Rankings Update: 2026 Running Back New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There is no shortage of elite athletes in this 2026 class across Arizona, and the running back room is loaded with top tier talent as well. Which new ball carriers entered our rankings and what do they show on film? Find out below! </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["792960"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511d4ec21d4f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["835498"],"_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":"Chambers is a very explosive ball carrier, and can impact the game from all three phases, especially in the return game. He shows a impressive initial burst through the first level, sees the field well and shows cutback abilities while able to make defenders miss in the open field, with third level speed in the clear. He is a very physical runner with contact balance, runs behind his pads and always falls forward to gain the tough yards. His explosion and position versatility for his age, makes him a no brainer next level kid that is a name to note over the next few seasons across the region.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d4d55401b7e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["975177"],"_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":"The second year player is a patient and downhill runner, that excels in-between the tackles, waits for his blocks to develop and sticks his toe in the ground quickly while picking up tough yards inside. He is a natural ball carrier that is tough to bring down in traffic due to balance, leg drive and body control at contact. He also flashes quick feet through the hole and good initial acceleration at the first level and will continue to add third level speed as he progresses. Drunasky checks in onto our WL in our most recent rankings update, and could enter into our rankings sooner rather than later.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511d4ec21db8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992795"],"_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":"Gaines is one of the premier ball carriers across the state in the 2026 class, and showed out in his first prep season in 2022, ending the year on the Varsity team and showing that he can impact the game in multiple ways. He has good size, lower body strength and is a banger inside that has sneaky elusiveness and can bounce it outside the tackles when needed and gain the edge. He is a low to the ground compact runner that does not go down on first contact, and shows open field speed as well and welcomes contact in the hole. Currently checking in as our number two back in our 2026 rankings, look for Gaines to continue having a huge second season for Hamilton.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511d4ec21e07"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992823"],"_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":"Brown is a bruiser in the backfield that is tough to bring down on first contact, and seemingly always falls forward to gain extra yards. He has a very strong lower body and is well built for his age while already making a big impact on Varsity for one of the top teams in the western region. He is a tough and bruising zone scheme runner that can read flow and cutback, while also able to follow pullers in gap schemes and stays patient behind them before hitting the hole and getting into the open. His physical and bruising running style make him tough to bring down in one on one situations, and a truework horse for Saguaro.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6511d4ec21e51"} /-->