Ten Elite 2026 RBs to Watch This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283745' first='Javian' last='Mallory'] | RB | 2026 | West Boca | @mallory_javian3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the highest coveted prospects in the state lands atop of our first 2026 RB Platform watchlist. This kid has nearly every offer from major universities because of his talents in the backfield. He's a versatile and smooth runner that can also catch passes out of the backfield. Eager to see the type of numbers Mallory produces in his junior season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaj “Nitro” Baker | RB | 2026 | Somerset Academy | @NitroKaj</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker has been clocked as one of the fastest athletes in the class with a top speed of 21.7 MPH last season. He's a potential track star with great running back vision, balance, and DOG in him to get in some in the backfield at the next level. He's got some attention from national programs and will lock that in with a productive junior season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Javari Barnett | RB | 2026 | Tampa Bay Tech | @JavariBarnett1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really impressed with this kid's build at 6-0, 210 pounds as he can move fluidly and performs well during the testing period. Barnett has made a recent move over to Tampa Bay Tech who will have an even more productive offense with his addition. He's a top 2026 RB in the state and many will find that out after this season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368993' first='Li'Darious' last='Pryor'] | RB | 2026 | Evans | @LidariousP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a productive 1,000+ yard season as the third featured runner, Pryor is set for a huge off-season period heading into the spring where he could be a premier back in the area if not the state. Watch out for this kid to put up crazy numbers on the ground. A bowling ball with a physical presence and good speed to go with it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373056' first='Kaleb' last='Woods'] | RB | 2026 | Newberry | @Thekalebwoods</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always good to get eyes on one of the better producers in the area as Woods has a solid frame for the running back position that he can use in various ways. I came to practice with some understanding of his game but now have the full picture as this kid can be used to stretch the field in the backfield or with his receiving ability. Woods picked up an offer from Wisconsin and should see an uptick in college interest with more eyes on his game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212274' first='Justin' last='Compere'] | RB | Class of 2026 | Immokalee | @CompereJustin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore finished the season with 900 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Compere has plenty of time to grow and add weight for the strain of the position but his speed and explosiveness pop out when watching his film and workout videos. Has everything you want in a rising Division I running back: great balance, good RB vision, and a versatile athlete who's highly competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283730' first='Deshon' last='Jenkins'] Jr | RB | 2026 | Bishop Verot | @DeshonJenkinsj0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just a rising junior this coming season but Jenkins has been the Real Deal to help bolster this talented Bishop Verot squad. He put up impressive numbers last season while showing off power back skills as he's a tough one to bring down at 5-11, 220 pounds.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268166' first='Corey' last='Simms'] | RB | 2026 | Mitchell | @CoreySimms18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simms is a powerhouse on the field, standing at 5-9, 179 pounds, but his size doesn't limit his impact. With 206 carries for 1,742 yards and 26 touchdowns, Simms is a consistent threat, having delivered eight 100-yard rushing games this season. His versatility shines through his 13 receptions for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving he's not just a ground-and-pound runner. Simms' game tape is a highlight reel, showcasing his ability to break tackles and find the end zone with ease. Beyond the stats, he's a player cherished by his coaches and teammates, reflecting his leadership and character.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263624' first='Elija' last='Mason'] | RB | 2026 | Gaither | @emason813</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason is a dynamic running back from Gaither High who has turned heads with his impressive stats last season. Standing at 5-10, 180 pounds, Mason has racked up 1,336 yards on 211 carries, while finding the end zone 22 times. His consistency is evident with five 100-yard rushing games, showing he's a reliable workhorse. Beyond his rushing prowess, Mason also proves to be a dual threat with 31 receptions for 241 yards and two additional touchdowns. With offers from FAU and Bowling Green, it's clear that his versatility and production have caught the attention of college scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's also a list of his accolades from last season:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Off MVP 2023-24 - 1st Team All Western Con 23-24 - All County 23-24 - All District 23-24 - All Tampa Bay 23-24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1771818' first='Jayvian' last='Tanelus'] | RB | 2026 | Lely | @jtanelus05</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tanelus was one of the few prospects to earn an offer for his talents at the USF camp after the electric rising junior running back showed off his talents in Tampa Bay. This kid is next up as he's equipped with a solidly built frame at 5'9, 178 pounds with explosive power and Dog mentality. He's earned a few offers this offseason with plenty more time to develop at the prep level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->