Virginia’s Top Freshmen Running Backs Entering the Winter

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing off the week, we're in Virginia, looking at some of the state's most promising 2026 running backs. These youngsters have become consistent contributors in their first season at the varsity level as only freshmen. They all have different running styles and physical tools, but all have one thing in common... They can play! Look for them to be on colleges' radars as they progress throughout the early stages of their careers. With three more years of high school ball left they're only going to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Look for their production to steadily improve year by year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have any prospects you'd like for me to watch, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='284214' first='Savion' last='Hiter'], 5'11" 180, Louisa County</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows natural vision and effortless change of direction.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A patient creeper to the hole allowing his blocks to set up in front, before exploding through a seam.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Provides a ton of production as a pass catcher out of the backfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His creativity and shake in the open field are just filthy. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A no-brainer major Power-Five prospect at the next level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1298538' first='Blaise' last='Skube'], 5'10" 160, Warren County</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Quite an effective runner on off-tackle runs.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has the speed to get to the edge and out-run defenders with an angle on him.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Skube's eyes are constantly looking for cut-back lanes and he will press it back inside when defenders overpursue.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He can line up at any receiver spot, run pretty much a complete route tree, and generate explosive plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He looks to lower his shoulder to cap off the end of runs and assert his will on defenders.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Ronald Jackson, 5'9" 160, Varina</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Displayed a potent jump cut with instant acceleration out of it.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A tough prospect that plays bigger than his listed height/weight.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This is a proficient special teamer that gives maximum effort at all times.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not a ton of production, because of a lack of carries, but look for his workload to increase in 2023 and his numbers to skyrocket. The potential is most certainly there.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Elijah Salmon, 5'8" 145, Norfolk Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gets the football and gets north &amp; south in a hurry.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Follows his pullers on gap scheme runs and knows how to read their head placement.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hips are relaxed and allow for natural stop &amp; start.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has shown superb balance on initial contact &amp; the ability to pick up some hidden YAC.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows a strong base that helps him easily absorb contact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->