Key Traits From The 2027 Running Back Class

PATIENCE, VISION, YAC    To open the list, [player_tooltip player_id='344093' first='Kobe' last='St. Hilaire'] stands out as one of the most fundamentally sound running backs in the 2027 class. At 5'9”, 190 pounds, he may be a track athlete, but he plays the position like a true running back.   First, his patience jumps off the film. St. Hilaire consistently lets holes develop, follows his blocks, and stays disciplined within the run scheme. Because of that, his vision shines. He sees creases early, hits them decisively, and pairs that with a quick burst through the line.   Once he reaches the second level, he continues to separate himself. St. Hilaire generates yards after contact, breaks tackles against linebackers and defensive backs, and finishes runs with purpose. In the open field, he closes drives and turns opportunities into touchdowns.   Ultimately, he's a running back first—not just an athlete with speed. That shows in his technique, balance, and consistency. After finishing last season with 161 carries, 1,400 yards, and 15 touchdowns, St. Hilaire enters 2027 positioned for another strong year and continued upward   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Full Junior Season Highlights Class of 2027 New Milford HS NJ 4.0 GPA 5'9 190lb RB Only 7 Games 161 Carries 1467 yards 15 touchdowns All State Group 1 1st Team All League 1st Team All Bergen County 2nd team<a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanScoutsNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendanScoutsNJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CSAPrepStar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSAPrepStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNJ</a> @On3sports <a href="https://twitter.com/Rivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rivals</a>… <a href="https://t.co/NhhZDhXJRe">pic.twitter.com/NhhZDhXJRe</a>— Kobe St.Hilaire (@ktylersaint21) <a href="https://twitter.com/ktylersaint21/status/2002801480894431519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote>    BURST, ELUSIVENESS    Next is [player_tooltip player_id='1524429' first='Al-Naiquan' last='Boseman'], a running back who separates himself with pure burst. At 5'10”, 185 pounds, he runs with the build of a forward-moving back but explodes like a smaller, quicker runner.   Immediately, his acceleration jumps off the tape. Whether he lines up at running back or takes snaps at wildcat quarterback, Boseman sees the hole and attacks it with urgency. He doesn't hesitate. Instead, he hits creases with violence, speed, and intent, making his burst one of the best in the 2027 class.   At the same time, he adds an element of elusiveness to his power. For a back of his size, Boseman carries an impressive move set. He spins out of contact, strings together jukes in space, and finishes runs with a stiff arm when defenders square him up. That combination makes him difficult to bring down at any level.   Most importantly, Carteret trusts him in big moments. He consistently delivers when the game tightens. As he heads into his senior season with an expanded workload, Boseman is positioned to further cement himself as one of the most reliable and explosive running backs in the 2027 class.     YAC, CONTACT BALANCE, EXPLOSIVENESS    Next up is [player_tooltip player_id='1552713' first='Nymir' last='Daily'], a running back who brings a different level of toughness to the position. At 5'11”, 185 pounds, he runs daily with an upright style, yet he consistently wins through contact.   First, his strength stands out. Daily shows a powerful lower and upper body, making him difficult to bring down once defenders get their hands on him. He hits the hole with force, runs behind his pads, and finishes runs with intent. Because of that, he consistently generates yards after contact.   Just as important, his contact balance separates him from the pack. In one-on-one situations, Daily stays upright, absorbs hits, and keeps his feet moving. He rarely goes down on first contact, which allows him to turn routine carries into chunk gains.   In addition, his explosiveness shows up in multiple phases. Daily flashes burst through the line and carry that same juice onto special teams, where his kickoff returns have made a real impact.   You can make a strong case that Daily is one of Camden Catholic's most important players on either side of the ball. As a running back, however, his blend of physicality, balance, and explosion makes him one of the most punishing runners in South Jersey and a key name in the 2027 running back class.     BURST, PHYSICALITY    [player_tooltip player_id='1228166' first='Ethan' last='Nicolas'], a player who immediately stands out because of his physical presence and athletic upside. Since stepping onto the varsity scene in 2024, he has consistently looked the part of a difference-maker.   At 6'1”, 180 pounds, Nicolas runs with authority. He hits the hole with burst, accelerates quickly, and finishes runs through contact. His physicality shows up on every carry, especially when he turns minimal space into positive yardage and consistently generates yards after contact.   At the same time, his athleticism elevates his game. Nicolas isn't just powerful—he's explosive. That combination allows him to stress defenses early in runs and punish defenders late. As a result, he adds a true downhill element to the Donovan Catholic offense.   In addition, his two-way value can't be ignored. Doubling as a linebacker, Nicolas flashes range, length, and the ability to play downhill with urgency. He moves smoothly in space, shows coverage capability, and carries the prototypical linebacker frame. Those traits further highlight just how athletic he is.   Ultimately, Nicolas has the tools to play either position at a high level. However, as a running back, Donovan Catholic has an explosive weapon in his blend of burst, size, and physicality. Moving forward, he remains one of the South Jersey backs capable of changing games with a single run.     FORCING MISSED TACKLES, FINISHING RUNS    [player_tooltip player_id='1476953' first='Gabe' last='Worrell'], a running back who thrives on consistency and physicality. At 6'0”, 195 pounds, he brings a steady, reliable presence to the backfield and does the little things right snap after snap.   First and foremost, Worrell forces missed tackles. Even with an upright running style, he plays with excellent contact balance. He runs behind his pads, absorbs hits, and uses his lower body strength to stay upright through contact. As a result, defenders rarely bring him down on first contact.   In addition, he finishes runs with authority. Whether it's falling forward for extra yards or closing out a drive, Worrell consistently maximizes every carry. His physical approach wears defenses down throughout a game.   Stylistically, his run game mirrors a high-waisted, long-limbed runner—someone who may not rely purely on speed but consistently creates yardage through balance, toughness, and finishing ability.   Ultimately, Worrell has been a dependable piece for Cranford, and that reliability is his calling card. Heading into this season, expect more of the same: tough runs, physical finishes, and a back defenses must account for on every down.

PATIENCE, VISION, YAC