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2028 Running Backs On The Rise

2028 Running Backs On The Rise
Matt DeBary
Matt DeBary November 17, 2025 @ 10:26 AM
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In this article:

Zeke Percell
Zeke Percell 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB | 2028
GA
Brayden Henderson
Brayden Henderson 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH | 2028
GA
Malachi Veasley
Malachi Veasley 5'10" | 175 lbs | LB | 2027
GA
Tavares Hooks
Tavares Hooks 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB | 2028
GA
Royce Djouguem
Royce Djouguem 6'1" | 230 lbs | RB/LB | 2026
CAD
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sophomore running backs ran wild during the 2025 season...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048654"],"_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-6918af6c01fe2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A slippery sophomore running back on the rise in Middle Georgia, Hooks is a do-it-all back who can run the ball, make plays as a pass-catcher, and make an impact in the return game. He's a true weapon with the ball in his hands and proved that even as a sophomore, he was one of the more efficient young running backs in the area. The quick, shifty 5-foot-8 165-pounder is elusive, brings above-average speed, and was able to run for 710 yards this fall while adding 121 receiving yards and 256 more kick return yards. In total, Hooks had a team-leading 1,087 total yards this year and should be even better next year as a junior. He's a 2028 back to keep a close eye on moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048741"],"_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-6918af6c02053"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A metro-Atlanta running back on the rise who really shined during the regular season, Veasley is a playmaker with the ball in his hands who can make plays both as a runner and on special teams. The Conyers native was a dependable option in the running game all season long as he ran for an impressive 587 yards and five touchdowns, hitting the 100-yard mark twice. He's one of the top junior running backs in the area and should be one of the leading returners next in the region to start next season as a senior. He's a promising ball-carrier on the rise who will see a new Prep Redzone ranking come his way in the next rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1218535"],"_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-6918af6c020a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A native of Canada who made his way to North Georgia this fall to play for the mighty Rabun-Gap Eagles, Djouguem is a powerful back with plenty of size who can pick up easy yards after first contact. He runs well; for his size and had no problem bowling over defenders who don't wrap him up properly. Playing in his first season in the United States, this tough runner showed that he's one of the top sleeper 2028 running backs in the state. He's fresh off a strong 2025 regular season where he helped carry the load out of the backfield for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry and was the team's second-leading rusher. Look for him to have an even bigger season next year as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055430"],"_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-6918af6c020eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-sport standout on the rise in the North Fulton area, Henderson is a slippery back with impressive balance, quickness and burst. Just a sophomore, Henderson showed that he's one of the top young backs in the region and will be an easy addition to the next 2028 Prep Redzone rankings. The Alpharetta native ran for 564 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. His best game came against South Forsyth where he ran for 170 yards and one touchdown. He flashed D1-caliber potential and could be in store for a giant junior season in 2026 next fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055434"],"_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-691b4c7309d16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A speedy small-town back with enough speed to score from anywhere on the field, Percell is a natural athlete who shines both on the hardwood and on the gridiron. He plays fast, he's elusive, and does a good job of running with balance, staying upright after first contact. He's shifty and brings a level of explosiveness that could allow him to see some D1 interest and possible offers in the future. The Metter, Georgia native ran for 483 yards during the regular season with seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.5 yards per carry. He's a sleeper back to know who with the potential to have a breakout season in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These sophomore running backs ran wild during the 2025 season...

Tavares Hooks

Tavares Hooks

GA
RB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 165
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Tavares
Hooks RB
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
165
HS
Baldwin
|
GA
2028 Running Backs On The Rise
A slippery sophomore running back on the rise in Middle Georgia, Hooks is a do-it-all back who can...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tavares Hooks

State: Georgia
School: Baldwin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Malachi Veasley

Malachi Veasley

GA
LB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 175
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Malachi
Veasley LB
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
175
HS
Rockdale County
|
GA
2028 Running Backs On The Rise
A metro-Atlanta running back on the rise who really shined during the regular season, Veasley is a playmaker...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Malachi Veasley

State: Georgia
School: Rockdale County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Royce Djouguem

Royce Djouguem

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 230
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Royce
Djouguem RB/LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
230
HS
Rabun gap Nacoochee school
|
CAD
2028 Running Backs On The Rise
A native of Canada who made his way to North Georgia this fall to play for the mighty...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Royce Djouguem

State: Canada
School: Rabun gap Nacoochee school
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brayden Henderson

Brayden Henderson

GA
ATH
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 175
POS ATH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Brayden
Henderson ATH
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
175
HS
Alpharetta
|
GA
2028 Running Backs On The Rise
A two-sport standout on the rise in the North Fulton area, Henderson is a slippery back with impressive...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brayden Henderson

State: Georgia
School: Alpharetta
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Zeke Percell

Zeke Percell

GA
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 165
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Zeke
Percell RB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
165
HS
Portal
|
GA
2028 Running Backs On The Rise
A speedy small-town back with enough speed to score from anywhere on the field, Percell is a natural...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zeke Percell

State: Georgia
School: Portal
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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