2026 Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four running backs across the state have picked up D1 offers already. Here are some other backs to know in the off season who are college prospects. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='691331' first='Jaylen' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1218336' first='Capital' last='City']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'10" 187</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Mid-MO product is a big-time speedster and home run threat at running back who has started since he was a freshman. He finished 2024 with 1,145 yards 15 TDs after rushing for over 2,000 yards and 31 touchdowns as a sophomore. Jaylen has tremendous burst and hits the hole in a hurry using good vision and quick feet to get there, and has an extra gear he hits to get separation. He also is a quick-twitch athlete who can stop, plant his foot, change direction and hit top speed and out run defenders or blow up angles. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1112573' first='Keyshawn' last='Boyd'], Cape Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6'0" 208</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Boyd is a bigger back who has been the thunder sharing reps with lightning in the backfield the past three years. The powerful runner is explosive and has good speed in his own right, and runs downhill making yards after contact, but can also break off an 80+ yards run for a score using good burst to get separation and not get caught. As a junior he ran for 1,179 yards and 16 TDs after a 2,000+ yard 32 touchdown junior season. Keyshawn is a versatile all-around back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a good blocker. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1125456' first='Carter' last='Dowell'], Troy Buchanan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6'0" 200</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dowell was an absolute workhorse of a back in 2024 rushing for 1,762 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns in a breakout season. He has good size and power when he runs, showcasing his strength and is hard to bring down on initial contact or with one tackler, but he also has great vision, hips and quick feet to find an opening, and make a quick cut to change direction, and then hit top speed for big runs. He also has very good speed and is tough to catch in the open field once he has daylight and runs away from defenders. Carter is also an outstanding blocker and can catch the ball. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='369029' first='Jaylen' last='Ballard'], Francis Howell </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'9" 185</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An absolute blur on the field who ran a sub-4.4 forty at the KC Varsity combine last spring. Ballard has track speed that translates well to the football field and is a big play and home run threat every time he touches the ball. He has all the makings of a very talented all-purpose back and his best football is still ahead of him. He had 570 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns in on 3 games due to injury. He's also a dangerous return man who uses his speed and vision to make big special teams plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='849692' first='Antoine' last='Gunn'], Parkway North </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'11" 190</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the best receiving and toughest running backs in the state. Antoine is a talented all purpose back who can do it all, including catching the ball like a receiver and being a devastating blocker. But his tough running style is what makes him so talented. He has great leg strength and he keep them grinding to run past and through defenders and he plays like a much bigger back. He rushed for 612 yards and 10 touchdowns averaging 8.3 yards per carry while splitting time with a senior who signed to play college ball himself. He has good speed and can take it to the house from a distance or in short yardage situations. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->