Running Backs Ready to Make Noise This Summer

The running back Class of 2026 has a variety of talent and something for every team. There are athletes with game-breaking speed, kids that can make you miss in a phone booth, kids that will not hesitate to run over the top of defenders, and athletes that have a three down capabilities. Among our PRZ WI RB rankings there are several student athletes who are under the radar right now, but they have the talent to dominate in camp season. Once they do that the sleeper tag will not be sticking around very long. So take an early look at these kids as we wait for camps to kick off.    If you are looking for speed that can take over a game then you have come to the right place. Kevin is an exceptionally gifted track athlete and football player. The 5'10" 180 lbs junior also has a frame that can handle the wear and tear of the position and a workload more than that of the typical speed back. On the track side of things, Kevin has run a 10.86 100M and a 21.98 200M. So if you give this kid a lane there's no chasing him down. On the field it isn't just about speed. Kevin is a football player. He will make you miss and he will lower the shoulder on a defender. This camp season is going to be the perfect stage for him to show off his best talents.     Another athlete at the RB position who is going to shine this summer with his athletic abilities is [player_tooltip player_id='1361675' first='Payton' last='Pingel']. The junior RB/ATH is a legit playmaker. From his one combine so far the junior already has posted a 4.62 40, 4.40 shuttle, and a 9'5" broad jump. I expect him to match or beat those as he gets more into the flow of things this summer and gets more reps at each drill. On tape Payton is used all over the field and put into situations where he can get the ball at full speed or in space. Payton has a great feel and vision with the ball in his hands to find ways to create yards. Definitely keep a close eye on this kid.     The Oconomowoc junior already has one offer from UW-Oshkosh and there are sure to be others by the time June comes to an end. Watching Alex on tape it is clear that he is a well rounded ball carrier. He can carry it between the tackles and create space with his agility and elusive running. The junior RB has a great sense for how to get to the open field out on the edge. Even when he has to work through traffic to get there he finds a way. At 5'10" 195 lbs the 2026 has shown he can be a feature back, averaging over 108 yds/game over 10 games. I'm hoping to see him in action.     One of the most productive and under the radar backs in the Class of 2026 is [player_tooltip player_id='1220701' first='James' last='Ford III']. The junior already has nearly 2,200 yards through two years of varsity football. Last year he almost eclipsed 1,000 yards while only playing 7.5 games. At 5'9" 165 lbs James has learned to dominate on the field with vision, acceleration, agility, and breakaway speed. James is so quick to slice through the front seven, making DL/LBs miss then getting back to top speed to quickly get through the second level. It is impressive watching him barely slip through small seams then come out the other side for a 60+ yard TD run. Ford can take it all the way on any touch.     Marcellis is a well rounded back that I have needed to get my eyes on more. So does the next level. Marcellis has a strong frame that can be a future feature back. He is strong and runs his feet through contact well. His contact balance prevents him from going down from the first defender. Plenty of his 500 yards on the season in 2024 came after contact. The junior also brings 11.4 100M and 23.1 200 M speed to the field. I'm hoping to see some numbers from his summer camp circuit to further build the picture we have of Marcellis as a football player.     I love the patience and power that Omar pairs together throughout his highlight reel from 2024. The 5'8" 175 lbs athlete is a compact, strong, low-center of gravity athlete. Omar does so well allowing his OL time to get out in front of him and set up blocks before attacking up field. He has the power to create yards on his own, but the junior doesn't utilize it until necessary. Omar picks up what is available and then goes to work behind his pads as he looks to punish tacklers. Omar is going to have a really good fall of wearing down defenses with his style of running.

The running back Class of 2026 has a variety of talent and something for every team. There are athletes with game-breaking speed, kids that can make you miss in a phone booth, kids that will not hesitate to run over the top of defenders, and athletes that have a three down capabilities. Among our PRZ WI RB rankings there are several student athletes who are under the radar right now, but they have the talent to dominate in camp season. Once they do that the sleeper tag will not be sticking around very long. So take an early look at these kids as we wait for camps to kick off.