Running backs I'm Watching Closely This offseason

[player_tooltip player_id='409942' first='Gabe' last='Kemp'] has been a standout since youth football, and his first varsity season backed it up. He finished with 2,076 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns, immediately establishing himself as one of the top young running backs in New Jersey.   What jumps out first is his size. He's built above average for the position, yet he moves with elite ability. He shows speed in the open field, real elusiveness, and a decisive running style. He sees schemes well, hits lanes quickly, and doesn't waste steps. He also flashed value as a receiver out of the backfield.   It's hard not to draw comparisons to former Don Bosco and DePaul Catholic back Nolan James — except Kemp looks like a bigger, faster version. With that skill set, he's already among the state's top backs.   Kemp has earned offers from Syracuse, Temple, Southern Miss, and Kent State, and this offseason will be vital as he continues to expand his game. As one of the top freshmen in the state, he's a running back I'll be watching closely heading into camp season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1267838' first='Zamir' last='Davis'] put together a strong season from start to finish. He closed the year with 135 carries, over 1,100 rushing yards, 8.6 yards per carry, and 19 touchdowns. The production matched the tape.   What stands out immediately is his explosiveness. Davis sees the hole quickly and hits it with urgency. He runs with confidence and decisiveness, which allows him to maximize every carry. He's also shown versatility, thriving in multiple schemes — from wing-T concepts to single-back looks and gap runs.   In the open field, Davis can finish. He has enough burst and elusiveness to force missed tackles and turn good runs into big ones. That versatility adds real value to his profile.   Davis enters the offseason as one of the top running backs in the 2027 class. He previously earned an offer from Kent State, and with coaching changes there, this offseason becomes critical. Expect him to gain traction and build momentum on the recruiting trail heading into camp season.      [player_tooltip player_id='690920' first='Faheem' last='Ausbon'] brings a rare mix of size and explosiveness. That combination was most evident during his playoff run, when he was one of the most impactful skill players in the state.   He's dangerous in the open field. He shows real speed, strong finishing ability, and comfort catching the ball. Even beyond offense, Ausbon flashed elite playmaking ability on defense, including a game with two pick-sixes — a clear indicator of his instincts and athleticism.   While he'll likely be recruited as an athlete, Ausbon spends plenty of time at running back, and his skill set translates well there. He runs with burst, accelerates through space, and can stress defenses in multiple ways.   Ausbon already holds offers from Wofford, Temple, and Delaware State, and this offseason feels like a turning point. He's a 2027 prospect poised to make real noise on the camp circuit, and more programs are likely to jump in quickly.      [player_tooltip player_id='1141023' first='Trey' last='Alexander'] is one of the most explosive young running backs in New Jersey. In just 10 games as a sophomore, he finished with 849 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns, showing big-play ability every time he touched the ball.   Explosiveness separates him. He's a smooth athlete with sudden burst, and he hits the hole with precision. There's very little wasted motion in his runs, which stands out for a young back. At 5'10”, 195 pounds, he already carries the size many college programs look for.   Alexander also brings value on defense. As a linebacker, he totaled 55 tackles, added an interception, blocked a punt, forced a fumble, and broke up two passes. That two-way impact speaks to his toughness and overall athletic profile.   He currently holds offers from Pitt and Syracuse, but this feels like the offseason where his recruitment takes off. With more eyes on him and camp season ahead, Alexander is positioned to gain the attention his talent warrants.      [player_tooltip player_id='1013479' first='Ca'si' last='Thomas'] took a significant step forward this season. After coming over from St. Thomas Aquinas' running back rotation, he broke out at Don Bosco and showed he could handle a bigger role.   Thomas runs with patience and vision. He presses the hole, stays balanced, and explodes when lanes open. What truly sets him apart, though, is his elusiveness. He makes defenders miss in space and consistently forces missed tackles, turning small creases into chunk gains.   Next season, Thomas steps into the role of Don Bosco's featured back, no longer splitting carries. That opportunity matters. Even with a few offers already on the table, this feels like the offseason where his recruitment accelerates. With more volume and more exposure, Thomas is positioned to show just how complete a running back he is.