#TN2025 Rankings Breakdown: Running Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's still early to determine how good this crop of runners are for the in-state junior class but right now, this could be the best group of running backs we have had in several years! It's deep, talented and growing with new players each day! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/?position=RB">#TN2025 Running Back Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMorris earned the top spot for the running backs not based on his offers but due to his elite athleticism and speed at his position that has multiple Power Five programs hot on his trail. The Lions junior back brings big play abilities to his position that translate very well to the next level and he is still far from a finished product as Morris needs to continue adding strength to maintain on the collegiate gridiron, so the potential is high! Once this Chattanooga area running back touches the ball, he is a threat to make one cut and find the end zone. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield along with the potential to become a three down back. Morris is a talented offensive playmaker that already has big schools knocking on his door with the possibility of big offers on its way. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649ed9a59948d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/daune_morris/status/1576042971325034496?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/daune_morris/status/1576042971325034496?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219449"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAthletic, explosive and fast are three traits that immediately stand out about this Murfreesboro area running back when watching his film and a talent that is far from a finished product, so the future is bright for this junior offensive playmaker. Hill is a smooth runner that can make one cut, hit the open field then break away from defenders with his speed to find the end zone. This is a track guy who is a state title contender, so his speed will definitely translate to the next level but it's his all-around game that makes Hill one of the best offensive talents from our #TN2025 class. The Patriots junior needs to add more strength but the athletic traits are there and college coaches are involved already with several high major programs interested.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["258658"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWell balanced with size and a powerful lower base, Davis already looks the part of a college back but is still waiting to be the lead man on his high school team, however that will change this Fall. Taking over as the lead back for the Big Red, Davis is well equipped to handle the role and the talents to establish himself as one of the best at his position for the #TN2025 class. The best trait I see on film currently from this Mid-Tennessee talent is his balance and ability to break away from would-be tacklers. Davis runs hard and is very difficult to bring down. He also has good speed to break loose and hit the open field. Added explosion and burst is needed but Davis has tons of tools and traits that translate well to the next level and collegiate coaches have started to take notice.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["616519"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Brown is not only a playmaker from his running back position but he is also one of the more athletic, explosive products from any positions out of the Memphis area and the state of Tennessee. The Golden Wildcats rising junior is a burner with the kind of speed to find the end zone quickly while providing major problems for the opposition due to his natural athletic abilities. Brown can make one cut and find the open field with his shifty feet while also showing enough power and strength to break away from tacklers. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield, so Brown has plenty of tricks in his bag to develop into an excellent all-around back on the collegiate gridiron. Expect to continue hearing more about this West Tennessee product moving forward!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649ed9a599577"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/RhyanBrown9/status/1595855986983682049?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RhyanBrown9/status/1595855986983682049?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["841287"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePlaying on a team full of college talent, Burton has yet to be put in the spotlight for his Mustangs offense but the 5 '10 running back is talented, sporting the physical size and game play of a future D1 college prospect. Well built and balanced with good burst, Burton is a load to bring down for the opposition as he shows good power when working through the mesh then breaks loose with good speed into the open field. Defenders have a hard time wrapping up Burton and when they do have a grasp, it's still difficult to bring him down due to his lower body power and strength. The Mustangs junior has a lot of things about his game that I like that I feel translate very well to the college level.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["301396"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSharing the backfield with Burton, this power back with deceptive speed and shift feet, Patterson, Jr has a little more juice behind his name right now in the recruiting game and it's warranted but more development must be done to fulfill his potential. Right now, Patterson, Jr looks more like a power back that fits well in 1st and 2nd down situations but sports the potential to develop further due to his natural athletic abilities. This off-season has been good thus far as this Mid-Tennessee talent has enhanced his agility and speed much further along with showing the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Offers have arrived for Patterson, Jr but bigger schools could get involved down the road with continued work and development.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["219362"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis East Tennessee product is one of the more intriguing running back talents from our junior class as Davis could eventually place himself among the top backs in the state due to his athleticism and blazing speed. One of the fastest prospects in our #In The TN2025 class, Davis is a big play waiting to happen anytime he touches the ball, which is a trait that appeals very strongly to collegiate coaches. His combination of agility, speed and vision plays up very well on the next level but the Blue Raiders junior star must continue adding more mass to his upper body along with more strength to his lower base. He is a little lite in the britches right now but sports the frame to take on more size and compete against high level D1 defenses. Davis has yet to see his recruitment take off but mark my words, it will happen and big programs will be involved!u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649ed9a599655"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Isaiahdavis423/status/1672053812222205954?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Isaiahdavis423/status/1672053812222205954?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["480658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSharing the backfield with fellow backs Hill and senior u003c/spanu003eu003cbu003e[player_tooltip player_id='186297' first='Ashton' last='Jones']u003c/bu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e, Haynesworth gives the Patriots a bigger back to compliment to other two and someone that shows potential to be a lead back one day on the collegiate gridiron. A powerful, downhill attacking runner, Haynesworth was able to showcase his abilities late in the season last Fall, showing off his upside and someone that will get better with maturity and more reps. He sports deceptive speed, good burst and the lower body strength to break through would-be tacklers. Haynesworth does need to gain more agility while learning the nuances of the running back position but the size and talent is there to make it into the college game one day. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["361227"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTaking over as the lead back deep into the season last year, Davis is due for a big breakout campaign this coming Fall and someone that can take his stock to another level, eventually becoming a possible D1 recruit. The Rebels junior back brings good size to his position along with balance, deceptive speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Davis is a natural athlete that runs very well but also shows the shifty movements to elude tacklers while continuing his path down field. Added strength is needed for Davis to maintain on the collegiate gridiron but the size and tools are there to establish himself as one of the best backs from the East TN region but also his junior class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["219342"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAvera took a major step with his recruiting stock last Fall as a sophomore where he produced at a very high level, putting up big numbers both on the ground and through the air. The Highlanders junior running back is a multi talented guy that shows good speed on film along with excellent vision and the burst to find the open field quickly. Avera is an elusive runner that has a knack for finding the right holes then consistently keeping himself away from punishing tackles. This is a tough guy to control with the ball in his hands and a talent that brings playmaking abilities to his running back position. Avera is a major piece for his Highlanders offense and a prime candidate for Mr. Football over the next two years. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649ed9a59972a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TeganAvera/status/1664023469997150211?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TeganAvera/status/1664023469997150211?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["466233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOther scouts and football people may look at this guy and question his ranking but none of those opinions would phase me because Miller has been on my radar for two years now and someone with the speed and athletic abilities to make it into the college game. Miller is undersized at 5 '7 but more than makes up for that with his ability to hit the hole fast then burst into the open field and into the end zone quickly. The Tomcats running back runs low and is able to maneuver through the mesh very well to produce positive gains, so Miller is tough to corral. This guy will continue to be looked at as undersized but Miller can play and could play himself in Mr. Football contention over the next two years.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["219347"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis Golden Bears back took a big step in his progression last year as a sophomore and has continued that progress this off-season, placing himself within the Top 100 rankings for the #TN2025 class. Well balanced with a hard nosed running style, Crudup competes at a high level every time he steps onto the field along with the skill set to create game changing moments. He has the ability to take the carry and make a home run play due to his quick burst, speed and vision. Crudup is also well put together physically with the frame to take on more weight. He does share the backfield but this Mid-Tennessee back should see his work increase this Fall and continue establishing himself as a top back from the in-state junior class. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649ed9a5997ed"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2025-rankings/">#TN2025 Top 100</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong> </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB Watch List ….</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497427' first='Caleb' last='Floyd']</strong> - Stewarts Creek: The RedHawks currently use this rising junior as a two-way talent but his film shows potential on the next level at running back as an athletic, explosive runner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219414' first='Abu' last='Keefer'] </strong>- Powell: Keefer is an interesting player that is mainly playing linebacker for his Panthers team but looks like a running back along with the upside to remain there on the collegiate level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611895' first='Jakyri' last='McClure'] </strong>- Mt. Pleasant: Coming from a small area, McClure doesn't get the hype as others but he provides good size, balance and deceptive speed that can be recruited to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466232' first='Jayden' last='Milton'] </strong>- West Carroll: Milton returns this Fall as one of the top productive runners in the state and someone that may sit under the radar due to being on a lower level but this guy can play!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848834' first='Skylar' last='Thomas'] </strong>- Jefferson Co.: Thomas is a future back to follow! This East TN back hasn't taken many reps for his Patriots squad but the film he has shows the physical traits and upside to become a college recruited player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>Conner Wheeler </strong>- Powell: The lead back for his Panthers team, Wheeler is a highly productive runner that can do a variety of things from the backfield, including being a threat to catch the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":842756,"width":539,"height":359,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/jaymilton.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-842756" width="539" height="359" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GibsonNews.com</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->