Small School Watchlist: New Name RBs

Georgia is loaded with P4, FBS, and FCS RBs. However, it is also loaded with guys capable of playing at other levels of college ball, and some you might've never heard of. Here is who I am watching out of the lower classifications of ball heading into 2026.    This is my first look at McBrayer, who was one of the most productive 3A junior RBs in Georgia last fall. Strong, well-developed player with a low center of gravity at 5'11 195. His contact balance is impressive, and he will drop his shoulder to end runs if needed as well. He is quick in the short areas, hits openings hard, and has enough juice to squeeze the most out of open space. Love the patience and technique he plays with, along with his physicality. Small school programs here in Georgia need to make sure this kid is on their radar.     Pirkle contributed all over the field for Cherokee Bluff on his way to an all-region season in 2025. He projects out as a speedy scat-back when you factor in his size and skillset. Fluid, smooth athlete who is light on his feet. He is quick to his top speed, but he is also quick to slow down, which generates fly-bys and opens up cut-back opportunities. Dangerous player in space who gets opportunities as a receiver in the open field. Can add speed and make-miss ability to some small school programs. Yet another guy I'd be intrigued with in-state.     Fears is one of several productive Social Circle RBs, and someone who is new to my radar. He is a long, lean 5'10 180 who still has room to pack on weight. He is a patient runner who is flexible and can bend, allowing him to snap across the face of defenders and weave into new running lanes. He runs hard as well, which will help him get tough yards as he continues to develop and get stronger.     Carino, who doubles as a baseball prospect, is coming off a breakout junior season and is absolutely worthy of some recruiting attention. Carino is a well-rounded player, coming in at 5'10 180 with the twitch, explosiveness, and speed to break away from his level of competition. He is hard enough to tackle as is, but he runs very hard, too, so he strains the most out of each rep. This is some fun tape, and I would have him on the board at smaller schools.     Shumate takes direct snaps and handled QB duties for Monroe Area as a sophomore, but he projects out long-term as an RB. He is packed into his 5'9 frame with some muscle, and he runs with a low center of gravity. No-nonsense, downhill runner who has the blend of speed and explosiveness to take off. Wouldn't call him a thumper, but he doesn't peel off his path unnecessarily, and his downhill momentum helps him shed off tackle attempts. Underrated player who has 2 years to continue producing and making a name for himself.     Scott was a productive sophomore rusher for a run-dominant 11-1 Johnson County team in 2025. He is on the smaller side at 5'7 160, but he is built into that frame strong, looking and playing the part of a bowling ball back. He is an explosive, sudden athlete who can maintain his speed over longer distances. He runs hard in the short areas and will scrap hard at contact to squeeze as many yards as possible out of each carry. Vastly under the radar player who still has 2 years of production ahead of him.

Georgia is loaded with P4, FBS, and FCS RBs. However, it is also loaded with guys capable of playing at other levels of college ball, and some you might've never heard of. Here is who I am watching out of the lower classifications of ball heading into 2026.