2026: Star Running Backs & Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These talented backs may have only been freshmen in 2022, but they didn't play like it.</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 can hit a crease and go for six in a moment's notice if defenses aren't careful with him. He's one of the class's best at making defenders miss in the open field. On screens, he does an excellent job fowling his blockers and can dodge defenders with shifty moves. His elite athleticism and balance help him to tip-toe the sideline to stay in bounds. Parker does a good job bouncing runs to the outside when needed but is also more than willing to run between the tackles and fight for the tough yards. Parker is bound to break a few big runs in 2023 as a home run-hitting back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402751' first='Kingston' last='Fiefia-Cooper'] || LB || 6'0 || 190 || East High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fiefia-Cooper is the type of player who will do whatever it takes for his team to win. He can play on both sides of the ball and makes plays at running backs and linebackers. Fiefia-Cooper runs hard on every carry and will not be deterred from getting positive yards. He trusts his blockers and will follow them for big gains. When lining up in the front seven, his instincts help him make plays against both the run and pass. In coverage, he does a good job flowing to the ball and can deflect passes. In addition, Fiefia-Cooper can fly into plays late and force fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284202' first='Roman' last='Funk'] || RB || 6'1 || 165 || Mountain Crest High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Funk is fantastic when it comes to running the football. He can quickly get the edge and turn the corner before linebackers beat him there. In addition, Funk possesses exceptional vision, which helps him find holes and maximize every yard out of each carry. He always seems to find a way to move the chains or squeeze into the end zone in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Funk can also be a dynamic receiver out of the backfield, where he can run more than just wheel routes. He should be in for a huge sophomore campaign that features more memorable plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212443' first='Easton' last='Kojima'] || LB || 6'0 || 215 || Spanish Fork High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kojima makes his presence felt every opportunity he gets to play under the lights. He loves the physicality of the game and plays two of the most physical possessions. At linebacker, he possesses the sideline-to-sideline quickness needed to make plays on the outside. He can also go through or around offensive linemen before dropping running backs for a loss. At running back, he makes quick decisions on each carry and can break out of tackles time and time again. In addition, he loves to run over defenders and can make them miss in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->