2026: Explosive Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These dynamic backs are a threat to break off a big run every time they touch the rock. They may have only been freshmen, but that didn't stop them from turning heads in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402743' first='Devaughn' last='Eka'] || RB || 5'10 || 165 || Lehi High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eka is an explosive back who can leave defenders in the dust. He's one of the classes of 2026's fastest players. Eka impresses with his short-area quickness. He also has the ability to slow his momentum down to make defenders miss and quickly get back up to his top speed to break off long runs. In addition, he makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands and constantly breaks ankles with quick cuts. Eka's jump cuts are exceptional, and he routinely levels defenders in the dust. In addition, he's a strong pass catcher out of the backfield, where he can easily separate from linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212442' first='Dyson' last='Parker'] || RB || 5'8 || 160 || Weber High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker possesses special breakaway speed. Once he finds a crease, he explodes through it for a big play. He's exceptionally in the screen game, where he does a good job utilizing his blockers to maximize each catch. Parker also excels at reading and reacting to what's happening when running between the tackles. He makes quick cuts and displays good vision. His body control is exceptional, allowing him to stay in bounds when navigating runs down the sideline. Parker does an excellent job of deciding when to bounce runs to the outside or stay inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212443' first='Easton' last='Kojima'] || RB || 6'0 || 215 || Spanish Fork High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kojima is going to be a force in the Don's backfield for years to come. He plays both ways but never seems to get tired or wear down, no matter how many hits he takes or dishes out. Kojima impresses with his physical rushing style that helps him break numerous tackles each time he takes the field. He fights for every yard and clearly doesn't skip leg day in the offseason based on his impressive leg drive. Kojima is great in goal-line or short-yardage situations where he can grind out the tough yards to score or move the chains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402751' first='Kingston' last='Fiefia-Cooper'] || RB || 190 || East High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper is an elite player who could make plays all over the field. At running back, he impresses with his vision and speed. He always makes the right cut and does a good job following his blockers to maximize each carry. In addition, Cooper is a good athlete whose work in the ladder has translated into some elite footwork. He can explode off either foot and zoom past defenders in a moment's notice. Cooper also possesses good hands, making him a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield. Every time he takes the field, Cooper is a threat to make a game-changing play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->