#TN2027 Running Back Watch List

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our look at the in-state junior class, here we breakdown what you can find out of the running backs. It's a talented group that may prove in the end to be one of the best positions from the #TN2027 crop. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The running back position is starting to become an important position to recruit again, which is a good thing for our rising junior crop because it appears to be quite talented with several guys destined to be recruited and compete one day on the Power Four, D1 playing stage. Early on, the #TN2027 running back class looks to be as good as it's ever been and it's still early in the process, so plenty of new guys will jump on the radar pretty soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's very possible the #1 player in the state for the #TN2027 class could be a running back in Baylor junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges']</strong>. The Red Raiders ball carrier is very talented with a great combination of power, size and speed that has enticed tons of college coaches across the country. It's hard to think of a running back being the top player in the state but that's how good Gabriel-Georges could be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Competing for that top running back spot could be Memphis Business Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']</strong>. Well built physically with great overall size, the Execs junior is one of the hottest prospects in Tennessee right now, recently landing offers from the likes of Auburn, Florida St., Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio St., Ole Miss and others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1631693,"width":"304px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/lH9vGBKn-crop-1132x744-1740663553.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1631693" style="width:304px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westview rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] </strong>had a breakthrough sophomore campaign that put himself on the map as a legit prospect. Standing 6 '0 and almost 200 pounds, the Chargers ball carrier is a load to handle in the backfield that will over his defender while having the speed to run past them as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those three in Gabriel-Georges, Williams and Barnes have established themselves as bonafide Power Four prospects but I think some of their peers could gain that status very soon, including a new addition to Tennessee is Canadian native <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665478' first='Jean-Pierre' last='Eto'o']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6 '1 200 pounds, Eto'o is a big dude that gets downhill quickly while using his physicality to bounce off would-be tacklers. His addition to the Baylor backfield alongside Gabriel-Georges gives the Red Raiders a dynamic one-two punch that many opposing defenses will have a hard time dealing with.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a stellar sophomore season, GCA rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] </strong>is a talented young man that brings athleticism and versatility to the offensive side of the ball. The Rams running back produced over 2,000 yards of total offense last year where he displayed excellent upside as a runner but also possibly as one of the best pass catching running backs in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the East Tennessee region, junior ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] </strong>is a prospect that shows a lot of potential due to his combination of power, size and speed. The Highlanders ball carrier runs hard and fast while providing nice contact balance and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Maples already holds several offers in hand but can boost his stock further with increased agility and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1586874,"width":"266px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/braymaples.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1586874" style="width:266px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many may not know about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>right now but plenty should after the 2025 season. This 6 '1 Bartlett ball carrier looks like the next guy in line as the team's starting running back and a prospect that has the upside to reach the D1, possible Power Four playing stage. This is a big dude that runs well, showing nice speed to the outside and the willingness to run over opponents.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III'] </strong>is an undersized guy that runs much bigger. This ball carrier has a good initial burst about himself along with excellent contact balance that makes him well versed to be recruited by D1 programs. Another powerful runner is Oak Ridge junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter']</strong>. Landing his first offer recently from Miami Ohio, Porter is a load to deal with due to his overall size, broad upper body and deceptive speed into the open field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those nine prospects appear to be a cut above the rest of the junior class at the moment but that doesn't mean it will stay that way moving forward. There's tons of time for other running backs to develop and move their way up the list and it all starts very soon during camp season then proceeds into the coming Fall football year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sporting some of the best speed from our junior running back class, Knox. West ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590259' first='Jamari' last='Goines'] </strong>is an intriguing prospect that could boost his stock significantly with added weight and a breakout 2025 season. Goines may prove to be one of the best hidden gems we have in the #TN2027 running back class before it's all said and done.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] </strong>is an undersized back that plays a fearless brand of football. He has no problem running between the tackles and lowering his shoulder for extra yards. He is also shifty in short spaces along with having a strong upper body that defenders have a tough time bringing down.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1598676,"width":"237px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/2-Larry-Sanders-II-rotated-e1736534050602.jpg?w=946" alt="" class="wp-image-1598676" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two power backs to know about moving forward are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567089' first='Jamarcus' last='Brown'] </strong>from Stewarts Creek and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260912' first='Harold' last='Marshall III'] </strong>out of Clarksville Academy. Brown has yet to play under the spotlight as the main guy with the RedHawks but that should change this Fall. He is a broad shouldered, deceptively good athlete that runs hard and fast while providing the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall is a new name to the state of Tennessee that brings great size to the field along with the upside and willingness to pass protect. His size alone presents problems for defenses but if this Clarksville area back can increase his speed, Marshall will see a boost with his college recruitment.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another power back to mention is Crockett Co. junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods']</strong>. Coming off a productive sophomore season, this West Tennessee ball carrier is a true under the radar prospect that is tough for opposing defenders to handle due to his girth, powerful upper body and excellent lower base balance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockvale junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599122' first='Romeo' last='George'] </strong>is an interesting prospect that should be taking on a bigger role this coming Fall. Standing 5 '10 180 pounds, the Rockets running back has good size while having enough speed to get the job done and the room to increase it further. Ravenwood ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] </strong>has some of the best quickness out of this class. He is a compact (5'9 185) back that runs hard and fast while having the quick, shifty feet to easily break away from tacklers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1671605,"width":"256px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/cpace.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1671605" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576799' first='Braydon' last='Weldon'] </strong>is a name many may not know about right now but this is a talented ball carrier with good size and deceptive speed. I see upside with this Jackson area prospect but to boost his stock, Weldon must continue adding weight while increasing his agility and speed. Spring Hill running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261066' first='Lionel' last='Brooks']</strong> is built in the same fashion. The Raiders back has good size but can take his stock to a new level with enhanced speed and continued overall development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two athletic, elusive backs to keep eyes on over the next two years are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904925' first='Jayden' last='McKnight'] </strong>from Ezell-Harding and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827286' first='Jalen' last='Wrancher'] </strong>out of Knox. Catholic. The Eagles could have themselves a ball player in McKnight to lean on as their top playmaker due to his quick, sudden movements and ability to find creases in the defense. Wrancher works well in small spaces. He is strong for his size, showing the ability to bounce off tacklers and continue moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early on, this looks like a deep and talented crop of running backs for our #TN2027 class that should only grow in time with continued development from those written about above and others yet to jump on the scene. I like the potential with this group, so it will be interesting to scout these guys over the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Backs to Know About: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson'] </strong>- Bartlett, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew'] </strong>- Lawrence Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932926' first='Daegen' last='Collins'] </strong>- Hollow Rock, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648770' first='Justin' last='McGoy'] </strong>- Boyd Buchanan, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] </strong>- Summertown, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906285' first='Keirone' last='Foster'] </strong>- Arlington, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506678' first='Keon' last='Cooper'] </strong>- Lausanne, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] </strong>- Grundy Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1671606,"width":"285px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/jwrancher.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1671606" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->