Underrated 2026 Running Backs On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sleeper 2026 running backs are having terrific senior seasons...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283806"],"_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-68d2db0e69569"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An impressive, physical back from West Georgia at powerhouse Carrollton, Wood is a tackle-breaking back who doesn't mind contact. He also brings above-average speed and impressive vision when looking for a running lane to open up. The productive senior has run for 467 yards through his first six games with 12 touchdowns. He's found the end-zone in every game so far with at least two rushing touchdowns in four games. He's averaging a strong 6.6 yards per carry and has hit the 100-yard mark twice. He's one of the best backs in the area and is proving it week after week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1905799"],"_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-68d2db0e695cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A bigger back at 6-foot-2 210-pounds who runs really well for his size, Prince is one of the better running backs in Athens and one of the more productive backs across the state right now in the 2026 class. The impressive senior has been tough to stop all season long, rushing for 895 yards and 10 touchdowns through his first five games. He's averaging 8.5 yards per carry and has run for at least one score in every game. He's hit the 135 yards in each of his five games and has hit the 200-yard mark twice already. He's on a tear and is showing easy D1-caliber potential. He'll see a new ranking when the 2026 Prep Redzone rankings are updated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1905899"],"_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-68d3f6a8a76b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An elusive back with size and big-play ability, Pullen is one of the more productive running backs across Cobb County right now who has shown he can score from anywhere on the field. He brings a big frame at 5-foot-11 205-pounds with dependable hands out of the backfield and the ability to make big plays down the field. He's tough to corral and bring to the ground, allowing him to run for an impressive 688 yards over his first five games. He has easy All-Region potential and could see his recruitment pick up late if he continues to run hard and play at a high level. He's also run for 10 touchdowns and is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1851933"],"_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-68d3f6a8a772c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A physical runner with deceptive speed, this Mill Creek senior has been terrific through the firestorm several games of his final season. The powerful 5-foot-10 185-pounder is great after initial contact who can fight off defenders on a consistent basis down the field. He's a yards-after-contact back with good vision, balance, and big-play potential. He's rushed for 614 yards and four touchdowns this season, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt and hitting the 100-yard mark twice. His biggest game came against Archer where he took off for 269 yards and three touchdowns in a big win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1905935"],"_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-68d3f6a8a7784"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another West Georgia back having a fantastic final season, Tarver has been one of the better running backs in the Columbus area this season, running for 596 yards on just 50 carries for an eye-opening 11.9 yards per rush. He's also scored 10 touchdowns, rushing for two touchdowns in each of his five games to start the 2025 season. He's shifty, explosive, and brings breakaway speed to the table every time he has the ball. He's rushed for at least 100 yards in every game and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->