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Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!

Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis May 21, 2025 @ 12:01 PM
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In this article:

Elijah Hargrove
Elijah Hargrove RB/LB | 2027
CO
Scout Humrich
Scout Humrich 5'11" | 160 lbs | RB/DB | 2027
CO
Jayden Emery
Jayden Emery 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB/LB | 2027
CO
Colton Stratman
Colton Stratman 5'10" | 155 lbs | RB/DB | 2027
CO
Carter Hayward
Carter Hayward 5'9" | 145 lbs | RB/K | 2027
CO
Joe Pron
Joe Pron 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB/LB | 2027
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some prospects that are flying under the radar no more. These are the running backs that you will need to know as we head into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631928"],"_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-682e05a982765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emery is a true power back who thrives on contact. Known for lowering his shoulder and delivering punishment at the point of attack, Emery averaged five yards per carry this past season, consistently moving the chains with his physical running style. He's the kind of back who wears down defenses over four quarters. Heading into the upcoming season, Emery is poised to build on his production and emerge as a key offensive weapon. Expect him to turn heads early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1554362"],"_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-682e05a9827c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pron was part of a dynamic two-headed backfield, but his ability to capitalize in the red zone set him apart. He found the end zone eight times on the ground and provided reliable short yardage production. As a pass catcher, Pron is a mismatch for linebackers, averaging 10 yards per reception and showing versatility out of the backfield. With an expanded role, he has the tools to become a more explosive playmaker in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626000"],"_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-682e05a98281e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayward is an electric playmaker with elite burst and open field vision. He averaged nearly eight yards per carry and an eye catching 30 yards per reception, showcasing his ability to flip the field at any moment. A true Swiss Army knife, Hayward contributes in all three phases of the game, including special teams as his team's kicker. With his speed, elusiveness, and versatility, he's a breakout candidate that should be on every scout's radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631931"],"_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-682e05a982865"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Humrich combines power and agility to become a tough tackle when he is in open space. Averaging over six yards per carry, he's a physical runner who can wear down a defense. What sets him apart is his ability to contribute as a reliable receiver out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat option. As he continues to develop, Humrich has the upside to emerge as a game changing back for his offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631856"],"_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-682e05a9828be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stratman is a patient runner with exceptional vision and deceptive speed. He consistently waits for his blocks to develop before exploding through the hole. Stratman can bounce to the outside and use his acceleration to outrun defenders, making him a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Look for him to build on last season's success and take a leap forward in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1677015"],"_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-682e05a98291f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hargrove brings a bruising presence to the backfield. He shows excellent burst through the hole and has the ability to get skinny in the hole, making him an ideal short yardage option. Averaging four yards per carry, Hargrove embraces physicality and is looking to expand his role this season. He's a player quietly preparing for a breakout year as he continues to refine his all around game to pop onto the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some prospects that are flying under the radar no more. These are the running backs that you will need to know as we head into next season.

Jayden Emery

Jayden Emery

CO
RB/LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 195
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jayden
Emery RB/LB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
195
HS
Coal Ridge
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Emery is a true power back who thrives on contact. Known for lowering his shoulder and delivering punishment...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jayden Emery

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Coal Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Joe Pron

Joe Pron

CO
RB/LB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 180
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Joe
Pron RB/LB
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
180
HS
Regis Jesuit
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Pron was part of a dynamic two-headed backfield, but his ability to capitalize in the red zone set...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Joe Pron

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Regis Jesuit
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Carter Hayward

Carter Hayward

CO
RB/K
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 145
POS RB/K
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Carter
Hayward RB/K
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
Weight
145
HS
Palisade
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Hayward is an electric playmaker with elite burst and open field vision. He averaged nearly eight yards per...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Carter Hayward

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Palisade
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Scout Humrich

Scout Humrich

CO
RB/DB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB/DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Scout
Humrich RB/DB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
160
HS
Burlington
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Humrich combines power and agility to become a tough tackle when he is in open space. Averaging over...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Scout Humrich

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Burlington
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Colton Stratman

Colton Stratman

CO
RB/DB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 155
POS RB/DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Colton
Stratman RB/DB
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
155
HS
Ralston Valley
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Stratman is a patient runner with exceptional vision and deceptive speed. He consistently waits for his blocks to...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Colton Stratman

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Ralston Valley
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Elijah Hargrove

Elijah Hargrove

CO
RB/LB
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Elijah
Hargrove RB/LB
Class
2027
HS
Denver South
|
CO
Breakout Watch: 2027 Sleeper Backs You Need to Know!
Hargrove brings a bruising presence to the backfield. He shows excellent burst through the hole and has the...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elijah Hargrove

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Denver South
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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