2026 Running Back Check-In: Week 5

<p>I'm looking at the junior class this week as we're checking in with guys at every position. We've already broken down some of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-quarterbacks-check-in-week-5/">2026 quarterbacks</a>, now we'll look at the running backs. Like last time, we'll check in with the top three, scout a few more who might be moving up in the next rankings update and list a few more that have caught our eye.</p>   <p>Here's our midseason 2026 running backs check-in.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midseason Junior Running Back Check-in</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jones exploded in the first game of the season against Myers Park and has been fantastic since. I hate using this word to describe running backs, but it fits: Jones is slippery. Defenses always seem to just a step behind him and he slips through arm tackles with ease. His vision and acceleration have been on full display this year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cullen is just so athletic and not just in a "big and fast" way. He's one of those guys you could probably put in a completely unnatural sport or position and he'd still be the best player in the game. He's really impressed us with his instincts. Whether anticipating what the offense will do as a linebacker or finding smaller holes as a running back, he's been a consistent standout.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Franklin has always had an elite ability to turn on the jets and leave everybody behind, but this year, he's shown extra patience, which has allowed him to find holes and let his blocks develop. He's always had elite athleticism, so it's really cool to see him develop some of the finer traits of the running back position.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Running Backs Impressing Early</h3>   <p>The top three aren't the only running backs who are impressing us. Here are a few more guys further down the rankings who could be in for rankings bumps after the season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">We've already bumped Wingate on the back end of the rankings, thanks to his ridiculous start to the season. Through three games, he's averaging over 200 yards a game and that isn't being skewed by incredibly high usage or a couple of extra long runs. Instead, he's just making defenses look silly over and over again, running with vision, speed, and power.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Krider plays much bigger than his frame would suggest and he's physical, even with more of a scat back build. His combination of size, speed, and acceleration is impressive and it's nice to see that he's getting more reps after playing well in limited action as a sophomore. He's grown into the season as it's progressed and was fantastic against East Rowan in Week 2.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Young has been really impressive early this season. Already the highest-ranked 8-man player in our database, Young has been fantastic, excelling with great vision and speed. With a more narrow field, 8-man backs have to be more decisive with their cuts and Young shows that weekly.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 Running Backs Who Have Impressed Early</h2>   <p>Here are some more guys we've liked early. Maybe we'll break them down with full scouting reports later this season.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='820867' first='Jaylen' last='Moore'], High Point Christian </h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1406075' first='Reggie' last='Bush'], Lumberton </h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1277716' first='Shawn' last='Davis'], East Duplin</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1332096' first='LJ' last='Watson'], JM Robinson</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1149037' first='Tristan' last='Rivest'], Ardrey Kell</h3>

I'm looking at the junior class this week as we're checking in with guys at every position. We've already broken down some of the 2026 quarterbacks, now we'll look at the running backs. Like last time, we'll check in with the top three, scout a few more who might be moving up in the next rankings update and list a few more that have caught our eye.