2028’s on the Horizon: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year, the class of 2028 will receive more attention in recruitment. In this report, we cover five running backs who should be on your watchlist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343498"],"_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-697a2d900ef4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jeremiah Bucker is a running back I expect to see receive a larger workload and more attention throughout 2026. He can quickly identify gaps and accelerate through to get into the second and third levels. Buckner's foot speed, decisiveness, and ability to evade tackles in space are enhanced by his solid lateral agility and COD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JeremiahBuwg/status/1995611867012800559?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JeremiahBuwg/status/1995611867012800559?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622160"],"_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-697a2d900efd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1622160' first='Marques' last='Paskel'] is a prospect to keep an eye on. He is quick and elusive, and has the patience to let running lanes open up. Paskel excels at making defenders miss in space due to his good lateral quickness, footwork, and ability to change direction. He does have the potential to be reliable as a receiving back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/marques_paskel/status/1958310991772692931?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/marques_paskel/status/1958310991772692931?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1671229"],"_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-697a2d900f02f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1671229' first='Tyson' last='Taylor'] is a breakout candidate for the 2026 season. Taylor is quick and controlled and will make defenders miss in space. He developed and flashed his ability to play at the next level. I expect people to take notice of his skill set in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TysonTaylor20RB/status/1984448045640269915?s=20","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TysonTaylor20RB/status/1984448045640269915?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220843"],"_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-697a2d900f088"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1220843' first='John' last='Curry'] is expected to rise throughout 2026. He's a patient runner who lets running lanes develop. He possesses solid upfield burst to attack running lanes and separate into the second and third levels. Overall, Curry displays solid post-snap vision. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Johncurry2028/status/2000385776333603169?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Johncurry2028/status/2000385776333603169?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2099297"],"_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-697a2d900f0e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2099297' first='Calmarre' last='Harrell'] is a running back prospect that I expect to garner more attention this off-season. He has the talent to play at the next level. Harrell can navigate through traffic between the tackles. He displays solid contact balance at the point of attack to break through tackles. Keep an eye on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Calmarre_55/status/2011593766407455159?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Calmarre_55/status/2011593766407455159?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->