9 Rising Senior Running Backs to keep an eye on

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Future is Now!</strong> 🏈🔥</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As National Signing Day wraps up, it's time to turn our attention to the next wave of rising stars. The Class of 2026 is officially on the clock, and these young athletes are ready to make their mark!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, I'm featuring <strong>9 standout running backs</strong> from the <strong>910 and 252</strong> areas who are primed for breakout senior seasons. These players have already shown flashes of brilliance, and with one more year to dominate under the Friday night lights, expect them to be at the center of recruiting conversations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay locked in as I break down the names to know, their strengths, and why they're projected to be major impact players in the upcoming season. Coaches, scouts, and fans—take note, because these RBs are next up!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1346327"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed6f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] has been a force in the backfield since his breakout sophomore campaign, where he torched defenses for <strong>1,460 yards and 8 touchdowns</strong>. He followed that up with an equally dominant junior season, racking up nearly <strong>1,300 yards and another 8 touchdowns</strong>, proving his consistency and explosiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin's recruitment has taken off in a big way, earning offers from <strong>SEC powerhouses Ole Miss and South Carolina</strong>, along with interest from several other top programs. As he enters his senior season, Franklin is set to be <strong>the featured back for the first time in his career</strong>, meaning his production could skyrocket. With his blend of speed, vision, and power, expect Franklin to put up monster numbers and solidify himself as one of the premier backs in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned—big things are coming for this rising star!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#JaysonFranklin #ClassOf2026 #RB1 #NextUp #SECRecruit #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600181"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed6fd8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wallace-Rose Hill has a long history of producing elite running backs, and <strong>Jamarae "Bubba" Lamb</strong> is the latest name to carry on that tradition. A dynamic, do-it-all playmaker, Lamb put together a <strong>monster junior season</strong>, racking up nearly <strong>2,000 total yards and 11 touchdowns</strong>—including <strong>two pick-sixes</strong> on defense, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His talent hasn't gone unnoticed, as he recently secured an <strong>offer from UNC Charlotte</strong> to play running back. With his explosive skill set and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, expect <strong>Bubba's recruitment to take off this spring</strong> as more programs recognize his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on this rising star—he's built for a huge senior season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#JamaraeLamb #BubbaLamb #WallaceRoseHill #ClassOf2026 #RB1 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1741609' first='Tyjurian' last='White']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Scotland County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed709a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most nominated athlete by far was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1741609' first='Tyjurian' last='White']</strong> of Scotland County, and for good reason. White put together a stellar season, but when the playoffs arrived, he took his game to another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>"Dirty 30"</strong> dominated under the brightest lights, racking up <strong>three 200+ yard performances</strong> and scoring <strong>five touchdowns in just three games</strong>. I had the chance to witness one of those electrifying performances firsthand—<strong>against Terry Sanford, White carried the ball a season-high 30 times and found the end zone three times</strong>, putting his team on his back when it mattered most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With his combination of toughness, vision, and next-level endurance, White proved he's built for the big stage. Expect even more fireworks in his senior year as he continues to cement his legacy at Scotland County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#TyjurianWhite #Dirty30 #ScotlandCounty #ClassOf2026 #PlayoffPerformer #RB1 #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Favor Anab","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hoke County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed7133"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Favor is one of those rare backs who possesses both <strong>elite strength and game-breaking speed</strong>. In the one game I had the chance to watch this season, he put his full skill set on display with a highlight-reel touchdown run—<strong>breaking a tackle before exploding for a 50+ yard score</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That type of play sums up what makes Favor special. He has the toughness to shed defenders and the burst to outrun them once he hits the open field. As he heads into his senior season, expect plenty more moments like this as he continues to prove he's one of the most dynamic backs in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#Favor #EliteRB #StrengthAndSpeed #ClassOf2026 #GameBreaker #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jayon Harris","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pasquotank","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed71c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Jayon is truly a <strong>diamond in the rough</strong>—a player whose talent speaks for itself but is still waiting for the recognition he deserves. After watching a few of his games, I was <strong>pleasantly surprised</strong> by his skill set and impact on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His production is undeniable, totaling <strong>nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns</strong> this past season. Jayon has the traits of an <strong>elite playmaker</strong>, and it's only a matter of time before more people take notice. With his senior season approaching, expect him to turn even more heads and solidify himself as one of the top talents waiting to be discovered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#Jayon #HiddenGem #EliteTalent #ClassOf2026 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"David Hickmond","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"EE Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed724f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">David Hickmond is the definition of a <strong>true all-purpose back</strong>. He can do it all—<strong>run crisp routes out of the backfield, block when needed, and attack defenses both inside and outside the tackles</strong>. His versatility makes him a dangerous weapon in any offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the one game I watched, Hickmond put on a show, racking up <strong>over 100 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns</strong>. Now, as he heads into his senior year, he steps into the role of <strong>undisputed leader in the backfield</strong>, and I fully expect his <strong>production and recruitment to take off</strong>. With his skill set and work ethic, big things are on the horizon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#DavidHickmond #AllPurposeBack #VersatileWeapon #ClassOf2026 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ezekiel Reed ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Grays Creek","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed72df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zeke Reed is <strong>arguably one of the most underrated running backs</strong> in the entire state. Standing at nearly <strong>6'4", Reed brings rare size and athleticism to the position</strong>, making him a matchup nightmare for defenders. Running a <strong>sub 4.5 40-yard dash</strong> and boasting a <strong>35+ inch vertical</strong>, Zeke is an <strong>absolute physical specimen</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season, Reed totaled <strong>over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing his ability to dominate both on the ground and in the red zone. As soon as basketball season wraps up, I expect <strong>Reed's recruitment to skyrocket</strong>, as more programs take notice of his incredible upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zeke has the tools to be a star at the next level—don't sleep on this rising talent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#ZekeReed #UnderratedStar #PhysicalSpecimen #ClassOf2026 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1418020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed732b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1418020' first='Ellis' last='Williams'] had a solid junior season, accounting for <strong>8 touchdowns and nearly 800 yards</strong> on the ground, making him a steady and reliable force for <strong>Laney's offense</strong>. With the departure of their QB due to graduation, <strong>Williams is poised for an even bigger role</strong> this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already a key contributor, Ellis will now be asked to shoulder more of the offensive load, and I expect his production to rise significantly. His ability to run the ball effectively, combined with his vision and determination, will make him a focal point of Laney's game plan this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for Ellis to do a lot more heavy<strong> lifting</strong> as he leads the way for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#EllisWilliams #LaneyFootball #ClassOf2026 #RB1 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jeremiah Hall ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"James Kenan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a552bed73b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Jeremiah Hall had a <strong>breakout junior season</strong>, finishing with <strong>14 touchdowns and nearly 1,200 total yards</strong>—numbers that showcase his explosive talent. Hall is a <strong>3-sport athlete</strong> who excels in every sport he plays, but it's on the football field where he truly shines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early in the season, Jeremiah didn't get as many opportunities, but once he got his chance, he made the most of it, showing off his incredible speed, vision, and ability to find the end zone. As he heads into his senior year, Hall is primed for even bigger things, and with more touches, his production could skyrocket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeremiah Hall is a player to watch closely—he's only just scratching the surface of his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">#JeremiahHall #BreakoutSeason #MultiSportAthlete #ClassOf2026 #RB1 #NextUp #HighSchoolFootball #FridayNightLights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->