Class of 2026: Top Running Backs in WNY
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Contrary to popular belief – The running game is still a critical aspect to winning football. Today, I will be highlighting some of the best Running Backs Western New York has to offer for the Class of 2026. Some are…
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Continue ReadingContrary to popular belief – The running game is still a critical aspect to winning football. Today, I will be highlighting some of the best Running Backs Western New York has to offer for the Class of 2026. Some are already established as feared runners but others are intriguing prospects that may surprise many within Section VI.
Christian Moss Christian Moss 5’11” | 195 lbs | RB Medina | 2026 NY exploded on the scene in 2023 averaging almost 170 yards per game earning himself 2nd team All-State. He was an All-Western New York honorable mention as well but missing 3 games due to an ankle injury and forfeit wins hindered his statistical output. Moss has a dynamic blend of speed, agility, and power. He has good footwork and excellent balance. Christian Moss Christian Moss 5’11” | 195 lbs | RB Medina | 2026 NY is an extraordinary athlete that should be considered as one of the best Running Back prospects in Western New York.
Jarod Freeman
Jarod Freeman
Jarod Freeman played a backup role in 2023 but showed excellent athleticism when his number was called. As a runner, he is quick with excellent vision and can identifying his running lanes. He has the speed to run around defenders as well as the power to run over them. As a receiver out of the backfield, Freeman has exceptional ball handling skills and soft hands. Jarod is a natural athlete that will have the opportunity to lead the West Seneca West rushing attack in 2024.
Cole Gabel
Cole Gabel
Cole Gabel is a no-nonsense bulldozing runner with excellent vision. In just 8 games, he accumulated 872 yards and 12 touchdowns. Gabel gained wide spread recognition in Western New York in week 5 when he ran for almost 300 yards and 7 touchdowns. Even when he is not getting the ball, Cole Gabel can be seen making selfless blocks. Cole is tough and gritty; always keeping his pad level low.
Isaiah Gerstung Isaiah Gerstung 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Newfane | 2026 NY
Isaiah Gerstung Isaiah Gerstung 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Newfane | 2026 NY
Isaiah Gerstung Isaiah Gerstung 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH Newfane | 2026 NY is an overall fantastic athlete that can be used as a Running Back or Wide Receiver. He has good vision and explosive quickness. As a receiver, whether he is lined out wide or catching out of the backfield, Gerstung has good hands and the ability to track the ball down in the air. Isaiah is a quick and speedy all purpose Running Back with amazing change of direction.
In 2023, the St. Francis Red Raiders rushing attack was dominated by Monsignor Martin Player of the Year, Terrence Pendergrass Terrence Pendergrass 6’0″ | 185 lbs | RB St. Francis | 2024 State NY . Pendergrass is graduating this year and is off to Edinboro, leaving the door open for Jimmy Valentine Jimmy Valentine RB St. Francis | 2026 NY to take over lead back duties. There is not a lot of film on Valentine but from what is seen, he is an elusive back that stays low to the ground so he can display his extraordinary footwork. At this point, Jimmy Valentine Jimmy Valentine RB St. Francis | 2026 NY is a relatively unknown prospect but he has the tools and the opportunity to put Western New York on notice this season.
Jayvon Funderburk
Jayvon Funderburk
WNY Maritime/Tapestry struggled to find success offensively in their first year as a football organization but RB Jayvon Funderburk showed some abilities that could give the Seahawks some recognition the next couple of years. Funderburk was a part of a RB by Committee and in 4 games, he distinguished himself with his breakaway speed. Jayvon moves mostly east to west and uses his quickness to break free. It will be interesting to see what Jayvon Funderburk is capable of with a full season under his belt.