2026 NY Rankings: Running Backs

<p>This Running Back class is strong, and the underclassman performance has revealed a couple of prospects who are FBS caliber, with several others who made a name for themselves and likely will be solid FCS or DII DIII prospects. Some prospects in this group may not have the gaudy stats you would think many top RBs have, but realistically, as underclassmen, not many of these guys have the backfield to themselves. They share with other prospects in a committee or are a part of teams that are just not very run-oriented. </p>   <p>Check out the updated 2026 Rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2026-rankings/">HERE</a></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Top Prospect</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">When you turn on the tape and look at the measurables, Morrow is the clear #1 overall back in this class. Morrow runs with a quick one-cut style and gets through the hole quickly, showcasing the burst and explosiveness needed for the FBS level. Morrow runs with a good pad level, and his contact balance is a big reason why he is the best back in the state. </p>   <p>Where Morrow separates himself from the RB group the way he is shown on tape in several instances, being able to pull away from defenses for long runs, showcasing solid speed, and the violence he shows running through tacklers. A player who can work in space as a runner can impact the game, catching balls out of the backfield or making a lot of positive plays in traffic and around the trenches making him the most complete back of this group. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Five Prospects</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bent out of Tottenville is another back who shares a backfield, but unlike many others, he is the veteran back in the backfield. With multiple years of varsity experience, Bent has a lot of tape to look at. He is super slippery as a runner and has very quick feet and excellent change of direction. Bent's athleticism is centered around his twitch, burst, and quickness, and although a smaller back does run with some juice, making contact and flashing some strength to break tackles. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hill shares a backfield with top 2025 back Braydon Tryon, but they complement each other well. Hill is the more physical downhill back, and on tape, you see FBS-level burst and explosiveness in his movements and cuts. Hills is a bigger back but shows some quality elusiveness and change of direction in open space. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Davis, a two-sport athlete who excels in Lacrosse is the best receiving back in this class. Davis can impact the game lined up at multiple positions but in the backfield presents matchup issues for defenses. Davis has really quick feet and sees the field really well finding open lanes. He was the leading rusher for Iona Prep in a committee and will share the backfield again but has the ability to be a 3-down workhorse back. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Huling who shared the backfield with the above Davis is a physical runner who excels coming downhill and taking on tacklers. Huling runs with a physical style showcasing his motor and strength as it takes multiple guys to always bring him down. Huling does flash some skillset as a pass catcher out of the backfield and has strong hands catching the ball. Huling always finishes plays falling forward and is the type of back who can play in any down or situation. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">White is super explosive, showcasing the best short-area quickness and burst in this class. White hits the hole really hard, and although he has a shorter back, he is built and strong with the ability to run through arm tackles. His low center of gravity helps him maintain balance through contact and he has a strong jump cut in space. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Prospects To Know</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas did not see varsity action until Floyd's playoffs came, and in those few games, he put some really quality reps on tape. Thomas is the biggest RB on this list and arguably runs the most physically off this group.</p>   <p>Thomas shows good burst and overall athleticism for his size. With a full varsity season of tape, he could easily become one of the top players in this class. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Miles is the top back on this list regarding his production as a sophomore, where he nearly ran for 1,500 yards. Miles plays at a weaker competition in section IV. With 9 games over 100 yards Miles was consistent for Dryden all season and was able to be the most effective runner in the state. On tape Miles shows good speed but excels breaking tackles with contact balance. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Pickering will really become the focal point of the Fonda-Fultonville offense as star QB Keegan Croucher is on his way to Cheshire Academy. Pickering is a 3-down back who can impact the game, catching balls out of the backfield. A smaller back Pickering is able to win with his twitch and quickness in space, he runs hard but shows his best with the ball in space where he can make guys miss. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">RB Rankings Table</h2>

This Running Back class is strong, and the underclassman performance has revealed a couple of prospects who are FBS caliber, with several others who made a name for themselves and likely will be solid FCS or DII DIII prospects. Some prospects in this group may not have the gaudy stats you would think many top RBs have, but realistically, as underclassmen, not many of these guys have the backfield to themselves. They share with other prospects in a committee or are a part of teams that are just not very run-oriented.