Dynamic Runners to Watch: Round Three

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am impressed with the depth of talent at the running back position in Missouri. There are some talented prospects still left in the playoffs. Below, I highlight some of the most electric runners in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["849690"],"_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_tooltip player_id='849690' first='Martez' last='Stephenson'] may be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2026 class. Expect coaches recruiting St. Louis to come running into Lutheran North the second they are able to contact 2026 prospects. Martez displays a rare combination of balance, vision, quick feet, and acceleration weaving through traffic in crowded run boxes. Good power and toughness shows lowering his shoulder and flattening defenders at the second level. Productivity running the jet sweep and comfortability running routes out of the backfield highlight Martez's potential to develop into an elite third down back prospect before his high school career is finished.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Kendal Hamond","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"South Shelby ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1112355' first='Kendal' last='Hammond'] is one of the most versatile prospects left in the playoffs. Kendal received five offers in just the last two weeks and also went on a game day visit to Lindenwood last weekend. Don't be surprised when more schools in the region come in late to Kendal's recruitment. Good burst, vision, and lateral quickness allows Kendal to create when a disrupted line of scrimmage forces him to go off script. Kendal's next level combination of size and power shows consistently running over smaller defenders at the second level. Coaches see high special teams value in Kendal's effort on kickoff, strength as a tackler, and instincts displayed in run defense as a linebacker.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["285152"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='285152' first='Travon' last='Pankey'] has received consistent interest from Kansas State and North Dakota State throughout this season. Watch for Travon to become one of the top running back prospects in Kansas City by the time his senior season gets here. Good size, vision, strength, and speed get displayed as Travon patiently waits to explode through the line of scrimmage the second power runs open up. A good combination of balance, quickness, and power allows Travon to escape from defenders in a variety of ways in the open field. Travon's production shown as a kick returner and effort displayed blocking on KOR only strengthens his third down value at the next level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["322567"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='322567' first='Payton' last='Brown'] committed to Southeast Missouri State University this week. The local product is sure to have more recruiters come calling late after a dominant senior season. Payton's rare combination of size, strength, and explosiveness gives him the potential to produce between the tackles for years to come in a college offense. A good combination of lateral quickness and instincts gets displayed when Payton escapes through tiny creases after the point of attack gets disrupted. Payton shows solid hands and good top speed gaining vertical separation out of the slot; Good acceleration shown running bubble screens highlights Payton's potential to be a receiving threat at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["188601"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='188601' first='Jamarion' last='Parker'] committed to Arkansas on September 1st. The dynamic playmaker was also reoffered by Michigan last month. Expect more prominent programs to try and get Jamarion to flip his commitment before his senior year gets here. Jamarion's rare combination of vision, quickness, and top speed give him the ability to get in the endzone however the ball gets in his hands. Lightning quick feet and a smooth change of direction consistently makes defenders miss in space. Good size, strength, balance, and acceleration allow Jamarion to run through arm tackles and accelerate through traffic for chunk plays. Watch for Jamarion to be labeled a top playmaker in Missouri before the 2024 season gets here.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654ca02965c91"} /-->