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<p>Sumner star running back [player_tooltip player_id='987161' first='Lance' last='McGee'] put together a stellar senior campaign - one of the records books - before eventually committing to the Washington State Cougars.</p>
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<p>So, who are the players among the next batch of potential breakout stars in the state of Washington at the running back position?</p>
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<p>Here's a look at the top ball-carriers in the class of 2027: </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1892954' first='Jayvian' last='Ferrell'], Lake Stevens — [player_tooltip player_id='1892954' first='Jayvian' last='Ferrell']-Gilkey put together a stellar junior campaign.</p>
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<p>The 5-foot-9, 180-pound all-state ball-carrier rushed for 1,764 yards and 25 touchdowns on 178 carries, averaging 9.91 yards per tote.</p>
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<p>Ferrell-Gilkey is the top running back in the state for the class of 2027, and could rise up significantly from his current spot at No. 16 overall.</p>
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<p>He's a fast-rising talent.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1188104' first='Royce' last='Miller'], Kennedy Catholic — The 6-foot, 215-pound blazing-fast athlete is an explosive playmaker with upside</p>
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<p>He averaged 12.1 yards per carry and established himself as one of the state's most electric talents with the ball in his hands.</p>
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<p>Definitely a player to watch during the offseason.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1576634' first='Blake' last='Pearson'], Graham-Kapowsin — The 6-foot-1, 220-pound ball-carrier is a bruising running back who earned first-team all-league honors as a junior.</p>
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<p>He carried the ball 189 times for 1,079 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. </p>
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<p>He could take another step forward in his development and emerge as one of the state's most productive offensive weapons.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='635258' first='Thor' last='Brody'], Camas — The 5-foot-9, 182-pound do-it-all playmaker was a first-team all-league running back and first-team all-state all-purpose weapon as a return man.</p>
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<p>Brody rushed for 1,075 yards and tacked on 275 yards receiving.</p>
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<p>A 1,500-yard season is well within reach for the young man, and a big offseason could lead to some offers for him.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1368329' first='Toetu' last='Moliga'], Lakes — The 5-foot-8 ball-carrier a first-team all-state selection and was the MVP of the Nisqually Conference. </p>
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<p>He rushed for more than 800 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging over 8 yards per carry. </p>
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<p>The film speaks to his athleticism and potential, but his size may limit his ceiling as a college prospect.</p>
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<p>Still, he was a favorite of Prep Redzone this fall. </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1971512' first='Korben' last='Reed'], Lakes — An all-state running back and strong safety, Reed made Prep Redzone's midseason all-state team and paired with Moliga for one of the state's best 1-2 running back punches. Both young men can absolutely ball out any given Friday night.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1602819' first='Elijah' last='Burns'], Moses Lake — Burns racked up 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, following up on a year in which he registered 1,180 yards and 18 scores.</p>
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<p>Those came as an all-purpose athlete, as he nearly broke the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards. </p>
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<p>The highly-productive playmaker was at his best in the playoffs, earning “player of the game” honors in all three playoff contests. </p>
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<p>He's clearly a player to watch.</p>
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<p>ATH/FB [player_tooltip player_id='1214493' first='Petrah' last='Mackenzie'], Moses Lake — The 5-foot-10, 210-pound weight room junkie is primarily a linebacker, as he racked up 146 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. </p>
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<p>Mackenzie is a punishing runner and is a force as a short-yardage back and blocker.</p>
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<p>As is, he's a wrecking ball on the field and is a physical tone-setter. </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1582224' first='Wyatt' last='Minear'], Ballard —A three-sport athlete who excels on the defensive side of the ball, [player_tooltip player_id='1582224' first='Wyatt' last='Minear'] was a second-team all-league outside linebacker who also plays safety and running back.</p>
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<p>The 5-foot-11, 180-pound playmaker is a versatile athlete who could take a major step forward in the coming season.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1248699' first='Javen' last='Latta'], Archbishop Murphy — The 6-foot-1, 160-pound playmaker is a three-star athlete with upside.</p>
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<p>He lines up all over the field for Archbishop Murphy, primarily cornerback, wide receiver and running back.</p>
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<p>RB Cyion Soeum, Bothell — The 5-foot-8, 200-pound ball-carrier toted 206 times for 1,247 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.</p>
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<p>That performance earned him first-team All-KingCo, as well as the runner-up for the league MVP award.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1369672' first='Jax' last='Wright'], Kennewick — One of the state's most versatile athletes.</p>
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<p>The 6-foot-2, 210-pound bruiser did a little of everything for Kennewick this season, playing multiple linebacker spots, safety, running back and tight end.</p>
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<p>While he thrived as as move-around ‘backer, he possesses plenty of talent to carry the football as well.</p>
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<p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1766242' first='Christopher' last='Kooiman'], Lynden Christian — Through eight games of his junior campaign, Chris Koolman racked up 965 all-purpose yards and added 157 yards and three scores in a 1A state play-in game.</p>
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<p>The 6-foot-4, 230-pound running back/linebacker has a solid frame and could be a highly-productive senior next fall. </p>
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<p>RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1341072' first='Yassen' last='Youssef'], Tahoma — The 6-foot, 210-pound running back/linebacker registered 90 tackles and three scores, which highlights his primary position coming on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
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<p>Still, he's a quality athlete who makes our cut at running back because of his ability to play at a high level wherever he lines up. </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1892956' first='Tyler' last='Briscoe'], Tumwater — The football/track star isn't the biggest back - 5-foot-9, 175 pounds - but he was pound-for-pound one of the area's best players.</p>
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<p>Briscoe was a first-team all-league running back and a second-team all-league cornerback.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1719084' first='Kahni' last='Clark'], Heritage — The 5-foot-8, 148-pound playmaker isn't the biggest athlete on the list - clearly - but he's a player worth keeping an eye on.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1368325' first='Korbyn' last='Hopwood'], Kamiakin — The 5-foot-10, 210-pound ball-carrier is a workout warrior who could continue to develop into a physical force for his senior campaign.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='2044881' first='Abu' last='Diallo'], North Creek — Diallo missed most of the season due to injury but accounted for 549 yards (407 rushing, 142 receiving) and 3 touchdowns in just a few games. He was an honorable mention all-conference selection. </p>
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<p>A healthy senior campaign could deliver big-time numbers. </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1727665' first='Eben' last='Bland Jr.'], Stanwood — The 5-foot-7, 200-pound team captain and 4.0 student produced a strong junior campaign.</p>
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<p>He rushed for 555 yards with 215 yards receiving, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. </p>
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<p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2065187' first='Max' last='Schwab'], Gig Harbor — The do-it-all athlete played in just six James before suffering a wrist injury, but made his presence felt.</p>
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<p>The 5-foot-10, 170-pound athlete tallied 555 yards and six touchdowns (4 rushing, 2 receiving), highlighted by 467 rushing yards, averaging 21.2 yards per carry. </p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='2044889' first='Kaylen' last='Moore'], Juanita — Moore rushed or 547 yards and 7 touchdowns last fall.</p>
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<p>Bigger things could be upcoming next fall.</p>
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<p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='2065190' first='Kolyn' last='Rochester'], Sedro-Woolley — The multi-sport athlete is a running back/defensive back with a track background. </p>
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<p>His development is intriguing and he's a player to watch over the next calendar year. </p>
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