Under The Radar 2026 Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which 2026 running backs in Georgia are still flying under the radar? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got all the details on Prep Redzone...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reid Giles - Rabun County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An explosive back with breakaway speed, Giles has the ability to out-run a defense and score on any particular play. The sophomore is slightly on the smaller side, but he runs bigger than his size. He has great vision for his age and runs with good balance as well. The quick-footed back from North Georgia is fun to watch, and he's been one of the more productive 2026 running backs across the area this fall. Through his first 8 games, leading the Tigers to a 6-2 record, Giles has rushed for an impressive 762 yards and 10 touchdowns. His best game came against Fellowship Christian where he took off for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He's rushed for over 80 yards in five of his eight games this season, showing he's a reliable option every week in the backfield. He's also rushing for an outstanding 11.4 yards an attempt. He's one to take a lose look at for the rest of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090758' first='Demetrius' last='Dowdy']</strong> <strong>- Winder Barrow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, physical running back with plenty of size at 5-foot-10 215-pounds, Dowdy is a tackle-breaking back who can wear down a defense. He's rushed for 777 yards this season on 133 carries this year along with five touchdowns. He's hit the 100-yard mark three times this season, proving he can win games for his team on the ground. His best game came against Loganville where he rushed for 246 yards and a touchdown. He's also rushed for at least 59 yards in every game. He's strong, runs behind his pads, and can keep the chains moving when given space to run. He hits the hole hard and shows good speed for someone his size. He's hard to bring down when he gets going, and it usually takes more than one defender to bring him to the ground. He's an Athens-area back to know who could see his recruitment pick up down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darron Parry - North Forsyth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A shifty, productive back from Cumming, Parry's size won't blow anyone away, but make no mistake, he's as productive as any running back in the area, and he's just a sophomore. The 5-foot-7 160-pounder is quick, elusive, and knows how to hit the hole. He's not afraid of contact and shows good vision for someone his age. He's hard for defenders to get a solid hit on due to his quickness. He's been a major bright spot for the Raiders this year and has flashed big-play ability on a consistent basis. So far this season, the North Forsyth back has rushed for 664 yards and three touchdowns. He's rushed for over 100 yards four times this season including each of his last three games. He's also rushed for at least 85 yards in each of his last six games. He's not a household name right now, but so far this season, he's been one of the more productive 2026 backs across the peach state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->