Kentucky Future Stars: 2026 Running Back Selections

Since 2010, Tennessee and Kentucky have been meeting each June in the annual Future Stars Game. The bordering states have a deep rivalry, but a deeper respect for each other. Kentucky recently invited a few more athletes into what they call the #Brotherhood. Here's a look at the 2026 Running Backs selected for Team Kentucky eighth grade. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-334053 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/JayquanCrawford-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283970" first="JayQuan" last="Crawford"] | Franklin County</strong> A two-time All-Region selection, Crawford is a bull at the Running Back position. Doesn't have the elite breakaway speed at this point, but he is as violent a runner as you will find on the middle school level. He's bigger, faster and stronger than majority of the athletes he takes the field with. He's a one cut, and go, type of runner. Look for Crawford to wear down the Tennessee defense with his punishing running style. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15026434/617b1ebc4210a9163cdb5685" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Kris Hughes | Somerset</strong> Like Crawford above, Hughes was also an All-Region player this past season at Meece Middle School. The 5-foot-7, 150-pound back is a nice compliment piece in this backfield. He can also play Linebacker if asked to. The younger brother of Kam Hughes, a 2024 prospect who is starting to see some activity in his recruitment. Expect Kris to do a little bit of everything for the Kentucky Future Stars. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-334078 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Lamar-Hockersmith-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Lamar Hockersmith | Louisville</strong> Hockersmith is an exciting prospect to watch with the ball in his hands. He has an elite ability to stop and start when he runs. Also shows a ton of explosion and agility. A smaller back at 5-foot-7 and 158 pounds, he hides behind his linemen and then pops out quicker than the defense can react. He sets up his blocks and uses his acceleration to emerge untouched. Also will be a factor in the passing game. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Markezz Hightower | Madisonville</strong> Another promising Hightower coming out of Madisonville. Jeriah Hightower led the state in rushing as a Senior in 2019 before moving on to Eastern Kentucky University. The class of 2026 Hightower, Markezz, has the potential to be dangerous as well. He's a well put together prospect who also competed in the state power lifting tournament. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-224632 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/MaverickAshby-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="463134" first="Maverick" last="Ashby"] | Ashland</strong> An All-Region selection this past season, Ashby was actually the starting Quarterback on his team. While he was lining up behind center, he was unquestionably a run-first signal caller, so the Running Back selection isn't too shocking. He's a tough kid at 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds and also is a promising wrestler as well. With his ability to throw the ball as well, don't be surprised if Kentucky attempts a trick play or two when Ashby is in the game. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15124628/615aea90c119d903b4265a60" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Wyatt Rainey</strong> Rainey is a new name to me, so I don't have much intel on his ability. Coaches stressed to me that he's a tough runner that earned his selection through attention to detail and consistent effort. Sounds like he's a kid who hustles, works hard and leads by example. Looking forward to learning more about Rainey when the Kentucky Future Stars comes together in June.