2025 NY Rankings: Running Backs

A really solid RB class this year features a back who is already committed and some really intriguing division 1 prospects who all have skillsets that are a little different from each other. There are also a ton of backs this season who have incredible production for their teams but with smaller size are more recruitable D3 prospects. There are also some prospects who have maybe played in a rotation or as a 2nd back whose film is intriguing and could be in for big seasons this fall.   All the analysis below and check out the updated 2025 rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2025-rankings/">HERE</a>.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Overall</h1>    Pacheco out of Moore Catholic not only has been one of the top producing RBs in the CHSFL for multiple seasons but has consistently dominated camps through spring and summer.   Pacheco is a true 3-down back who can impact the game in between the tackles, in space, and as a receiver.   Pacheco who is being recruited by multiple G5 schools has the ideal RB frame coaches look for and has potential to hit the 205-210 range once he is in a college weight room.    <h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Next 9</h1>   [player_tooltip player_id='528732' first='Ihsaan' last='Alozie'] - Alozie may be a smaller prospect but the Shenendehowa RB is one of the states top sprinters in the 100m. The Navy commit ran a 10.79 100m this spring and is a very elusive runner.   [player_tooltip player_id='403046' first='C.J.' last='Robinson'] - Robinson the top RB in WNY has great vision and patience as a runner. He may not have the size of Pacheco or speed of Alozie but could have the best overall RB skillset in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='390760' first='Derrion' last='Battle'] - Battle out of Aquinas is a strong runner who has the body type of a RB at the next level. Battle does not have a ton of reps on film catching the ball out of the backfield but has shown at camps it is very much a part of his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='737950' first='Lucas' last='Singleton'] - Singleton is a well rounded back who has 3-down potential at the next level. The best tape of a solid group of RBs from Long Island on this list Singleton has a really nice jump cut ability and always keeps his feet moving.   [player_tooltip player_id='450424' first='Kyle' last='Messina'] - Messina one of the most productive backs in the state and also an impactful two-way player for Sayville. I think he projects as a RB at the next level due to his ball skills and physical running style.   [player_tooltip player_id='528727' first='Tristan' last='Werlau'] - Werlau who dominates the weight room (Bench 345 Squat 435 Deadlift 465) with impressive numbers and runs an 11.3 100m is the type of well rounded athlete that is recruitable at the RB position. Werlau runs harder than just about every back in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='807029' first='Brayden' last='Tryon'] - Tryon a shorter back still holds some weight to him and is a really productive runner out of WNY. A really slippery runner he averaged 9.9 ypc this season and was a dominant returner for Maryvale. Tryon wins a lot with really good burst and change of direction.   [player_tooltip player_id='1142303' first='Michael' last='Berkery'] - Berkery a lacrosse player out of very successful Garden City football program. Berkery a really talented athlete plays with good short area quicks and has the speed to break runs for touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1212771' first='Zymere' last='Smith'] - Smith who was only 30 yards away from a 2,000 yard season was the option in a very run heavy offense. He does beat up on some lower competition but his athleticism is evident and has the movement skills of a recruitable player.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Five Names To Watch This Upcoming Season</h1>    Stone out of Sweet Home has a chance to have a huge Senior season. At 6'1 225lbs there are not many RBs in the Northeast with his frame and size. Stone is a physical runner and flashes the ability to be an every down workhorse back.       Switek a true dual threat back can make plays as a runner or receiver. Switek has been a multi-year performer on varsity and shows flashes at times which would put him with New York's best backs.       One of the top PSAL backs who returns next season Thomas is a smaller prospect but I still think he is recruitable. Super quick with the speed to get past the 3rd level of the defense.       Higdon Jr was one of the better backs in Syracuse last season. Higdon does his best work in space where he shows the ability to make guys miss with jump cuts and a solid spin move. Flashes some long speed and hits the hole hard.       First season at Curtis and Moukazis was a solid performer against tough competition. Moukazis will return to an offense with a shared backfield but with Curtis losing its top 2 WRs Moukazis could help in the passing game after some flashes last season.

A really solid RB class this year features a back who is already committed and some really intriguing division 1 prospects who all have skillsets that are a little different from each other. There are also a ton of backs this season who have incredible production for their teams but with smaller size are more recruitable D3 prospects. There are also some prospects who have maybe played in a rotation or as a 2nd back whose film is intriguing and could be in for big seasons this fall.