2026 Rankings: Game Changing Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We only have 16 running backs ranked in the Class of 2026 but they're a special group. They are versatile, fast, and do a multitude of things for their respective teams. Some of these guys have already been around for a few years. Some others are finally making their mark on the varsity level. Here is a look at each running back currently ranked in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2408","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2451","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66da141032605"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill']</strong> Mountain View Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a reason McGill is our top-ranked player in the 2026 Class. He's an elite running back with his speed and power and that is not only good on the high school level but will translate to the college game well. In two blowout wins that he didn't play much in the second half, he's already tallied 166 yards rushing, 117 yards receiving and five total touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell']</strong> Gaffney</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDowell got off to a slow start in the Indians only game this season, but he did show off his versatility by catching four passes out of the backfield. The yardage will come since proved that last season with over 1,300 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He works well running the inside zone or making guys miss out on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402503' first='Michael' last='Doe']</strong> North Augusta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Doe is another back that seems to get better the more he touches the ball. He's been running out of the Wildcat formation a lot this season and making the most of it. He ran for over 1,200 yards last season and will be the Yellow Jackets primary ball-carrier this season. He's strong and runs with a low center, making him difficult to bring down. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473024' first='Ryan' last='Campbell']</strong> Fort Dorchester</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have watched Campbell since he was a freshman, and he continues to impress. He's been clocked at 4.31 in the 40-yard dash and that is more than top end speed. He makes guys miss in space and despite his smaller frame, doesn't mind running between the tackles. He's going to be the Patriots feature back this year and that should translate to huge numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473027' first='Meliq' last='McGowan']</strong> Goose Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGowan is a workhorse that could seriously touch the ball 25 times a game and be perfectly fine. He displayed his explosiveness in the season opener when he ran for 201 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to keep the chains moving will give the Gators a chance in most every game this season. He had nearly 2,000 yards last season and he could repeat that feat this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15159526/66ca184f796f32b62cd43fcb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66da14103297b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RISING STARS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617664' first='Brayden' last='Williams']</strong> Saluda</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is showing his versatility as he was the Tigers quarterback last week. He threw for 126 yards and two touchdowns and added 60 yards and another score. But his calling card is his running ability. He displays power when needed but he can also run past defenders as well. Saluda likes to run the ball and that will fit right into what Williams does best. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473022' first='BJ' last='Jones']</strong> Newberry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs feature a talented offense that has plenty of weapons at their disposal. Jones is right in the thick of things as he scored three touchdowns in a win over Mid-Carolina last week. He shows good vision and cutting ability, getting into open running lanes quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1025807' first='Eli' last='Foster']</strong> Eastside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foster has only played in one game so far and finished that one with 122 yards and two touchdowns. He has a chance to shine this season, and we don't see any reason he can't. He runs with great pad level, making it hard for defenders to get a good shot at him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473020' first='Martin' last='Ford']</strong> Midland Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's difficult to follow in the footsteps of someone like <strong>Traevon Dunbar</strong> but Ford has the ability to do that. He will see the bulk of the carries this season and can make guys miss when needed. He reads and runs behind his blocks well and makes quick cuts to get into the open field. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267270' first='Dante' last='Caldwell']</strong> Swansea</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swansea is off to a 2-0 start after not winning a game since 2022 before this season. Caldwell is the featured guy in the backfield for a team that wants to establish the run. He's difficult to bring down and can catch the ball well out of the backfield. Look for the Tigers to utilize his talents in a number of different ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1395024' first='Rashad' last='Robinson']</strong> Greenville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let the size of Robinson fool you. He's 5-foot-7 and 185 pounds of muscle. He averaged nearly 11 yards per carry last season and while that number will likely go down this season, he will see more opportunities for the Red Raiders. He's a load to bring down upon contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1399629' first='JR' last='Kinard']</strong> Northside Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kinard has come out of the blocks starring, averaging 94.3 yards per game and an 8.32 yards per carry average. He pairs with [player_tooltip player_id='1360013' first='Sam' last='Burks'] to give the Crusaders a solid 1-2 punch. Kinard also plays defensive back and has 12 tackles in three games. He's quick and shifty with his 175 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267286' first='Amadre' last='Wooden']</strong> Batesburg-Leesville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;Wooden is fast enough to run away from the defense and powerful enough to run through arm tackles. In the Panthers only game of the season, he ran 13 times for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Batesburg-Leesville will be in closer games, and they are a run-first team so Wooden has an opportunity to put up big numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17915869/66d3105bfd21aa0a5c76370e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66da1410329bf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DARK HORSE CANDIDATES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1395098' first='AJ' last='Lee']</strong> Andrews</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee was the Yellow Jackets leading rusher last season with over 1,300 yards and got off to a solid start to his junior year. In a win over Georgetown, he ran for 154 yards and added an 88-yard kickoff return. Andrews is always going to have a run-first offense and Lee fits right in with a quick burst and ability to make guys miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283827' first='Aidan' last='Keeffe']</strong> Ridge View</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keeffe is a load at 205 pounds and doesn't mind putting his head down and getting the tough yards. He's more powerful than flash but does show a burst once he sees daylight. With the talent the Blazers have at quarterback and receiver, there's going to be chances for Keeffe to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1025778' first='Domanick' last='Felton']</strong> Dillon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you pair Felton with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346196' first='Jamarion' last='Fling']</strong>, it's going to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Felton is coming off an injury-riddle sophomore season but has come out the gates strong as was evident by his 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns in a win over Socastee. He is hard to bring down with one defender and will be a problem as long as he can stay healthy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17989231/66d394bd17498e1c92b7f01a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66da1410329f7"} /-->