2027 Rankings Update: Running Backs Shine Early

Most of the Class of 2027 have one varsity season under their belt. The special ones already have two varsity seasons and have two more to develop even more.   When we looked at the 25 running backs that are ranked already, we found a common theme. These guys are special, but they've only scratched the surface on how good they can be.  A lot of them shared time up until this point but will be the focus of their respective teams' rushing attack going forward.   There's plenty of time for things to change. We can't wait to see what the next two years bring but here's a look at the Class as we see it right now.    Breaking Down The Top Five   [player_tooltip player_id='1215391' first='Jayven' last='Williams'] Summerville   The more we watch Williams the more we like what we see. The 5-foot-8, 160-pounder does a lot of things well. He runs between the tackles, has the speed to get to the corner and is a fantastic pass-catcher out of the backfield. He became more of the focus as the season progressed and finished with 2,007 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 15 receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036753' first='Aiden' last='Gibson'] Woodruff   Gibson (pictured) was the workhorse for the Wolverines with 1,555 yards rushing, another 309 yards receiving and a total of 27 touchdowns. He was a threat to score from anywhere on the field as evidenced by his two 90-plus yard TD runs. He's faster than many think but has the size at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds to run on the interior as well. Gibson should continue to be the featured back for Woodruff, giving him a chance to improve on his numbers next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036721' first='Tre' last='Segarra'] Byrnes   The fact that Segarra only played in four games lets you know what we think about the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder. He accounted for 259 rushing yards and eight catches during that time and a healthy offseason will be critical for Segarra to be ready for an expanded role next season. [player_tooltip player_id='1604062' first='Jacobie' last='Fuller'] is another Class of 2027 running back we're high on and the duo of Segarra and Fuller could be dynamic for the Rebels in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036777' first='Trevon' last='Williamson'] Gilbert   Williamson shared a lot of time with [player_tooltip player_id='1012653' first='Jaylen' last='Jay'] in 2024 but the main running back duties should fall to the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Williamson in 2025. He finished last season strong with over 250 yards rushing in the Indians final two playoff games. He doubles as a defensive player but to optimize his potential at running back, Gilbert may need to limit his reps on defense and let Williamson become the focus of the offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172345' first='Trenton' last='Lynch'] Spartanburg   Lynch has become a mainstay in the Vikings backfield with over 2,200 yards total in his two seasons on varsity. The second and third leading rushers for Spartanburg graduated so that leaves Lynch as the primary ball-carrier in 2025. He packs a punch in his 5-foot-9, 185 pounds and also has another gear to where he can score from anywhere on the field. Lynch should only improve over the next two seasons as he becomes the focal point in the offense.    Five Running Backs Ready To Move Up   [player_tooltip player_id='1603697' first='Zymier' last='Gordon-Miles'] Northwestern   You could almost call Gordon-Miles the man behind the headlines but that's a good place to be considering he ran for 1,264 yards and 16 touchdowns in the Trojans Air-Raid offense. As long as Page Wofford is the coach, Northwestern will likely be a pass first team, but Gordon-Miles proved himself worthy in 2024. He's a blazer that averaged nearly seven yards every time he touched the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422587' first='Kordell' last='Holley'] Bluffton   Holley was part of a two-headed set last season with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1394988' first='Aedan' last='McCarthy'], and both will return in 2025. Holley was the Bobcats leading rusher with 847 yards, and he should surpass the 1,000-yard mark next season. He's 6-foot-1, 215 pounds so he doesn't mind contact but shows a burst when needed. His longest run last season was 37 yards so he will get you the tough yards when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422632' first='Makel' last='Stephens'] Loris   Loris spreads the wealth around with three backs rushing for over 500 yards each last season and all three return in 2025. Stephens was the leading rusher with 909 yards but paired with [player_tooltip player_id='1422629' first='Roderick' last='Purcha'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1656668' first='Khalid' last='Sherman'], the Lions have three backs that averaged over eight yards per carry. Stephens isn't the biggest back at 5-foot-6, 180 pounds but he's durable and tough to bring down.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422638' first='Cam' last='James'] South Florence   The Bruins had two seniors that rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. In fact, the top three rushers graduated, and those 336 carries must go to someone. James only played in six games last season and was pressed into action maybe earlier than expected. But we saw enough to rank him in the top 100 players in the 2027 Class. He exited the season at 5-foot-7, 140 pounds but will get bigger by the time the 2025 season begins. He could be one of the key components of the revamped South Florence offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1321038' first='Justyn' last='Joint'] Cheraw   Joint slides into the main running back spot in 2025 after sharing time with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1303846' first='Cam' last='McClendon'] in 2024. Joint ran for 613 yards and nine touchdowns for a Braves team that won 10 games. Moving into the featured back role, look for Joint to improve on those numbers drastically. He's quick, fluid and runs with a purpose.  He plants his foot well and can make guys miss in the secondary.    Five Dark Horse Running Backs To Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='1603816' first='Grady' last='Stone'] Clover   Stone accounted for over 800 yards rushing last season and displays great vision in the Blue Eagles attack. He paired with his brother, Landon, last season to lead the rushing attack but Grady moves to front and center for the 2025 season. He runs with a burst and can make guys miss in the open field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603971' first='Bojack' last='Johnson'] Fountain Inn   Let's get this out there first – with a first name like Bojack, you must bring something to the table. Johnson will pair with QB [player_tooltip player_id='429920' first='Sam' last='Holliday'] to give the Fury a couple of rising juniors that are capable of carrying the offense. Johnson is a bulldozer that finds the tough yards on the interior and compliments Holliday well.     [player_tooltip player_id='1603999' first='Caleb' last='Feaster'] Chester   Feaster is a two-way standout that excels at both linebacker and running back. He's compact at 5-foot-8, 160 pounds but don't let those numbers fool you. He doesn't mind contact and brings some of that linebacker mentality to the running back position. He runs well between the tackles and can outrun guys once he gets a seam. He averaged over 10 yards a carry last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1604058' first='Kareem' last='Shaw'] Gaffney   Shaw will bring a different element to the Indians backfield. As a sophomore, he was Daniel's second leading rusher with 452 yards and seven touchdowns. He will now pair with another explosive back in [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] to give Gaffney explosive players all over the field. Add in QB [player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore'] and first-year head coach Donnie Littlejohn will have a vast array of weapons at his disposal.   [player_tooltip player_id='1271259' first='Jessie' last='Brown'] Berkeley   The Stags had one of the youngest backfields in the state last season with sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='1036733' first='Henry' last='Rivers'] and freshman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1151306' first='Bryson' last='McGee'] being the top two rushers. But don't forget about Brown, who shows great vision and a burst to make a short gain into a long one. Brown battled a hamstring issue a lot of the season but still managed 288 yards and five touchdowns. If Brown and McGee take some pressure from Rivers in 2025, the Stags could have a potent offense.

Most of the Class of 2027 have one varsity season under their belt. The special ones already have two varsity seasons and have two more to develop even more.