2028 Running Back Newcomers

We released our updated <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 class rankings</a> on Monday, which included 58 newcomers from the sophomore class, pushing our total ranked players to 281. I looked at some of the numbers driving the update in my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-update-january/">Behind the Scenes</a> piece, then looked at three things to know about the class as a whole. Now, it's one of my favorite pieces, the newcomers. Here, we're evaluating every new running back in the rankings.   P.S. If you missed out on the running back stock-risers piece (Players already in the rankings who moved up), <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/january-stock-risers-2028-rbs/">check it out</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newly-Ranked 2028 Running Backs</h2>    Pless' massive frame and elite acceleration make him a lab-built back for South Point's Wing T offense. He's close to full speed by the time he hits the line of scrimmage, even with his fullback alignment close to the line. When he's in the open field, it's over, as few high schoolers are going to catch him. The only question for college coaches is how they think he adjusts to a college offense, because the physical capabilities are off the charts.     Part of the beauty of Payne's game is that it's nothing crazy: he chips away at defenses by getting the tough yards until he breaks through to the second and third levels, usually finishing those long runs in the end zone. He plays bigger than his frame suggests, meaning he should have some natural power as he gets bigger. His vision and speed are excellent, and they're a large part of the reason he was one of the top backs in the 6A classification.     We're never really surprised when East Surry produces talent at the skill positions, but it did raise some eyebrows when Kiger stepped in and had almost instant success. He started quietly, then exploded onto the scene as the season progressed, putting up well over 100 yards in six of his final seven games. He's an explosive athlete who excels in space, making him a dangerous return man, in addition to his homerun abilities on offense.     A two-way player, Smith didn't have the rushing volume that some of the other new backs in the rankings had, but he was extremely efficient, averaging seven yards a carry and over 10 a reception for a talented Lakewood offense. He's a powerful one-cut runner at his best when he can move laterally, plant, and then cut upfield. He loves running through contact. Expect his volume to tick up, but as it stands, he's an excellent change-of-pace option.     We expected Clinton to be one of the more pass-happy teams in the state, and to an extent, that was true. We did not expect that the Dark Horses would have a sophomore running back go for nearly 800 yards. Miller was a touchdown machine, scoring 15 times on just 178 carries. He runs with vision and power and has the frame to add more good weight, if needed.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We released our updated 2028 class rankings on Monday, which included 58 newcomers from the sophomore class, pushing our total ranked players to 281. I looked at some of the numbers driving the update in my Behind the Scenes piece, then looked at three things to know about the class as a whole. Now, it's one of my favorite pieces, the newcomers. Here, we're evaluating every new running back in the rankings.