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ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown

ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Colton Edwards
Colton Edwards June 3, 2025 @ 10:32 AM
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In this article:

Carson Jackson
Carson Jackson 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Zekariah Kertis
Zekariah Kertis 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB/WR | 2026
AR
Kylon Cross
Kylon Cross 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB/LB | 2026
AR
TJ Brown
TJ Brown 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Jackson Ward
Jackson Ward 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Kevin Young Jr.
Kevin Young Jr. 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Robert Blevins
Robert Blevins 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Enoch Assan
Enoch Assan 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Korri Graham
Korri Graham 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Titus Cramer
Titus Cramer 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
TJ Hodges
TJ Hodges 6'1" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Owen McLaughlin
Owen McLaughlin 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Rico Ward
Rico Ward 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/ATH | 2026
AR
Griffin Mason
Griffin Mason 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB/LB | 2026
AR
Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson 5'7" | 165 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Nikel Lewis
Nikel Lewis 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Cooper Powell
Cooper Powell 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
Chris Ficklin
Chris Ficklin 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB | 2026
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 running backs with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the running backs, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2408","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2456","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683f14a5a4f36"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283877"],"_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-683f14a5a65f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan'] has risen to be one of the top running backs in Arkansas. Assan showcases good post-snap vision, reading the defensive front and quickly identifying running lanes. He has the lateral quickness needed to make plays when faced with early penetration, along with good change of direction and burst to evade and get upfield. When he plants off his back foot, he explodes through the hole, showcasing his good acceleration and burst. Additionally, he possesses multi-cut ability, good contact balance, and leg drive, enabling him to break tackles and easily evade second-level defenders. Add him to your recruiting board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/EnochAssan7/status/1929701580602810786","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EnochAssan7/status/1929701580602810786 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1295600"],"_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-683f14a5a6653"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1295600' first='Robert' last='Blevins'] is a prospect to watch throughout 2025, landing at number 25 for the position. Blevins displays solid post-snap vision and burst to locate running lanes and exploit openings. He possesses solid COD, lateral quickness, and acceleration, making him elusive in space and allowing him to quickly hit the hole and gain yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_RobBlevins3/status/1884407872265527790","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_RobBlevins3/status/1884407872265527790 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1636480"],"_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-683f14a5a66a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1636480' first='Zekariah' last='Kertis'] is poised to make a name for himself during the 2025 season. He is a hidden gem waiting to shine, and I expect him to make that leap this season. Kertis is a true gap runner, getting north-south between the tackles. He demonstrates solid post-snap vision, allowing him to read the flow of the defense and the blocks in front of him, enabling him to attack the running lane with solid burst. Keep an eye on him this summer and during his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.1 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JonesZekariah/status/1922476942403485865","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JonesZekariah/status/1922476942403485865 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1629788"],"_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-683f14a5a66eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1629788' first='Kylon' last='Cross'] has officially been added to his first ranking, landing at number 53 for the position. Cross is a strong gap runner with solid footwork and lateral quickness to navigate through traffic. He displays solid contact balance and leg drive to create extra yards after contact. I expect him to split reps with some talented running backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.6 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/quietkycross/status/1889550136147132426","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/quietkycross/status/1889550136147132426 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678986"],"_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-683f14a5a6732"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678986' first='Carson' last='Jackson'] is a potential breakout candidate for 2025 as he lands at number 55 for the position. Jackson displays good burst and foot speed, attacking the running lane and separating from the first level quickly. His athleticism is notable as a pass catcher as well due to his route running and ability to create separation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.5 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CJackson1416/status/1929279858665721865","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CJackson1416/status/1929279858665721865 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 RUNNING BACKS:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] (Bryant)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] (Southside Batesville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='401206' first='Nikel' last='Lewis'] (Hamburg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.'] (Forrest City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] (Marion)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1194202' first='Korri' last='Graham'] (Dewitt)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='227421' first='Chris' last='Ficklin'] (Bentonville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1157296' first='Titus' last='Cramer'] (Rogers)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='1336821' first='Jackson' last='Ward'] (Little Rock Christian)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. [player_tooltip player_id='442007' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'] (Fayetteville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. [player_tooltip player_id='401187' first='Cooper' last='Powell'] (Cabot)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. [player_tooltip player_id='955836' first='Griffin' last='Mason'] (Shiloh Christian)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. [player_tooltip player_id='1339312' first='TJ' last='Brown'] (Jonesboro)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637114,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/ColtonEdwardsHeader.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1637114" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sofia Jordan</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->

2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 running backs with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the running backs, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:

Enoch Assan

Enoch Assan

AR
RB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Enoch
Assan RB
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
Weight
190
HS
Greenbrier
|
AR
ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Enoch Assan has risen to be one of the top running backs in Arkansas. Assan showcases good post-snap...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Enoch Assan

State: Arkansas
School: Greenbrier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Robert Blevins

Robert Blevins

AR
RB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 180
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Robert
Blevins RB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
180
HS
Hot Springs
|
AR
ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Robert Blevins is a prospect to watch throughout 2025, landing at number 25 for the position. Blevins displays...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Robert Blevins

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Hot Springs
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Zekariah Kertis

Zekariah Kertis

AR
RB/WR
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB/WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Zekariah
Kertis RB/WR
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
185
HS
Bryant
|
AR
ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Zekariah Kertis is poised to make a name for himself during the 2025 season. He is a hidden...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zekariah Kertis

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Bryant
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kylon Cross

Kylon Cross

AR
RB/LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 200
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kylon
Cross RB/LB
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
200
HS
Warren
|
AR
ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Kylon Cross has officially been added to his first ranking, landing at number 53 for the position. Cross...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kylon Cross

State: Arkansas
School: Warren
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Carson Jackson

Carson Jackson

AR
RB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Carson
Jackson RB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
160
HS
Lake Hamilton
|
AR
ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown
Carson Jackson is a potential breakout candidate for 2025 as he lands at number 55 for the position....
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Carson Jackson

State: Arkansas
School: Lake Hamilton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Redzone

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Rankings

540 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Kane Archer

    Kane Archer

    Greenwood

    Central Florida
  • 2
    Evan Goodwin

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    Bauxite

    Southern Methodist
  • 3
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    Jakore Smith

    Bryant

    Oklahoma
  • 4
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    Anthony Kennedy

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    Miami (FL)
  • 5
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    TJ Hodges

    Bryant

View Full Rankings

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