Top 2026 Running Backs in Kentucky to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most explosive playmakers that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of the top defensive back prospects, here's my list of the top 2026 running backs in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401707"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401707' first='Evan' last='Hampton'], a running back at Owensboro High School. What impresses me the most about Hampton is his explosiveness on the ground, his excellent breakaway speed and his ability to maneuver the field. I also like Hampton's ability to create seperation and pick up speed on the run to march into the endzone for the touchdown.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14365438/65641668bd6a5f11fcad3971u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55aaf8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283970"],"_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":"I am also impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='283970' first='JayQuan' last='Crawford'], a running back at Franklin County High School. Crawford stands out with his execution off the snap and his durability in the pocket, showcasing his ability to stay on his feet under pressure and blast into the open field. I also like how Crawford can make the most of limited space from along the edge, using bursts of speed to push into the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MdRv7u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55ab65"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401923"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401923' first='Markezz' last='Hightower'], a running back at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School. Hightower catches my attention with his deceptive footwork and ability to maneuver the defense on the run. Hightower's speed and ability to absorb contact made him a challenge to contain. I also like how Hightower can hurdle defenders and break tackles to push into the endzone.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MUPdHu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55abbf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971534"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='971534' first='Gerian' last='Traynor'], a running back at DuPont Manual High School. What stands out about Traynor is his size, speed and physicality, proving he can barrel over the defense on his way to the house. I also like how Traynor bullies the defense in the pocket, showcasing his ability to withstand pressure and find openings in the line to slip into the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NgRKsu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55ac17"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401703"],"_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":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401703' first='DJ' last='Wilson'], a running back at Paducah Tilghman High School. In addition to outstanding execution and breakaway speed, what impresses me about Wilson his ability to adapt to the defense, using his solid footwork and durability to stay on his feet and punch into enemy territory. I also like Wilson's ability to break tackles, using his arms to overwhelm the defense.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MEE0zu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55ac83"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283974"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='283974' first='Keagan' last='Maher'], a running back at Randall K. Cooper High School. Maher made a considerable difference last year due to his size, electric speed off the snap and his ability to defeat the defense from along the edge. Maher proved he can pick up speed to take it to the house. I also like Maher's durability in the pocket, using his shiftiness on the ground to slip past openings.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MmP8Au0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55acfc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971533"],"_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":"Another prospect to know about is [player_tooltip player_id='971533' first='Chayce' last='Burton'], a running back at Male High School. What I like about Burton's playstyle is his electric speed and ability to play fast in crucial moments. Burton's ability to maneuver the field and march into the backfield also stands out. Burton also showcased his ability to be efficient from along the edge, using his size to stun the defense en route to the endzone.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MDb6Hu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ea2ce55ad68"} /-->