10 Underclassmen Running backs (910-252) to Watch This Season

[player_tooltip player_id='473838' first='Kamerin' last='McDowell-Moore'] is definitely making waves in North Carolina football! Being named the 1A state champion MVP is no small feat, and his performance on the field is clearly catching the attention of Division 1 programs. It's exciting to see a player like him receive so much recognition, especially considering that his recruitment is just heating up. With the kind of talent he's showcasing, it's likely that more offers will roll in as his senior year approaches, and his stock could continue to rise even further.       [player_tooltip player_id='1709585' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] sounds like a truly versatile and explosive player! His ability to run between the tackles with power while also being able to line up at receiver is a rare and valuable skill set. It's the kind of flexibility that can make a huge impact at the next level, especially in today's evolving offenses that are all about mismatches and multi-dimensional threats.   As he heads into his senior year, it seems like St. Pauls will definitely be relying on him to lead the charge. If he can stay healthy and keep performing at a high level, it wouldn't surprise me if his recruitment picks up even more, especially from schools looking for dynamic athletes who can contribute in multiple ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='1904171' first='Jah' last='Sheppard'] had a monster year last season, and it sounds like he's primed for an even bigger 2025 campaign! With over 1,500 total yards and 26 touchdowns, he definitely put himself on the map as one of the top backs in the state. His breakout season shows not just skill, but the ability to produce at a high level consistently.   With the loss of their QB to transfer, Martin County will likely lean on Sheppard even more in 2025, and he's poised to carry the load as the focal point of the offense. Being the main guy in the backfield should give him more opportunities to shine, and with his talent, it wouldn't be surprising to see his numbers jump even higher. His ability to step up and be the center of the offense could also attract more attention from recruiters looking for a workhorse back.     [player_tooltip player_id='1106564' first='Calvin' last='Lacewell'] looks like he's got a bright future ahead of him, especially heading into his junior year! With Lakewood's strong 2024 season, which saw them come just one game short of the eastern regionals, expectations are clearly high for 2025. Lacewell stepping into the role as the feature back is a big opportunity for him, and it sounds like he's going to be a key piece not just for his team, but for the entire conference and Sampson County.   If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, Lacewell has the potential to put up some huge numbers and solidify himself as one of the top backs in the state for the class of 2027. With a lot of eyes on him, it could also help boost his recruitment as programs begin to see his talent on display in big games.     [player_tooltip player_id='653512' first='Shon' last='Pone Jr']. looks like he's on the verge of an exciting breakout season! His performance as a sophomore for Seventy-First, especially with the team being the 3A East defending champions, is impressive. Given that it was his first year getting meaningful reps, the fact that he didn't disappoint speaks to his potential. With 2025 on the horizon, it sounds like he'll be ready to step up as the #2 option in the backfield, right behind the talented [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'], a rising senior and D1 prospect.   Having the opportunity to play alongside someone like Franklin should help Pone develop even more and get valuable exposure to scouts throughout the season. His nickname, “Flash,” certainly seems to fit, especially with the eye-popping numbers you expect him to put up. With the added attention from recruiters, he's in a prime position to elevate his game and make a name for himself heading into his junior year.     Raymond Blue is in a great position to make a big impact in the 2025 season. As the new full-time back for the Red Devils, he's got the opportunity to showcase his skills with a heavy workload, something he didn't get much of in the past due to the upperclassmen. That change could be a huge benefit to him, as he'll have more chances to prove himself as the feature back and develop into a major weapon for the team.   The fact that Blue also plays defense shows his versatility, but it sounds like his future could be on the offensive side, where he has the potential to play at the highest level. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball will definitely help him stand out, but if he can dominate in the backfield, it's likely that college programs will start taking a closer look.     [player_tooltip player_id='1675598' first='Tai' last='Phillips'] is definitely a name to keep an eye on! With his track and field background, his speed is clearly one of his standout traits. Being known as one of the fastest athletes in his age group since he was 10 years old gives him a unique edge, especially as he heads into his junior season. His ability to transition that speed onto the football field makes him a serious threat, particularly with his homerun potential—scoring from anywhere on the field is a game-changer.   As the feature back for Cape Fear's always balanced offense, Phillips has the opportunity to become the focal point of their attack in 2025. His combination of breakaway speed and toughness gives him the ability to make big plays both in the open field and between the tackles. Being in this position at the perfect time should only increase his visibility, and it's exciting to think about what kind of numbers he could put up with a larger role in the offense.     Isaiah Washington is set up for an exciting senior year, and it sounds like he's primed to carry even more of the load in 2025. As a true workhorse at running back, he already proved last season that he can be relied upon heavily, scoring 10 touchdowns while leading one of Fayetteville's most potent offenses. With most of the skill players returning, there's a lot of potential for this offense to continue thriving, even with the loss of several offensive linemen.   The challenge of having a revamped offensive line puts more pressure on Washington, but he seems like the type of back who can rise to the occasion. With his ability to produce and his workhorse mentality, it wouldn't be surprising to see his touchdown numbers increase significantly next season. If he can continue to make plays despite the line changes, it will only solidify his standing as one of the top backs in the region.     [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] is a name to watch closely as he heads into his junior year. It's rare to see a player make an instant impact as a freshman, but Magwood's ability to do that and then follow it up with another strong year—despite a more limited role—shows his potential and work ethic. Now that he's set for a more expanded role in 2025, it's clear he has the chance to really put himself in the spotlight.   Magwood's ability to contribute on both sides of the ball is a huge advantage. His versatility makes him a double threat—on offense as a dynamic back and on defense where he can likely make big plays as well. With New Bern playing in one of the toughest areas of football across the state, his ability to perform consistently against high-level competition is a testament to his talent. His production could certainly stand out even more when you consider the caliber of teams he faces week in and week out.     [player_tooltip player_id='1580029' first='Nazir' last='Vines'] is definitely a player who could surprise a lot of people in the coming years. At 6'0” and 180lbs, he already has the size of a D1 prospect, and his ability to score from anywhere on the field shows just how versatile and explosive he is. His skill set, which includes running between the tackles, lining up as a receiver, and contributing on defense, makes him a true do-it-all athlete. The fact that he doesn't mind blocking and plays tough on the defensive side as well only adds to his value as a well-rounded player.   Despite not being as widely known yet, Vines' combination of size, speed, and production already sets him apart from many of his peers. With the ability to contribute in multiple areas, it's easy to see him transitioning to a full-time offensive role at the next level, and I wouldn't be surprised if his recruitment picks up significantly after a big 2025 season.