Senior Stock Risers (Running Backs)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Going into the 2025 season, the running back position showed untapped upside and I believe several guys that were under the radar broke through this Fall and made this group much deeper. Here we breakdown the guys we think progressed the most and will see a rise within our upcoming senior rankings. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1669050' first='Lawrence' last='Autry'] - Collierville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>The arrival of our new senior rankings will see this Memphis area ball carrier go from unranked to being placed inside the top five for his position. Autry did strong work this Fall season to be moved up so high due to his balanced, power running as well as his deceptive athleticism. The Dragons senior running back ran for nearly 1,300 yards this football year along with 26 touchdowns and was a key piece behind his team's 9-4 season. Autry looks the part of a college guy and that's a big factor behind his eventual top five ranking. He has the physical build along with good contact balance that makes him an appealing option during his time at West Virginia. If Autry can increase his burst and speed, you may see him on the field early with the Mountaineers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] - Boyd Buchanan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>A multi-year starter for his Buccaneers football team, Green put forth his best season yet this Fall where he showed improved balance, burst and speed that you will see in the future at Army. His senior year was so good that Green was named a Mr. Football finalist for the D2-Class AA ranks. What this Chattanooga ball carrier brings to the field is a nice combination of athleticism, balance, power and speed that should help him excel during his time on the college stage. His play alone this Fall was a key part behind the Bucs 11-2 season and their placement in the D2-Class AA semifinals. I personally feel Green is vastly underrated beyond the PRZTN brand and will prove that while playing for the Black Knights in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1614442,"width":"227px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/dgreen.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1614442" style="width:227px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>A two-time Mr. Football finalist and one time winner, Peete has had a storied career during his time at Milan but now will take his talents to the college level at Tennessee-Martin. The Bulldogs running back put forth a stellar senior year that saw him rush for 1,697 yards and 30 touchdowns but more importantly show enhanced athleticism and speed. Peete is a strong, physical runner that doesn't go down by first contact but his increased athletic profile helped boost his stock this Fall season and solidify his standing with UT-Martin. You will definitely see Peete rise in our updated rankings. How far he will rise, everyone will find out but Peete is definitely a college level guy that could play his way out of UT-Martin and into a bigger opportunity down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner'] - Chatt. Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you look past this guy's height, you see a dynamic running back that consistently finds the open field and has no problem sticking his nose between the tackles. Gardner uses his overall size to his advantage. Defenders have a hard time finding him in the line and once he breaks through, Gardner quickly finds his way into open space. This Chattanooga area ball carrier is one of the fastest we have from the current senior class. Gardner does need to continue packing on more weight to make himself more balanced but he has third-down back written all over him as someone that provides the big play. The Sentinels senior does remain unsigned as well, so it will be interesting to see who takes a chance on him and how Gardner flourishes on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1687175' first='Kavious' last='Record'] - Germantown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the 2025 season, Record sat in our “Watch List” but will now be added to the official rankings as one of the biggest risers from our senior class. When you turn on the film, you see a talented ball carrier that brings balance, power and speed to the field that translates very well to the college game. Record is tough to bring down on initial contact and once he breaks containment, the Red Devils running back bursts into the open field and lets his speed take over. This is a natural athlete that does some “wow” type things on the field and I believe Record is just scratching the surface on who he can be in college. He sits available at the moment as well, so whoever signs this Memphis area prospect could be getting a steal!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] - Cornersville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though Uland comes from a 1A school and a small town area, this senior running back is legit and someone I think will come into his own on the college stage. The Bulldogs ball carrier can do everything. He is a natural athlete that runs well, makes sharp cuts with strong instincts and can separate from defenders. Uland is also one of the better pass catching running backs from his senior class along with having upside as a strong pass protector. Even Uland would tell you, he has more work to accomplish but the great thing about him is that he is humbled and loves the process, so you can bet he will get better in college. I think Lindsey Wilson got a steal with this guy and someone that could have a great career within a Blue Raider uniform.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593302,"width":"241px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/huland.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593302" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1116799' first='Chaz' last='Martin'] - Wilson Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Martin may be one of the bigger hidden gems we have in the TN2026 senior class and he is still available, looking for a college home. This Mid-Tennessee product is coming off his best season in a Wildcats uniform after Martin ran for 1,365 yards and 14 touchdowns in only nine games. This guy was already one of the more athletic, quicker runners within his class but what is boosting his stock is his added power and strength along with enhanced vision. Looking over his film, you see an athletic ball carrier that runs well in short spaces using his quick feet then bursts into the open field, separating from defenders. Martin isn't the biggest guy but he runs hard and is tough to corral. I think his best running days are ahead of him in college, so it will be interesting to see where he lands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] - Pearl Cohn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Starnes is a versatile running back that can do a little bit of everything on the gridiron. Sporting a compact frame and size along with natural athletic abilities, the Firebirds ball carrier can churn out tough yards as well as use his speed to separate while also flexing out wide and catching passes. His Pearl Cohn coaches used Starnes in a variety of ways this past season, especially many times out of the slot where down the stretch he became one of the team's top pass catchers. Starnes may not be the tallest but he is well built and tough to bring down due to his strong lower base. I think he would make a nice addition to someone's backfield as an option that could be used in several ways while also providing some tough running.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2082508,"width":"234px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/ostarnes.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2082508" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1651725' first='Darreus' last='McFadden'] - Briarcrest Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If any college coaches are looking for a running back with breakaway speed, McFadden could be your guy. The Saints senior is a big play threat from his running back position that shows on tape his ability to get into the open field and run away from his opponent. McFadden has a nice initial burst about him along with solid vision that plays well on the next level. Catching the ball out of the backfield is something McFadden could be dangerous with in college. He does need to keep bigger and stronger, otherwise he may fall into that “3-down” back that is used in passing situations. I do see the potential for McFadden to fill out further in college and become a more well rounded prospect. This Memphis based running back has long term potential written all over him as I feel his best football days could be ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles'] - Bartlett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the bigger stock risers from our senior running back class is this Memphis native that finally got leading role carries this past Fall and he completely took advantage. Worles is an undersized but compact, strong and explosive runner that gets downhill quickly and consistently falls forward. What I like most about Worles is how hard he runs. The Panthers running back shows a nice initial burst into the open field and once he gets steam behind him, defenders have a hard time bringing him down. Worles might have to start his college career on the lower level but if given an opportunity to shine, I could see this Memphis area ball carrier moving onto a bigger stage somewhere down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Running Back Stock Risers: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2043391' first='Cameron' last='Porter'] </strong>- Maryville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594746' first='Kenyon' last='Phelps'] </strong>- Bradley Cent., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075398' first='Cecilio' last='Rodriguez'] </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2076085' first='Timmy' last='Arline']</strong> - McKenzie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2054751' first='Donte' last='Perry'] </strong>- Hillsboro, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492556' first='Kris' last='Lloyd'] </strong>- McCallie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2060925,"width":"247px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/camporter.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2060925" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->