2029 Running Backs Who Will Take the Next Step in 2026

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm starting a new series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.   Next, we'll discuss the running backs. Three of the names on this list have already established themselves as starters for their respective schools. However, there are two more on the list who are talented and should see an increased role next season.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Keyvon-Booker-TN-292.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1554527" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Austin-West RB [player_tooltip player_id='1537309' first='Keyvon' last='Booker'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1537309' first='Keyvon' last='Booker'] – Austin-East   [player_tooltip player_id='1537309' first='Keyvon' last='Booker'] is an exciting young player who was the feature back for Austin-East this past season, carrying the rock 76 times for a team-high 379 yards and four touchdowns.   He's a compact player, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 160 pounds, but is physical and plays bigger than his size indicates.   He's not afraid to lower his shoulder and run over someone, but he's also quick enough to outrun defenders. Booker is a track athlete, so he possesses nice speed and the elusiveness to pick up chunk yards or make defenders look silly.   The rising sophomore has solid vision for his age and is a relatively patient runner. While he needs to polish up in some areas, there's no reason why he can't develop into one of the better running backs in Tennessee.   Watch out for this prospect to take the next step in 2026.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Kruise-Buntyn-Jr1-crop-2093x1375-1767117601.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2091818" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox Catholic RB [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'] – Knoxville Catholic   [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'] had an impressive freshman season, especially at the start when he had the running back room to himself due to an injury.   In total, he accounted for over 600 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns while being efficient.   With [player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] transferring to Knox Webb, Buntyn Jr. will be RB1 and should have an excellent sophomore season. He's a compact running back at 5-foot-6 and 177 pounds, but is built well and should continue to grow.   He possesses an impressive blend of power and speed, enabling him to be a three-down back. The 2029 prospect is strong, runs tough, boasts good footwork, has a nice amount of speed and is a high-motor player.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-17-2025-4-19-28-PM-crop-1059x696-1766010192.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2085007" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Boyd-Buchanan RB [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] after a touchdown. Photo by BB athletics.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] – Boyd-Buchanan   While he wasn't the most productive freshman running back in Tennessee, I don't think it's a question that [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] is the most talented one.   He was an unknown commodity heading into the season, but he put together a solid season.   In 11 games, the 2029 tailback totaled 265 rushing yards on 5.4 yards per carry and nine touchdowns. McReynolds is the complete package at running back, including an impressive 6-foot, 195-pound frame.   The rising sophomore is well-built, strong, physical, runs extremely hard and offers nice burst/acceleration. He'll have an increased role next year with the graduation of three players, so 2026 will be the season he puts everybody on notice.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-30-2025-12-02-18-PM-crop-1319x867-1767117869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2091823" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lipscomb Academy RB [player_tooltip player_id='1297479' first='Manoach' last='Crockett']. Taken by SimTookIt on Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1297479' first='Manoach' last='Crockett'] – Lipscomb Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1297479' first='Manoach' last='Crockett'] is an intriguing prospect who saw a good amount of playing time as a freshman, giving everyone a gauge of what he could become.   He's a compact player at 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, but he will grow and already possesses some excellent tools. The rising sophomore has a powerful lower body, solid vision and the ability to stay upright and fight for extra yardage.   My favorite part about his game is the receiving threat that he provides. Whether it's on a halfback screen or he lines out wide, teams have to account for his hands and elusiveness. So many times on tape, Crockett catches a pass and breaks free for a key first down.   The 2029 prospect needs to become more explosive, but he checks several vital boxes for a young running back. Expect him to have a breakout campaign in 2026 as he takes the next step.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/56-Ajabeon-Stinson-crop-5607x3682-1767117973.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2091825" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA RB Ajabeon Stinson at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   Ajabeon Stinson – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   Ajabeon Stinson was the most impressive freshman running back this season, totaling over 1,800 all-purpose yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.   We're looking at a future Mr. Football winner, but he's just beginning to scratch his potential.   Stinson is on the smaller side, standing at 5-foot-6 and weighing 156 pounds, but has plenty of time to grow and possesses all the tools to be a Division I player. He features blazing speed, nice acceleration, great vision and is extremely hard to bring down due to his tough running.   The 2029 prospect already had his breakout campaign, but next year, he's going to have an insane season.

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm starting a new series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.