Virginia 2027 Top 100 Breakdown: Running Backs - Pt. 2

The Class of 2027 prospect rankings in Virginia were updated late last month. In my next two articles, I will look at the top 10 running backs that earned their way into the Top 100.   This is Part 2.   No. 64 [player_tooltip player_id='1313583' first='Trevion' last='Mills'] | Matoaca | 6-0 | 190   During the 2025 season, Mills carried the football 115 times for 579 yards and five touchdowns   Mills plays with confidence and urgency when the ball is in his hands. He processes quickly, recognizes cutback lanes, and gets north–south with no wasted movement. Mills presses the second level well, forces linebackers to commit, and shows the burst to turn small creases into explosive gains. Once in space, his acceleration and long speed are impressive based on a few plays in his highlights. Mills can also catch the football, showing reliable hands and the ability to threaten defenses as a receiver when split out wide. I'd like to see him continue to improve his pad level on tight interior runs.   No. 81 [player_tooltip player_id='1201847' first='Ethan' last='LaFollette'] | Loudoun Valley | 5-8 | 170   LaFollette was an absolute beast this past season. He rushed for 1,630 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns and caught 16 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns.    Lafollette shows explosive playmaking ability and natural instincts with the ball in his hands. He runs with excellent burst through the middle, hits creases decisively, and reaches top speed quickly once he clears the first level. Lafollette consistently makes defenders miss at the second and third levels, using sharp cuts and body control to turn good reads into touchdowns. He also shows strong balance through contact, staying upright after hits and finishing runs with speed. His vision stands out on cutback plays, where he quickly identifies space and gets vertical. He adds value in the passing game as well, getting open on wheel routes and finishing catches in stride.     No. 68 [player_tooltip player_id='1631222' first='Keondre' last='Hudgens'] | Woodberry Forest | 5-9 | 170   Hudgens finished with 900-plus rushing yards and eight total touchdowns last season.    Hudgens' quickness and creativity in space stand out when watching his highlights. He shows natural elusiveness, making multiple defenders miss on swing passes and screens while consistently creating yards after the catch. Hudgens has good vision on delayed runs and counters, slipping through backfield traffic, and finding openings that aren't initially there. He runs tougher than his size suggests. A few of his highlights show him using stiff arms and balance to break tackles and extend plays. Hudgens' acceleration allows him to turn short touches into long gains once he gets upright. He also shows comfort catching the football and transitioning quickly upfield, making him a threat in the perimeter and screen game.     No. 65 [player_tooltip player_id='1332226' first='Lawrence' last='Hewlett'] | Prince George | 5-9 | 175   Hewlett is a running back who lined up at the quarterback position this past season. He carried the football 179 times for 1,161 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing for 713 yards and six touchdowns. Quite frankly, he WAS the offense in 2025.    Hewlett is an explosive athlete currently lining up at quarterback, but his film clearly shows running back traits. He displays excellent burst once the ball is in his hands. Hewlett consistently gets to the second and third levels untouched and pulls away from defenders with speed. Hewlett shows good patience on designed runs, allowing blocks to develop before accelerating. Hewlett also finishes runs with confidence near the goal line. His vision stands out when he finds creases inside and smoothly redirects runs to the perimeter, especially when seal blocks are available. Once in space, he has the speed to erase angles and turn designed runs into long touchdowns. Hewlett is a natural runner with a good burst and open-field speed.    No. 82 [player_tooltip player_id='1664154' first='Dillan' last='Wickham'] | West Springfield | 6-1 | 180   Wickham carried the football 213 times for 1,641 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns last season.    Wickham is a dynamic, explosive playmaker who consistently turns limited space into touchdowns. He has sharp vision and instincts, quickly identifying when to bounce runs outside or cut back. His acceleration stands out in his highlights. There are several plays where he opens up quickly and erases angles at the second and third levels. Wickham also brings added value as a receiver, showing comfort lining up wide and finishing fade routes in the red zone. Overall, he's a home-run threat anytime he touches the ball.

The Class of 2027 prospect rankings in Virginia were updated late last month. In my next two articles, I will look at the top 10 running backs that earned their way into the Top 100.