Deep Dive: Johnston/Harnett County RBs

We're in the middle of our Deep Dives series, where we're ranking players in the 2026-2028 classes in each RDU county by position. These rankings are based on a combination of film, stats, overall impact, and most importantly, college potential. After covering the quarterbacks earlier last week, we're jumping in to rank the Johnston and Harnett County running backs.   Past Johnston/Harnett County Deep Dives   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/deep-dive-johnston-harnett-county-qbs/">Quarterbacks</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 RBs in Johnston/Harnett County</h2>    We've written about McPhatter before, a breakout freshman with the potential to grow into a national recruit, and he lands at No. 1 on our list of running backs in Johnston and Harnett Counties. An explosive freshman with elite burst and quickness, McPhatter is also a standout basketball player. If he can gain 20-30 pounds over the next few years, he's a Power Four running back recruit.     Hobbs only notched about nine carries a game, but he was highly successful with those against quality competition. He's one of the fastest backs in the state, clocking multiple 40-yard times in the 4.4s and can really do damage in space. He's growing into his body and should display more power and tackle-breaking ability as a junior, but he's a guy who could find himself on the Group of Five radar soon.     Continuing the theme of young backs in Johnston County, Ferrell had a strong sophomore season and brings collegiate size, strength, and speed to Cleveland's offense. The numbers would have been even better if he weren't in such a pass-heavy offense, but he still came close to 1,000 yards on the ground despite getting just 27 carries in four non-conference games.     Smith led Clayton in rushing despite injuring his hamstring less than halfway through the season. A compact, bowling ball of a runner, Smith has well above average speed and good vision to hit the crease. If he's healthy for an entire year, he could put up monster numbers as part of Johnston County's best backfield duo.     Despite being on the smaller side, Langston is a workhorse, averaging over 16 rushes per game last season for South Johnston. He was a touchdown machine down the stretch, scoring 15 times. What he lacks in elite top-end speed, he makes up for with toughness and an ability to pick up key yards.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mentions</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1521147' first='Jamarcus' last='Shaw'], Triton   [player_tooltip player_id='1720935' first='Ricky' last='Trower'], Overhills   [player_tooltip player_id='1727189' first='Creig' last='Matthews'], Western Harnett   Want to make sure you're on our radar or raise your stock? Sign up for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1488/register/combine-series-north-carolina">2025 Spring Combine</a> at Clayton High School on May 4. Use offer code ‘HelmsCombine25′ to get $10 off your registration. Prep Redzone and college scouts will be in attendance to evaluate prospects as they go through combine drills, position work, and 1-on-1s.

We're in the middle of our Deep Dives series, where we're ranking players in the 2026-2028 classes in each RDU county by position. These rankings are based on a combination of film, stats, overall impact, and most importantly, college potential. After covering the quarterbacks earlier last week, we're jumping in to rank the Johnston and Harnett County running backs.