Scouting The Class: TN2026 Running Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our rising senior crop of backs looks good, it's looks like it could have some college depth. It's a nice collection of prospects we have from this position that could build stock for themselves over the coming off-season and work their way into college offers. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who is the top back for the #TN2026 Class?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The running back position has been an area that has developed nicely over the years but still has room for growth, meaning the top spot in this group is up for grabs for the rising senior class. The depth is currently being determined for the ball carriers but we do have a nice set of guys that appear to be the cream of the crop as we head into the spring months, however that top spot is still up for grabs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fighting to be the top back in the #TN2026 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] </strong>from Bearden might end up being the best of the bunch. Well balanced with a strong lower base and the ability to find a second gear, the Bulldogs running back could have the best skill set of all in this year's crop but Thompson still has room for development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding several D1 offers in hand, new USJ running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471474' first='LeKhy' last='Thompkins'] </strong>has built a good name for himself over the past three years where this 6 '2 power back has generated a lot of yards and run over a lot of opponents. This guy has college size and enough athleticism and wiggle at 6 '2 to compete for the top spot in the state as well as see his recruitment continue to flourish.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford']</strong>, Houston running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward'] </strong>from Nashville Christian are three other guys to watch for that possible top spot. All three are physically well built power backs with solid speed that will provide you the occasional home run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swafford shows explosive running on film that translates well to the next level. Davis is a big dude that can break the long one and provide pass catching out of the backfield. Ward might have the best combination between the three of power and speed. The Eagles running back shows an extra gear when hitting the open field but his competition level may present some questions. I could see one of these three developing over the off-season months and positioning themselves as the top back from the #TN2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Tj_2ward/status/1880011158066983562","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tj_2ward/status/1880011158066983562 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Top Guys to Follow&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Looking beyond the five mentioned above, we have some others that may soon be in consideration for one of the top backs in the state with continued work throughout the off-season. Two guys to really keep an eye on are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] </strong>from East Nashville and Whitehaven speedster <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley']</strong>. Both these ball carriers are home run hitting runners that can find a hole and dart towards the open field quickly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is coming off an injury but provides a lot of juice along with some of the best short space feet in the state. Talley burst onto the scene last year as a junior where he established himself as one of the fastest running backs from the #TN2026 class. Both these guys have landed multiple offers through the early part of recruiting season and should continue to see more come in over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] </strong>may not end up being the top back in this class but this guy is a gamer, a true football player that simply gets the job done whenever the ball touches his hands. He is also a two time state champion that has shined bright on the big stage. Patterson brings great balance, physicality and vision to the playing field that would work wonders within somebody's college running back room.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelbyville running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834613' first='Robert' last='Bailey'] </strong>is coming off a breakout season for his Golden Eagles team where he ran for over 1,800 yards while earning #PRZTN Class 5A offensive player of the year. His performance last year has garnered offers thus far with many more yet to come. BGA senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1405419' first='Ethan' last='Kellum'] </strong>is a well built guy that runs hard and fast while providing good receiving skills out of the backfield. He may be a tad undersized at 5'9 but Kellum plays much, much bigger&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Fall was the first time for FRA running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106238' first='Michael' last='Hassell'] </strong>to be the top guy in the backfield and he took that opportunity and made a big impression. This Mid-Tennessee ball carrier is an athletic, versatile guy that could play some defensive back but his speed and vision make him a strong prospect to carry the ball in college. Coaches already see the same with Hassell landing offers last month from Eastern Ky and East Tennessee State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1622279,"width":"297px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/ekellum.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1622279" style="width:297px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Solid Depth Stands Out in 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- What makes any position group standout in the scouting circle is it's depth and for the #TN2026 crop of running backs, things look good at the moment in this area but work must be done. Beyond the guys mentioned above, we have some talented runners that have college abilities and traits that provide good depth at running back but are waiting to be found.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One guy to keep an eye on down the road is Tullahoma rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson']</strong>. The Wildcats running back had a breakout junior campaign where he rushed for over 1,400 yards, displaying excellent balance and run away speed. He is a tad undersized but Johnson makes up for it with a good mix of athleticism and power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Christian big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1474355' first='Maurice' last='Lawrence'] </strong>stands 6'2 190 pounds in the backfield with a frame that can pack on a lot more weight. This guy is a versatile piece that runs well and if running back never works out, Lawrence could move to linebacker and excel. Chattanooga area ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] </strong>(Boyd Buchanan)<strong> </strong>is a definite FCS level prospect that has nice size (5 '10 190) with a strong mixture of athleticism and strength that translates well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two under the radar running backs to know about and follow over the next several months are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] </strong>out of South Pittsburg and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>from the Webb School. Buckner is a two-way player that brings explosion and speed to the backfield along with upside in the passing game. Pierre has a good mix of power and speed in his arsenal but it may be his vision that I like the most. He runs hard with a nice lean, showing potential to be a nice option in the red zone.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1622280,"width":"306px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/jpierre.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1622280" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkwood rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432194' first='Josiah' last='Claybrooks'] </strong>had a coming out party last Fall, becoming the team's top ball carrier and someone that could contend for Mr. Football during the 2025 season. Watch out for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] </strong>out of Science Hill. This East Tennessee running back might be one of the fastest running backs in the state that can also lower the shoulder and display solid power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox. Central running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853119' first='Jaedyn' last='Harris'] </strong>may not be getting a lot of buzz right now but he's a guy that can jump on the radar sooner than later. He brings great size to the field with deceptive speed and good balance. The Bobcats runner is also a back that I feel has another level to his game, so it will be interesting to see how his recruitment and senior year plays out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more versatile offensive weapons in the state is <strong>Bearden </strong>senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800786' first='Tory' last='Beaufort']</strong>. Standing 5 '7 160 plus pounds, the Bulldogs prospect spent more time last Fall at receiver and did very well but I feel his talents could be served best at running back or even a mix between both positions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another ball carrier almost built in the same manner as Beaufort is Chatt. Prep prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner']</strong>. The Sentinels running back is a tough runner for his size (5'7 163) that will lower his shoulder and churn out yards. He is also fast enough to hit the open field and turn on the burners.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two small school running backs that provide nice depth to this class are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter'] </strong>from Sycamore and Cornersville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland']</strong>. The War Eagles top college prospect, Hunter has been producing a lot of yards since his freshman season due to his breakaway speed, tough running and speed. Uland is a worker that brings great passion and a versatile skill set to the backfield. He brings nice size (5'11 185) to the position along with the ability to be a strong threat in the passing game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593302,"width":"285px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/huland.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593302" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three other good depth pieces for our #TN2026 class are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1476117' first='Jahkai' last='Brown'] </strong>from Antioch, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244591' first='Eli' last='Bell'] </strong>out of Forrest and Milan Mr. Football winner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete']</strong>. The Bears senior is a powerful back that won't out run too many people but he will break tackles and continue moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is coming off an injury that kept him out for most of the 2024 season but the dude is fast and can provide big play abilities from the backfield and sometimes from the slot. Peete has a compact, powerful frame that would work on the college level but would also bring nice balance and vision to the field as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several guys mentioned above certainly have the talents to reach the FCS level with a few of them sporting chances to get into the D1 game. A lot rides on their development through the off-season along with their performances in the summer at camps.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other RB's to Know …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103004' first='Javen' last='Hall'] </strong>- Walker Valley, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600227' first='Nix' last='Fullen'] </strong>- Tipton-Rosemark, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] </strong>- Marion Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597256' first='Lorenz' last='Wright'] </strong>- Memp. East, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116799' first='Chaz' last='Martin'] </strong>- Wilson Central, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467544' first='Jody' last='Scruggs'] </strong>- Carter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606161' first='Taeshaune' last='Hamilton'] </strong>- Kingston, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584100' first='Chris' last='Newbold'] </strong>- Jackson South-Side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] </strong>- Upperman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1596251' first='Kenyon' last='Phelps'] </strong>- Bradley Central, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492601' first='Caden' last='Stroud'] </strong>- Davidson Acad., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] </strong>- Springfield, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia'] </strong>- Johnson Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586187' first='Thomas' last='Bowers'] </strong>- Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CalebHilliardTV/status/1834769318791254343","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CalebHilliardTV/status/1834769318791254343 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->