Deep Dive: Mecklenburg County Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charlotte Football Insiders is taking a look at ranking the top Charlotte Metro Area players by position, and we're taking a look at those players in those rankings in a Deep Dive analysis series. In these articles, we will share why these players are ranked and their best attributes as potential college-level football players in their respective futures. This will feature Mecklenburg County running backs – the city of Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1635908,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/Top-5-Meck-RB.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1635908" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1106930"],"_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-67ca795b6e2ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was a close decision, but Jamal ended up with the #1 spot in this ranking, and is the #1 running back in the 2026 class in North Carolina. Jamal's physical body is well put together, and he has a strong year last season after leading the state in rushing the year before. Jamal has been hot on the recruiting trail as well this off-season, picking up several Division 1 offers. He should be the focal point for the Knights offense once again this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1124842"],"_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-67ca795b6e349"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden had a lot of social media support amongst his peers for the #1 spot in the rankings once released, and his incredible production in his junior year supports those claims. Ultimately, Jayden was #2 in this ranking, however he is also the #2 running back in the 2026 class in the state. Incredible talent with impressive vision to get in and out of the hole is one of his best traits. Jayden is also valuable in the kick return game as well. I'm surprised Jayden's recruiting isn't stronger, but in time I expect him to gain more attention and interest from college football programs. </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='1671864' first='Marvin' last='Reed Jr']","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_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":"Hough","_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-67ca795b6e3f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing for Hopewell last season, upon releasing this ranking, Marvin informed me that he has transferred to Hough High School for his senior season. Hough is getting a strong and physical back who has impressive balance to run through tackles at the 2nd and 3rd level of the defense. Marvin put up nearly 1000 yards rushing as one of few offensive threats for the Titans last season. Seeing him behind the talented Huskies offensive line next season should be entertaining. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149037"],"_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-67ca795b6e444"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tristan is a bit under the radar in Southern Mecklenburg County, but he is a player I have been high on for a little while now. Tristan had a nice season as the Knights primary back in their offense as he showed some good hands out of the backfield and strong speed all over the field. With a new starting quarterback expected next season, expect Tristan to carry the load early in the offense to start the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1301262"],"_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-67ca795b6e483"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Josh was the leading rusher for the Mustangs last season, and he is a threat in the open field to go the distance at any time. Josh has excellent speed and shows a good ability to get into the open field with agility and good vision to evade defenders. Josh was in a bit of a timeshare situation last season with another talented back, and now will have a good opportunity to shine as a primary back this upcoming season..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Honorable Mentions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1607889' first='Emory' last='McClain Jr']. - West Charlotte -- Emory really came on strong in the playoffs, helping lead the Lions to a state championship. Stepping up to the highest classification in the state next season, he will be an integral piece in a talented Lions offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1320897' first='Kaleb' last='Vines'] - Providence - Moving over from South Mecklenburg, Kaleb is poised to have a potentially big breakout season playing with some talented teammates for the Panthers. Kaleb can do some special things in space, running or catching the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1262278' first='Lincoln' last='Wise'] - Palisades - Lincoln is a player who was in a timeshare situation last season, but he came up big in some key situations when the Pumas needed tough runs to keep the chains moving in big games. Lincoln was a key piece on a conference championship team that made the 2nd round of the playoffs last year. His role is in line to increase this upcoming season. Lincoln excels at getting downhill fast, reading his blocks,.and exploding through the hole with good speed. I am excited to see his development in his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Travis Hill - Independence - Travis would be a starting running back on almost any other team in Charlotte, he is really that good. The Patriots don't miss a beat on offense when he relieves [player_tooltip player_id='1124842' first='Jayden' last='Jones'], forming a dynamic duo that gives teams fits on Friday nights. Travis is a strong runner who is tough to tackle, especially in between the tackles. Travis also has some good speed in the open field to match that strength. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sam Jacobson - Country Day - Sam is a quick running back who has some good speed to get in and out of the hole. Because of his size, Sam is a slippery player who is tough to tackle in the open field. Seeing him up close last season, Sam has some big play ability and should be a major piece of the Country Day attack next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->