2027 Rankings Newcomers: Running Backs

The Class of 2027 is full of talent from top to bottom, and it was fun taking a deep dive into some running backs who did a great job of putting good stuff on film and playing their way into our Spring Rankings update here in North Carolina! Let's take a look at a few of these talented runners and tell you what impressed us about their overall game.    Speed, speed, speed is what I love about Kylan's game. If he gets into the open field, it's game over for the defense. In an expanded role next season, I am excited to see what he can do for the Yellow Jackets. As a back, though, he can run with power through tackles at the 2nd level and exhibits good vision in following his blockers on both inside and outside runs. Kylan can also catch the ball from the back position on screens and can line up at receiver and run routes as well. He is a flat-out playmaker, and he should really have a big season next year, in my opinion.     Jaden has had an excellent offseason at various camps and showcases - I have seen him upclose at VTO and the CFI Carolinas MEGA Showcase, where he placed as a top performer at both events - as an example. Jaden has excellent speed, footwork, and agility with the football in his hands. Those live evaluations, along with the production he showed on the field last season, vaulted him from unranked into the Top 75 overall in the state in the 2027 class. I expect Jaden to continue to rise from a ranking as well as a college interest standpoint this upcoming season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JadenHarts07/status/1921315113111290128 </div></figure>     In a supporting role behind two senior backs last season, Jacori showed some very good ability and skill that put him on our radar. He shows as a hard-running back with a special ability to run through tackles. On his highlights, his first two runs show him running through the interior through multiple tackles at the second level to score a touchdown and gain a first down as a reflection of that. Jacori also shows his unselfishness, often blocking from a fullback-type role for his other backs as well. Hillside runs from an I-formation a good bit, which I love personally, but I'd love to see Jacori show some versatility at some camps or 7 on 7 type stuff to see what he can do in space. But as a downhill runner, he should have a strong season in a lead role.     In a limited role for White Oak last year, Montez flashed some impressive ability, which put him on our Watch List to see how he produces with more opportunity. I like how Montez can explode into open space with the ball in his hands - his burst is something special, the first thought I have when he has the ball. Obviously, Montez has some good speed in the open field, and he shows some ability to run through weak tackle attempts at the second level.     In a heavy run offense, Riley has a few talented juniors ahead of him in the pecking order, but he showed enough in some limited carries to get onto our watchlist for his class. I like the "feel" Riley shows with the ball in his hands - East Bladen runs a lot from multiple back formations, and Riley shows the patience to allow blocks to form in front of him before showing a nice change of pace when he gets into space with speed and acceleration. Riley has good vision and gets north/south with little wasted motion or effort. I like his potential going forward.

The Class of 2027 is full of talent from top to bottom, and it was fun taking a deep dive into some running backs who did a great job of putting good stuff on film and playing their way into our Spring Rankings update here in North Carolina! Let's take a look at a few of these talented runners and tell you what impressed us about their overall game.