgia, but the entire country. This past season he was named the Born2Compete Running Back of the Year and for good reason, as he rushed for 536 yards and nine touchdowns on just 49 carries (nearly 11 yards per carry).