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Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut

Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Robert Davis
Robert Davis February 20, 2026 @ 01:00 PM
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In this article:

Jaden Epps
Jaden Epps 6'1" | 190 lbs | RB/DB | 2028
CO
Gage Gunderson
Gage Gunderson 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB | 2028
CO
Aj Duran
Aj Duran 6'1" | 170 lbs | RB/LB | 2028
CO
Micah Nocita
Micah Nocita 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB/ATH | 2028
CO
Chance Phillips
Chance Phillips 207 lbs | RB | 2028
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will take a look at some running back prospect that were able to make an impact for their team in the backfield. These are the backs that are grabbing attention and who you should know moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1921484"],"_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-6998af3417f34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duran delivered a monster season as a two-way contributor but his offensive production demands the spotlight. A decisive runner with excellent vision, Duran hits creases quickly, plants his foot and accelerates north and south with authority. He consistently makes the first defender miss in tight spaces and shows the burst to separate once he reaches the open field. Duran finished the year with 1,100 rushing yards on 124 carries and six touchdowns, proving he can shoulder a significant workload. His balance and efficiency between the tackles make him a dependable back that can keep the chains moving. Entering the upcoming season, increased scoring production could elevate his profile as a small school prospect to monitor closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2043874"],"_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-6998af3418034"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gunderson is a versatile playmaker capable of impacting the game in multiple facets. As a runner, he reaches the second level with quick acceleration and uses lateral burst to make the first defender miss, extending drives and picking up chunk yardage. Gunderson totaled 474 rushing yards on 84 carries with eight touchdowns, showing his ability to punch it in. His value extends to the passing game, where he recorded 16 receptions for 412 yards and four touchdowns. In space, he sets up blocks effectively and creates explosive plays. Gunderson's dual-threat ability and change of pace skill set make him a dangerous weapon and a prospect you need to keep on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855051"],"_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-6998af341811b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nocita showcased his playmaking ability on defense, but his offensive contributions at running back shows a physical, punishing style. He thrives between the tackles, attacking downhill and finishing runs with strength. Nocita gains tough yardage, lowers his shoulder through contact and consistently keeps the chains moving. He had 424 rushing yards on 54 carries with three touchdowns, showing efficiency and toughness in limited opportunities. As games progress, he appears to grow stronger, wearing down opposing defenses with each carry. His combination of power and persistence shows up in short yardage situations and momentum shifting plays, positioning him as a prospect capable of expanding his offensive role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2118867"],"_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-6998af34181fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Epps is a productive back whose vision and decisiveness stand out on film. He locates running lanes quickly and attacks vertically, maximizing yardage between the tackles. Epps may not possess elite top end speed, yet his shiftiness and balance allow him to generate explosive chunk plays. He rushed for 772 yards on 98 carries with four touchdowns, displaying consistency and reliability. Epps also contributed as a receiver, adding 12 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown, showing his versatility. His ability to flip field position with timely runs makes him a key offensive weapon. Continued development could further enhance his big play potential and overall impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1684915"],"_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-6998af34182dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips remains an under the radar talent in a loaded Cherry Creek backfield, competing for opportunities in a crowded rotation. Despite limited carries, he made the most of his touches, rushing for 324 yards and a touchdown on just 39 attempts. Phillips demonstrates the ability to reach the second level quickly and force missed tackles in space, keeping drives alive with efficient runs. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows blocks to develop and he accelerates with a quick burst through openings. As he continues battling for a larger role, increased opportunities could unlock greater production. Phillips' skill set suggests untapped upside within a competitive program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will take a look at some running back prospect that were able to make an impact for their team in the backfield. These are the backs that are grabbing attention and who you should know moving forward.

Aj Duran

Aj Duran

CO
RB/LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Aj
Duran RB/LB
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
170
HS
The Pinnacle
|
CO
Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Duran delivered a monster season as a two-way contributor but his offensive production demands the spotlight. A decisive...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aj Duran

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: The Pinnacle
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Gage Gunderson

Gage Gunderson

CO
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Gage
Gunderson RB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
160
HS
Holy Family
|
CO
Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Gunderson is a versatile playmaker capable of impacting the game in multiple facets. As a runner, he reaches...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Gage Gunderson

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Holy Family
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Micah Nocita

Micah Nocita

CO
RB/ATH
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB/ATH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Micah
Nocita RB/ATH
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
160
HS
Vista Ridge
|
CO
Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Nocita showcased his playmaking ability on defense, but his offensive contributions at running back shows a physical, punishing...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Micah Nocita

State: Colorado
School: Vista Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jaden Epps

Jaden Epps

CO
RB/DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB/DB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jaden
Epps RB/DB
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
190
HS
Standley Lake
|
CO
Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Epps is a productive back whose vision and decisiveness stand out on film. He locates running lanes quickly...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jaden Epps

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Standley Lake
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chance Phillips

Chance Phillips

CO
RB
WEIGHT 207
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Chance
Phillips RB
Class
2028
Weight
207
HS
Cherry Creek
|
CO
Ground Game Rising 2028 RBs Making Their Debut
Phillips remains an under the radar talent in a loaded Cherry Creek backfield, competing for opportunities in a...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Chance Phillips

State: Colorado
School: Cherry Creek
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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