Five RBs Breaking Out In The 2025 Season

I recently started a new player series, highlighting five breakout players per position regardless of classification or grade.   The first article was about the quarterbacks. Now, it's time to look at the running backs.   The majority of these five are underclassmen, aside from one junior. But all of them have been excellent players for their respective teams this year. Let's get into it.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-07-2025-4-03-25-PM-crop-1079x709-1759871911.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1939293" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: RB EJ Gibson. Taken by Wittmer Jones, sh0tbywitt.</figcaption></figure>   2027 RB EJ Gibson – Ensworth   Ensworth junior running back EJ Gibson is undoubtedly one of the best backs in Tennessee this season. He's been productive in the past, but what he's doing in 2025 is impressive.   Gibson is on his way to well over 1,000 yards from scrimmage while putting up a great case to be a Division II AAA Mr. Football candidate.   In his last game against Knoxville Catholic, one of the best defenses in the state, he was lights out. Gibson ran for 254 yards on 10 YPC and four touchdowns.   The 2027 RB boasts great speed, good burst, excellent vision and power in his compact build at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-07-2025-3-58-28-PM-crop-1069x702-1759872047.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1939296" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: RB [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn']. Taken by 615 Preps.</figcaption></figure>   2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] – Riverdale   Sophomore tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] has been a true workhorse for Will Kreisky's Riverdale Warriors this season. He was the starter from day 1 and has established himself as a player to look out for in the class of 2028.   He faced a stout Knoxville Catholic defense in his first game, where he never got going, but showed flashes of what was to come.   He's progressed well each week and has now seemed to put it all together.   Through seven games, Vaughn has totaled 612 all-purpose yards on 7.2 yards per touch and five touchdowns.   He's a shifty back who's built well, featuring great burst and nice vision.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-07-2025-4-05-15-PM-crop-1067x701-1759872210.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1939300" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: RB [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance']. Taken by Kyle Wolfe, kyle_flickz.</figcaption></figure>   2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance'] – Blackman   [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance'] is sharing the backfield with senior running back Jabari Kemp, but the sophomore has made a name for himself in 2025.   He's getting more carries now and is a big-time contributor for one of the best Blackman rushing attacks in several years.   Nance is an electric player with true track speed, while showcasing nice footwork and vision. He's built well and can be a bowling ball if needed.   The 2028 RB offers explosiveness as a runner and out of the backfield. However, His cuts and ability to navigate his way through running lanes are the two things that stick out the most.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/qmitchell2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1857029" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: RB [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell']. Photo by Forrest Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] – Forrest   2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] is going nuclear this season, posting some of the most impressive numbers I've ever seen from a Tennessee tailback.   He was already a beast, earning 2A Region 4 Running Back of the Year honors as a freshman, but he's taken the next step in 2025.   Through just seven games, he's posted 1,634 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 249.1 total yards per game.   He's a compact running back with outstanding speed and vision.   The Forrest tailback is patient enough to take the smaller gains, but if you give him a crease, he'll take it to the house.   Mitchell also has some of the best speed and acceleration in the 2028 class.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-07-2025-4-01-41-PM-crop-1319x867-1759872771.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1939312" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: RB Ajaebeon Stinson. Photo from his Instagram @javey_stins0n.</figcaption></figure>   2029 RB Ajabeon Stinson – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   Ajabeon Stinson is just a freshman, but he's been an excellent player for Grace Christian Academy this year.   The 2029 running back has been one of the most productive players across the state, posting over 1,000 rushing yards through seven games.   He had a monster game three weeks ago, rushing for 391 yards and three scores on just 21 carries in a 70-40 win over Webb School of Knoxville.   Stinson is on the smaller side, but features blazing speed and acceleration along with fantastic vision.   While he's only 5-foot-6 and 156 pounds, he's extremely hard to bring down and is shifty enough to break multiple tackles at a time.

I recently started a new player series, highlighting five breakout players per position regardless of classification or grade.