Scouting The Class: TN2027 Running Backs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Going in-depth with our rising senior running backs, this is a group that has the top prospect in the state for the 2027 class but what does the rest of the crop look like? We think it's solid right now but could get better in time with development. Want to know who to follow? Find out below with our preview on this year's running back class. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Finding a talented ball carrier from our rising senior class shouldn't be that hard as this year's crop is talented at the top with some growing depth that can make this position even better by the end of the 2026 season. This year's group may be better than last year's collection of running backs that saw six ball carriers sign with Power Four or Division 1 programs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As things look right now, I don't think anybody from the running back position will knock <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] </strong>off the top spot. The Red Raiders ball carrier may even be the top overall prospect from our TN2026 class, that's how good Gabriel-Georges is and should be on the college level. He may be the best running back I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of scouting the Volunteer State. The Canadian native has everything you want in a star running back and the ability to potentially one day compete for a Heisman Trophy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think it's clear cut who the number one back in the state is with Gabriel-Georges but who is that next best guy? I believe it's Westview senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes']</strong>. Coming off being a key piece in the Chargers 3A title run last season, Barnes is a multi-talented back with college size, balance, a second gear and some of the best receiving skills out of this senior running back class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind the top two is where things begin to get interesting. I believe that Gabriel-Georges and Barnes have set themselves apart from the rest of the class at the moment but opportunity is there for others to step forward and compete for the top two. A few guys in the mix could be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] </strong>(Southwind), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] </strong>(Brentwood Acad.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'] </strong>(Oak Ridge), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] </strong>(Sevier Co.) and Baylor running back and teammate of Gabriel-Georges, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665478' first='Jean-Pierre' last='Eto'o']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2119276,"width":"318px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501511939105349","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/lsanders3.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2119276" style="aspect-ratio:1.501511939105349;width:318px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transferring to Southwind to play his senior year, Williams is a power back with good initial burst and open field speed. He is a load to handle with the ball in his hands and someone that may get better over time as he continues to develop and mature. Sanders is a hidden gem in my eyes that I think has a chance to be a three down back in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A powerful runner with some of the best feet within this position, Porter is another potential college three down back that brings a nice combo of athleticism, speed and strength to the playing field. Joining Sevier Co. for his senior season, Maples is a big play runner that gets into the open field quickly and separates from defenders. Eto'o is an interesting case as some college coaches may like him best on defense but I personally like his upside best on offense as an early down power back with pass blocking upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two running backs that sit under 6'0 but bring explosive running to the field are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] </strong>from GCA and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III'] </strong>out of Collierville. Thomas missed most of his junior season due to injury but when healthy, he is one of the fastest, most explosive backs in the state along with being one of the better pass catchers as well. Johnson is a compact runner that provides nice balance, excellent footwork and the ability to get vertical and down field quickly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>out of Bartlett and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684759' first='Dillan' last='Vaughn'] </strong>from Collierville are two Memphis area seniors that I believe sit on the threshold of being D1 prospects. Both are under the radar right now but have the college size and skill set wanted. Bowers is a big dude that might be looked at for linebacker as well but I feel has the juice to excel at running back in college. Vaughn sits at about 6'0 185 pounds with room to get bigger. He displays good initial burst and speed along with the ability to bounce off would-be tacklers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier (Potential D1/FCS guys)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There are always guys that present physical abilities and traits that could translate well to the D1, FCS playing fields but stay under the radar until coaching staffs fall in love with them. Well I think we have several guys in that category here that are talented runners but may be missing a certain trait or two that is keeping D1 or FCS coaches from looking their way right now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Hill senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright'] </strong>is a dynamic runner that would be on the D1 radar right now if he was 2 or 3 inches taller. He stands roughly 5'8 180 pounds but the Hawks senior runs much bigger with nice lower body balance and strength along with quick footwork. Ensworth senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] </strong>almost fits the same bill as an undersized but tough runner that is coming off a breakout season with his Tigers team. He holds an offer right now from Brown and I expect many others to get on board at some point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2140702,"width":"323px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/ejgibson-crop-382x251-1772211208.jpg?w=381" alt="" class="wp-image-2140702" style="width:323px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If any college staff is looking for a guy that shows explosive running with speed, Knox. West senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590259' first='Jamari' last='Goines'] </strong>may be your guy. The Rebels ball carrier may be a small project moving forward as he needs to pack on more weight to sustain himself in college but the athletic traits are in place and the upside is strong. He is coming off an injury as well, so I'm interested to see how Goines develops throughout the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two Mid-Tennessee products to keep track of are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261066' first='Lionel' last='Brooks'] </strong>from Spring Hill and under the radar Smyrna back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667459' first='Trevel' last='Gordon'] </strong>Both jump out to me on film and display abilities that can be developed further. Brooks went off last Fall for over 1,500 yards rushing due to his burst and speed into the open field along with his skill set to catch the ball out of the backfield. Gordon is a bigger back (6'2 195) that shows good speed along with the ability to separate. This is someone I am a little bullish on and think could break out during the 2026 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three West Tennessee backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576799' first='Braydon' last='Weldon'] </strong>(Jackson South-Side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] </strong>(Crockett Co.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson'] </strong>out of Bartlett all show excellent running on film and the potential to work their way into the FCS ranks. I think all three of these guys fit the FCS playing stage right now but have the upside to work higher with continued development both on and off the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weldon and Woods are two highly productive backs that could be Mr. Football candidates in the Fall. Quick cut running and vision stands out about Weldon and he runs well too. Woods is a definite power back (5'10 225) that is very hard to bring down. When he gets his pads behind and starts running downhill, opposing defenders have a tough time grasping onto him. Jackson joins Bowers in the Panthers backfield to provide the speed and potential home run abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospects/player-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2027&amp;position%5B%5D=RB&amp;commitment=">#TN2027 Running Back Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Developmental Ball Carriers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This section will spotlight running backs that we have pinpointed for the D2 or lower level&nbsp; playing stage but with further development this off-season and strong senior years, they could boost their stock and potentially be looked at by FCS college programs. I do see a few guys in this portion of the article that have the potential to improve and force more coaches to look their ways.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] </strong>has taken a lot of carries during his time with Raptors but should should an increase this Fall as one of the team's top offensive weapons. Pace is undersized and more of a 3rd down back but he's quick with the ability to consistently work his way into the open field. Another shifty back to know about is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant']</strong>. Coming out of Grundy County, Bryant is someone I like on film and if he played against strong competition, his stock might be a little higher right now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four powerful, well built running backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567089' first='Jamarcus' last='Brown'] </strong>(Rockvale), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111997' first='Tyshaun' last='Jeter'] </strong>(South Gibson), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260912' first='Harold' last='Marshall III'] </strong>(Northeast) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] </strong>from Mt. Pleasant shows flashes of strong play on film that speaks toward finding a role on the next level. Brown was on a tear early last for Stewarts Creek before he went down with an injury but displayed a good burst into the open field along with the ability to catch the football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2112701,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/kmccrory.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2112701" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeter became a major piece on his team's run to the semifinals last year by using his balanced, power running style to churn through opposing defenses. Teams had a hard time dealing with Jeter due to his strength but he also shows enough speed to create space as well. Marshall is a big dude that is tough to bring to the ground. If he can increase his agility and speed, his stock might grow. McCrory is an interesting prospect as I see flashes in his film that speaks toward contending on the D1 level one day. He is a bigger back (6'1 195) that runs well for his size along with agility that can be developed further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joining Brown in the Rockvale backfield, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599122' first='Romeo' last='George'] </strong>is an intriguing talent that I see upside with on film. He has solid size (5'10 180) while being a patient runner. Increasing his burst and speed would do wonders for his game and recruiting profile. Arlington senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906285' first='Keirone' last='Foster'] </strong>is another interesting back that started to figure things out last year and a big off-season of development could get him on the college radar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stewarts Creek running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904925' first='Jayden' last='McKnight'] </strong>and Nolensville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140476' first='Tristan' last='Lithmexay'] </strong>are two athletic runners that show big play ability on film. McKnight should be the #1 guy for the Red Hawks next season. He is undersized but quick and shifty with deceptive power that allows him to bounce off tacklers. Lithmexay needs time to fill out his frame further and get bigger but the Knights senior can run and he shows the skill set and speed to get out into the open field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two guys I like that run well but there isn't much buzz on them right now is White Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089830' first='Cole' last='Sims'] </strong>and Unicoi Co. ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111996' first='Blaze' last='Rice']</strong>. Both these running backs are coming off 1,000 plus yard seasons as juniors and both are under the radar candidates to contend for Mr. Football, especially if their teams are successful.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the overall running back class for the 2026 cycle, it's a solid group that is heavy at the top but I can see depth, especially if several guys take that next step. It's a nice mix of guys that bring size or power or athleticism and speed to the playing field as well as some prospects that excel at catching the football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think this crop will grow a little bit deeper as the off-season months roll on and into the 2026 football season. I foresee several backs pushing their way closer to the top of board by the time we kick off in the Fall. Their camp performances this summer will dictate a lot but so will their play. Again, it's a solid class that already contends with last year's crop and may even exceed them by the time we reach signing day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other RB's to Know …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew'] </strong>- Lawrence Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112007' first='King' last='Gardner'] </strong>- DCA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635443' first='Nate' last='Zimmerman'] </strong>- Cascade, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570549' first='Moses' last='Miller'] </strong>- Centennial, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112022' first='Xavier' last='Fillion'] </strong>- McCallie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932926' first='Daegen' last='Collins'] </strong>- Hollow Rock-Bruceton, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827286' first='Jalen' last='Wrancher'] </strong>- Knox. Catholic, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648770' first='Justin' last='McGoy'] </strong>- Boyd Buchanan, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906630' first='Gyan' last='Ezeta'] </strong>- Lebanon, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138484' first='Nathan' last='Mukeba'] </strong>- Lakeway Chrst., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089824' first='Jayden' last='Weston'] </strong>- Cherokee, <strong>Carsen Carter </strong>- Lincoln Co., <strong>David Baker </strong>- Cosby, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595496' first='Cason' last='Cunningham'] </strong>- Walker Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2140706,"width":"335px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5230254695137637","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/zcartwright-crop-630x414-1772211395.jpg?w=629" alt="" class="wp-image-2140706" style="aspect-ratio:1.5230254695137637;width:335px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->