2026 Running Backs to Watch over the Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is loaded with talented prospects at the running back position. All four corners of the state has talented prospects to watch out for over the course of the summer. Here are several running backs to watch out for over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward']-Running Back-Marion-5'9” 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] is a running back who has no problem finding the rushing lane. He has the speed to get through the hole and into the second level quickly. Ward can carry the ball between the tackles or cut the run down the sideline. He is a player who can catch the ball out of the backfield or be split out wide as a wide receiver. Ward is a prospect to watch out for over the course of the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin']-Running Back-Southside-5'8” 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Southside running back had an excellent season in 2024. He is a dangerous running back who gets stronger as the game progresses. McLaughlin slips out of tackles and gets into the second level quickly. He is a prospect who can carry the ball between the tackles. McLaughlin is a running back who I expect to have a strong summer. Watch out for McLaughlin this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659952' first='Rashad' last='Moore']-Running Back-Dumas-5'9” 210-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1659952' first='Rashad' last='Moore'] does an excellent job of absorbing opposing defenders' contact. Moore is able to bounce off of contact and get into the open field. He can fight for extra yards and turn a short gain into a long one in the blink of an eye. Moore is a running back who gets stronger as the game progresses. He is a prospect who I expect to have a strong summer and perhaps an even more impressive 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1330286' first='Trey' last='Harris']-Running Back-Conway-5'9” 185-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1330286' first='Trey' last='Harris'] is another running back who exploded onto the scene after a strong 2024 season. Harris excels at making opposing defenders miss tackles. He has the burst to get into the open field quickly. Harris can carry the ball between the tackles or cut the run down the sideline. He is a running back with the ability to open plenty of eyes this upcoming season. Harris has the potential for a big season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806079' first='Blake' last='Coughran']-Running Back-Prairie Grove-5'10” 189-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='806079' first='Blake' last='Coughran'] is a player who creates big plays whether he is lined up at running back or at wide receiver. He finds the rushing lane quickly and gets into the second level quickly. Coughran has the ability to cut the run down the sideline as well as run between the tackles. Coughran is a prospect to watch out for over the summer and I expect him to have a strong 2025 football season. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->