2026 St. Louis Area Running Backs Emerge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season saw some talented sophomore running backs emerge on the varsity level to contribute to their varsity team's regular seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Dowell Troy Buchanan </strong><br>A combination of speed, power and quickness describes Dowell (6'0" 190) who is the Trojans leading rusher in 2023 with 1,041 yards on 110 carries for a 9.5 yard per carry average and with 7 touchdowns through 9 games. The speedy back can also catch the ball and has over 100 yards receiving with another score. It's why colleges have taken an early notice of him and have extended some game day visits already. Look for interest to increase in the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849692' first='Antoine' last='Gunn'] Hazelwood Central</strong><br>Gunn (5'11" 178) is another sophomore back with a good size and speed combination. He can run between the tackles or turn the corner outside for big yards for the Hawks. As an added bonus he is also one of their best receivers and can get downfield for deep balls out of the backfield. Antoine has rushed for 581 yards on 103 carries with 6 touchdowns, and has caught 11 passes for another 209 yards and a score. He's a back that can do it all, including block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849700' first='Jayden' last='McCaster'] De Smet </strong><br>This Spartan sophomore is not only elusive but a tough runner as well. McCaster (5'9" 170) is a playmaker in space but can also run for tough yards in short yardage or goal line situations as well. He is 8-1 De Smet's leading rusher on the year with 452 yards on 71 carries with 8 touchdowns. It's no wonder with his emerging talents that schools such as Iowa, Kansas and others are inviting him to game day visits already. Jayden is also an outstanding wrestler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402113' first='Courtney' last='Rivers'] CBC </strong><br>The speedy Rivers (5'9" 180) is one of a stable of talented running backs for the two-time defending state champion Cadets, but he has taken advantage of his opportunities and rushed 314 yards on 52 carries with 2 touchdowns. Courtney has great vision and cutting ability to go along with his speed and can lower a shoulder and make yards after contact with his strength. Look for him to continue to emerge as a go to weapon for CBC over the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849681' first='Kareem' last='Burns'] Hazelwood Central</strong> <br>KJ (5'10" 165) is another talented Hawks running back who got to play a lot on varsity as a freshman. This season he has had to split time with Gunn, who is also having a great sophomore season. Burns is another tough runner with quickness and good speed. He has carried the ball 63 times for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns during the regular season and is a potent combo with his fellow sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402120' first='Jaylen' last='Ballard'] Francis Howell </strong><br>This sophomore speedster is playing behind a talented senior running back who is having a great season, but he deserves to be mentioned among the other backs based on his potential and what I have seen from him the past two year. Look for Ballard (5'8" 180) to be a bigger factor for the Vikings next year, however, he has shown flashes of what's to come on his 38 carries rushing for 258 yards and a touchdown. Jaylen is strong and has track speed to go with his overall skills he displays and is a big play threat to watch for in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->