2027 Film Review: RB Breakout Candidates for 2025

<p>During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout running back prospects in the class of 2027. Here are ball carriers who I believe will demonstrate their skills in 2025:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1293873' first='Braydon' last='Smith'] plays in an old-school option offense, meaning he knows nothing but a downhill, north-and-south running style. This style of offense has also given him the patience to follow blockers and let running lanes develop. Smith can evade early penetration due to solid change of direction, lateral agility, balance, and burst.</p>   <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Braydonsmith123/status/1914836023508447608 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1663873' first='Ikeyston' last='Thomas'] enhances a talented running back lineup at Fordyce. His elusiveness and skill in making defenders miss in open space make him an effective change of pace. While he might not be the fastest player on the field, he challenges first and second-level defenders by making it difficult for them to take the correct angles when pursuing him outside. Keep an eye on him in 2025. </p>   <p>Note - 3.0 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ikeystonthomas2 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1329057' first='Drake' last='Nock'] is a breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. He's a true gap runner with the ability to be used in motion to draw attention from the defense. Nock can also be effective in the passing game. Post-snap, he displays solid vision, locating the running lane quickly and utilizing his burst to attack and get up to the second and third levels. He has the patience to allow his blockers to create and develop running lanes. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.7 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NockDrake/status/1902495367653929164 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1277780' first='Bryshun' last='Cunningham'] is another breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. He is a strong gap runner with solid post-snap vision, allowing him to identify running lanes effectively. He has the foot speed to outrun and stretch a defense. Additionally, he demonstrates solid foot quickness and decisiveness when attacking the hole. I expect him to take that next step throughout the summer. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.4 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zxyoll/status/1883369279216857498 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1247589' first='Jataelyn' last='Crite'] aims to take over the starting running back position after the team's leading rusher signed with MTSU. He showcases a quick first step and solid burst through the tackles with good acceleration. His good contact balance and strong lower body enable him to withstand contact and break tackles effectively. Crite possesses solid lateral agility, making him a multi-cut back who runs well to the second level.</p>   <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JataelynC/status/1882439745583886482 </div></figure>    <p></p>

During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout running back prospects in the class of 2027. Here are ball carriers who I believe will demonstrate their skills in 2025: