Scouting The Top Running Backs in Division II-AA

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.   Next in this series, I'll discuss Division II-AA running backs. Here's a scouting report of my top five rushers in DII-AA.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/astinson-crop-700x460-1766562556.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2088857" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) RB Ajabeon Stinson during a game.</figcaption></figure>   2029 Ajabeon Stinson – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   Ajabeon Stinson is coming off a terrific 2025 season for Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville) in which he was one of the most productive tailbacks in Tennessee. The freshman rushed for 1,479 yards on 7.3 YPC with 16 touchdowns.   Stinson was a consistent player for most of the season, rushing for 100+ yards in six of his 12 games. The 2029 prospect is undoubtedly the best pure running back in his class, possessing FBS tools, especially once he grows. Stinson is a smaller player, standing 5-foot-6 and weighing 175 pounds, but his raw skills are undeniable.   The rising sophomore is a great athlete with good burst, speed and elusiveness, while being a patient runner with impressive vision.   Despite having a lower center of gravity, Stinson is a bruising back that will run through your face. He's a solid blocker with some receiving upside, giving him that do-it-all ability.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/43-Kwadir-Fletcher-rotated-crop-2832x1860-1766010568.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2085009" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] – Franklin Road Academy   FRA's [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] is coming off a solid season where he shared the backfield but racked up over 500 total yards and double-digit scores. However, he's due for a big senior year as the feature back. He's well-built, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 205 pounds in a strong, athletic frame.   Fletcher is a powerful tailback who can run through defenders and break multiple tackles, while also possessing the athleticism and speed to hit breakaway runs. He has shifty feet, good vision and toughness.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-17-2025-4-19-28-PM-crop-1059x696-1766010192-crop-713x468-1769828856.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2117482" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Boyd-Buchanan RB [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] after a touchdown. Photo by BB athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] – Boyd-Buchanan School   [player_tooltip player_id='1617464' first='TJ' last='McReynolds'] did not get a ton of usage at Boyd-Buchanan due to them having five options at tailback, but he's the most talented of the bunch and will enjoy a big sophomore season. As a freshman, he carried the ball 49 times for 265 yards and nine touchdowns, but the stats don't tell just how good he is.   He is built very well, standing 6-foot and weighing 195 pounds, with a thick but lean, athletic frame. McReynolds has that blend of speed, size and power that you don't see too often, especially at his age.   The rising sophomore is a physical runner who constantly fights through tackles for yardage. At the same time, he's highly elusive and has shown the ability to outrun defenders. He can also catch passes out of the backfield and run solid routes, making him one of the best talents in Tennessee.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/mattrogers.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1718358" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox Webb RB [player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] during a game at Knox Catholic.</figcaption></figure>   2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] – Webb School of Knoxville   [player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] is another talented running back in Division II-AA, transferring in from Knox Catholic. He was a standout with the Fighting Irish, becoming the No. 1 tailback in Tennessee for his class. But he will have a huge impact at Knox Webb.   Rogers is well-built, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 190 pounds in a lean frame. Additionally, he's highly athletic, with good elusiveness and speed. The rising junior posted a 4.5 40-yard dash time, while notching a 34” vertical and impressive strength numbers.   Watching him tote the rock is fun; he's one of the most dynamic players in the state. He has excellent burst and good vision, allowing him to find running lanes and immediately fly through the hole.   Rogers is a relentless rusher who does not give up until he either hits the ground or hears the echo of the whistle. He's a tremendous talent who will thrive in George Quarles' system.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/tthomas.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1507701" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) ATH [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] (#6) at practice.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] missed the entire 2025 season, but has been highly productive in his career at Grace Christian Academy. In his sophomore season as the feature back, he ran for 1,265 yards, while catching 69 passes for 1,044 yards and scoring 28 total touchdowns.   He's a compact player, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 195 pounds, but is a physical runner who has nice elusiveness and excels outside the tackles. Thomas is a versatile guy who plays running back, wide receiver and outside linebacker, giving him all the right tools to be an excellent tailback.   The rising senior is a terrific all-around player who is one of the best in his class when healthy. Once he returns this fall, it will be a scary sight for opposing teams. He and Stinson will make for a great 1-2 punch.

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.