Arkansas Top Running Back Prospects in 2024:
In this article:
The talent of the running back position in the state of Arkansas right now is quality. In each class, you will find athleticism, speed, versatility, power or all of the above. Each of these running backs are Saturday worthy and…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe talent of the running back position in the state of Arkansas right now is quality. In each class, you will find athleticism, speed, versatility, power or all of the above. Each of these running backs are Saturday worthy and have the skillset to dominate at the next level. Here are ten ball carriers that you should keep an eye on during the 2024 season.
- t
- 6-Foot
- 170 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2025
Little Rock Parkview running back Monterrio Elston Jr. brings versatility to an offense with the ability to not just line up in the backfield but can move out wide in the slot. Elston Jr. is the 4th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. He displays a quick burst off the snap, exploding through the tackles with phenomenal second level speed. Demonstrates great agility, fluid movement within his cuts, allowing himself to change direction quickly. Impressive vision through the gaps, showcasing a great feel and IQ throughout the game. His route running and separation skills are noteworthy. Elston Jr. is someone to keep an eye on during the 2024 season.
Offers: Arkansas, Arkansas Baptist, Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Memphis and UNLV.
Note – 4.40 (40 time)
- t
- 6-Foot
- 195 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2025
Another Little Rock Parkview running back Cameron Settles Cameron Settles 6’0″ | 195 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR brings physicality and athleticism to the position. Settles is the 15th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. He displays physical downhill (north & south) running, breaking tackles and showcasing great vision through the tackles. Good solid build as a running back that allows him to consistently break through contact, keeping his balance. Good lateral agility and footwork with a second level burst that allows him to take it to the house. Settles is a dangerous runner (racking up YPC) and someone you’ll remember after the 2024 season.
Offers: Austin Peay, Arkansas State, Costal Carolina, Dartmouth, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Oregon State, SMU, Tulsa & UL Monroe.
Note – 3.8 GPA
Highlights
- t
- 5-Foot-10
- 170 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2025
Morrilton running back Raylen Thomas Raylen Thomas 5’10” | 165 lbs | RB Morrilton | 2025 State AR is a very fluid mover with good awareness. Thomas is the 49th rated overall player and 6th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Impressive play speed, attacking the holes quickly. Good lateral agility, allowing himself to cut and make second level defenders miss. Good contact balance with good vision behind the line of scrimmage. He’s able to play multiple positions including running back, wide receiver and defensive back. Thomas is a riser and someone to watch during the 2024 season.
Note – 4.7 40
Highlights
- t
- 5-Foot-11
- 160 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2026
Bentonville’s running back Chris Ficklin brings good change of direction ability while showcasing good vision. Thomas is the 8th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Thomas knows how to explode through the tackles, finding the correct hole and making his way through the second level. Demonstrates good fluidity while being solid in pass protection, giving his quarterback time if needed.
Note – 4.58 40
Highlights
- t
- 6-Foot
- 190 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2026
Joe T. Robinson running back Isiah Reese Isiah Reese 6’0″ | 180 lbs | RB Joe T Robinson | 2026 State AR showcases versatility and physicality as he can line up in the backfield, in the slot, out wide while having experience on the defensive side of the ball. Reese is the 28th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. North and south runner, displaying great pad level as he attacks defenders. Impressive contact balance while fighting for every yard. Good agility and footwork through the tackles. Reese is a hybrid player and someone you should watch during the 2024 season.
Note – 3.4 GPA
- t
- 5-Foot-10
- 200 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2026
Cabot running back Cooper Powell Cooper Powell 5’10” | 190 lbs | RB Cabot | 2026 State AR brings strength and competitiveness to the position. Powell is the 31st rated overall player and 3rd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. He displays good footwork, agility, patience and vision out of the backfield when attacking through the gaps. Very quick runner with great lower body strength. Powell is the type of running back that you can’t tackle up high or too low. He went on to score over 13 TD’s, averaging over 5 yards per carry during the 2023 season. He’s another running back that you’ll be seeing on Saturdays in the near future.
Note – 4.0 GPA
Highlights
- t
- 5-Foot-11
- 160 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2027
Pulaski Academy running back Ja’Vion Walker brings a solid build with a physical playstyle to the position. Walker is the 7th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2027. Walker displays a quick first step, exploding through the tackles. Demonstrates patience and the ability to drive his feet for extra yards. Good vision and body control to keep his balance through contact. Excited to see this young rising athlete perform in 2024.
Note – 3.7 GPA
- t
- 5-Foot-9
- 165 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2027
Monticello running back Joesph Accelus brings versatility in the backfield while racking in over 1,500 yards and 15 TD’s in 2023. Accelus is the 26th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2027. Showcases great burst through the tackles while displaying good vision downfield with breakaway speed. Accelus displays impressive change of direction and agility allowing himself to get north and south quickly. Good natural balance, lateral agility with the ability to withstand contact. He’s solid in the receiving game as well. He’s going to be one of the top backs during the 2024 season and in the future.
Note – 3.8 GPA
Highlights
- t
- 5-Foot-11
- 170 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2025
Pulaski Academy’s Charlie Cotros is a do it all running back, displaying a strong running ability while showcasing his versatility. Cotros is the 157th rated overall player and 15th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025 (Expect a Rise). Cotros is dominate in the short yardage game, demonstrating that wide outside, making him slippery to contain across the field. Cotros is someone to keep your eye on during the 2024 season.
- t
- 6-Foot-1
- 190 Pounds
- Running Back
- Class of 2026
Marked Tree running back TJ Hodges TJ Hodges 6’1″ | 190 lbs | RB Marked Tree | 2026 State AR brings speed and elusiveness to the position. Hodges is the 7th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Hodges is a do it all back, hurting you with his legs but can be physical at the point of attack. Quick feet and burst through the holes, showcasing good agility and footwork. Good natural balance to withstand contact and keep his feet moving and eyes up. Has the second level breakaway speed with impressive vision. Hodges has been a quick riser in the state of Arkansas and rapidly bringing in offers. He’s a MUST watch during the 2024 season.
Offers: Arkansas State, Baylor, North Texas & UNLV.
Note – 10.9 100M