STOCK RISERS: 2026 RBs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings are out on Prep Redzone, and it's full of talented running backs across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are towards the top of the 2026 rankings? Let's take a look…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='422543' first='Jonaz' last='Walton']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jonaz-walton-2/"></a>&nbsp; – Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top-ranked freshman running back in Georgia, Walton turned in an incredibly productive season last year, running through defenses on a consistent basis all season long. The West Georgia back out of Central High School in Carrollton was tough to stop all season long, rushing 187 times for 1,644 yards and an incredible 20 rushing touchdowns. A natural runner with quick feet who brings a physical presence for his age, Walton stands at 5-foot-10 195-pounds, showing why he already has enough size to warrant his many D1 offers. So far, major programs like Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee have offered the No. 1 2026 running back in the peach-state. He runs with balance, has a knack for bouncing off tackles and does a great job of picking up yards after first contact. He's agile, and has enough speed to breakaway from defenders down the field. He ran for 100+ yards in nine games last fall and ran for 200+ yards in three games. As good as he was last year, look for him to have an even bigger season as a sophomore next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='418495' first='Dylan' last='McCoy']- Buford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He may not have played at the varsity level last year, but the Buford Wolves may have another superstar running back on the roster in 2023. They already have a loaded running back room, but at some point, it's going to be tough to keep young [player_tooltip player_id='418495' first='Dylan' last='McCoy'] off the field. A star running back in middle school, there's been plenty of hype around McCoy, and 2023 might be thee year where he makes a name for himself. He likely won't be the lead back for the Wolves next fall, but look for him to possibly get some big opportunities to make plays in a reserve role. He has good size for his age already and will bring plenty of speed to the Wolves' backfield. The young back is also a track and field star who recently posted a 23.48 in the 200-meter in early March. He has great straight-line speed along with quick feet, good burst, and the ability to break tackles down the field. He's only going to get better, and he's bound for an excellent Buford career and a possible breakout sophomore season in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209828' first='Jrue' last='Keeling'] - Alpharetta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top young backs in Fulton County, Keeling is a quick, elusive back who earned a few carries last year for an up and coming Alpharetta team. At 5-foot-10170-pounds, Keeling will continue adding weight and muscle over the next few months in hopes of taking on a bigger role for the Raiders rushing attack. He shows good vision for his age, gets upfield in a hurry, and can take it the distance when given space in the open field. He's a good open field runner who can make defenders miss down the field. He hits the hole hard and showed that he can break tackles and get yards after initial contact. He's a promising back to know and could see plenty of carries come his way next fall. He runs hard, falls forward at the end of runs, and shows big-play ability. Keeling is one of the top young backs in the area and could make some noise in the stat sheet if he continues to work hard this spring and summer. He's certainly a 2026 back on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->