January Stock-Risers: 2027 RBs

We recently released our January <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've already written a few big-picture articles so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/three-things-to-know-about-the-class-of-2027/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. Now, I'm working through scouting reports for every player who rose in our rankings. Here are our 2027 running back stock-risers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 RB Stock-Risers</h2>    Anderson was a massive part of Northside-Jacksonville's historic turnaround. He's a downhill runner with speed in and out of his cuts, meaning he can make people miss in the open field. He's a guy we've liked in camp settings, so a breakout, 1,000-yard season should do a lot for his stock.     Agee, who averaged nearly 10 yards a carry as the secondary back in 2024, showed he could be the lead back last season, putting up almost half of North Lincoln's total yardage on just over 200 carries. He has good vision and avoids tacklers well, getting to the next level, with speed to finish runs once he's in the open field.     The junior class's leading rusher really in 2025 really impressed us with his vision, burst, and homerun ability, as he ran for nearly 2,000 yards on just over 13 carries a game. He averaged over 11 yards per rush. He uses different speeds to create poor angles as well as any back in the state, which means he thrives in the option game. His film is always a fun study because defenders often look silly when trying to tackle Pearson at the second level.     Ferrell's 2025 season was at least moderately surprising. That's not because we didn't see his talent, but simply because you don't really expect Cleveland backs to hit the milestones Ferrell hit last season. He was a real weapon in the red zone, giving the Rams some juice in the running game where they'd typically work short throws instead. His vision and power work really well in that spread system.     Hall is a smaller back with plenty of explosive qualities and the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. His wiggle and lateral movement skills make it difficult for defenders to square him up, and thus he takes few big hits. He's a capable pass-catcher, and if he gets space, he could be off to the races.     Hayes had a big year for Jordan in his first season as a starter, averaging over 150 yards from scrimmage per game. It really was an opportunity thing, as he replaced a Power Four recruit and stepped in with little to no drop off. He's a one-cut downhill runner with finesse and wiggle in the hole and when he gets into the open field, he's able to kick it into another gear.     Adams isn't your typical change-of-pace back in that he's a true bruiser, rather than a scat back. He's an excellent receiver out of the backfield with good vision and speed, but his best traits are his pad level and tackle-breaking ability. He's not a big volume guy, but he hit 1,000 scrimmage yards, and he's done plenty to convince us he's a future three-down back.     Freeman continues to creep up our rankings, as he's one of the steadiest backs in the state. He ran for 100 yards in all but one win last season, hitting 100 scrimmage yards in every game he had at least 10 touches. He's a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield and improved his pass-blocking abilities this season, giving him three-down college upside.     Hobbs isn't used as a true running back for Clayton, as the Comets use him more as a gadget guy out of the backfield and the slot, but that could change in 2026. The Comets graduate their every-down back, and Hobbs has the talent to step into that role. His speed and burst are excellent, and he's able to hit holes that only open for a split second. His athletic profile suggests he should see a tick up in production as a senior, as his per carry (9.7 yards) numbers are excellent.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and I on the 2027 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 recently released our January 2027 Rankings Update, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've already written a few big-picture articles so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. Now, I'm working through scouting reports for every player who rose in our rankings. Here are our 2027 running back stock-risers.