Sleeper Alert: Underrated 2026 Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These South Georgia running backs could run wild in 2025...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577128"],"_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-6798e4cd0541a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He may play quarterback, but this electric, dynamic runner will be included with the running backs after showing big-play ability with his legs last year. He's a terrific overall athlete, he's elusive, runs with balance, and knows how to take off down the field. He's quick, shifty, and dangerous to opposing defenses in the open field. He's one of the better runners and more natural athletes in the region and it allowed him to take off for 1,217 yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns. He's already ranked in the 2026 Prep Redzone rankings and could light up the stat sheet on the ground this fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611793"],"_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-6798e4cd054ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A productive Middle Georgia back still flying under the radar, this impressive runner from Johnson County is aa productive two-way player with above-average athleticism that allows him to make plays defensively while being a consistent running threat for the offense. He shows natural vision, above-average speed, and plenty of toughness for his size. He's one of the better backs in the area and is coming off a strong junior season where he ran for 880 yards and nine touchdowns, going over the 100-yard mark four times. He was an easy addition to the next Prep Redzone rankings this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612932"],"_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-679a4144c649a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A productive running back for the Jefferson Dragons who shined in a backup role last season, Russell is coming off a strong junior season where he helped carry the load on offense, rushing for just under 900 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games for an average of 60 yards per game. He's quick, shows good vision, and runs hard for someone his size. He was a consistent option on the ground and should see even more opportunities come his way as a senior in a possible lead-back role. He's an Athens-area back to know about in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612937"],"_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-679a4144c64ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another impressive Athens-area back with impressive one-cut ability, Monfort is coming off a tremendous junior season where he proved to be one of the best ball-carriers in the area due to his above-average speed, agility, and ability to pick up yards after first contact. Monfort took off for an eye-opening 1,547 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games, averaging an impressive 155 yards per game. His best game of the 2024 season came against East Jackson where he ran for 233 yards and one touchdown. Look for him to have a giant senior season later this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612941"],"_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-679a4144c6546"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An electric back out of Covington who does a great job of making defenders miss in tight spaces, Mims is a shifty back with quick feet burst, and the ability to score any time he has the ball. The 5-foot-9 170-pounder ran for an impressive 967 yards and 8 touchdowns. He ran for at least 80 yards in seven games last fall and was one of the more productive backs in the area. His quickness and big-play ability stands out on film and is a big reason why he'll be added to the next 2026 Prep Redzone rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->