4A/5A RBs Looking For Encore Seasons This Fall

Yesterday we took a closer look at which classes were deepest considering passing yardage and other key measurables, and I wanted to follow up with a similar snapshot looking at the runningbacks getting ready for the 2026 season this fall.     In looking at the QB's by class, 5A was loaded with six gunslingers who had 2K+ total yardage seasons a year ago, which was considerably higher than the other classes.     In looking at the RB's, we set the cutoff at 1,300+ all-purpose yards (APY) and it was a little closer between classes, with 4A stepping to the top with five RBs who had 1,300+ APY seasons a year ago.     5A was close behind with four total, which included a pair of RBs: [player_tooltip player_id='2065113' first='Max' last='Piva'], Mill Valley, with 1,812 rushing yards (1,944 APY incl. receptions); and [player_tooltip player_id='1530365' first='Erik' last='Olivas'], Goddard, with 1,661 rushing yards (2,269 APY incl. receptions and returns); a dual-threat QB, [player_tooltip player_id='1579589' first='Griffin' last='Hall'], Salina Central, with 980 rushing yards (2,807 APY incl passing yards); and a hybrid WR-RB, [player_tooltip player_id='1125716' first='CamRon' last='Fields'], KC Washington, with 860 rushing yards (2,487 yards incl. receiving and returns)     In this report we are focusing on the five 4A RBs who lead the pack based on last year's performance as we roll into this fall.     So without further adieu, let's take a closer look at what these guys have been up to:       [player_tooltip player_id='2067404' first='Jaxson' last='Green'], 5'9, 175, RB, Andover Central, '27, when this guy got a chance at the starting RB spot last fall he made the most of it, pounding the rock for 1,639 yards on 205 carries, averaging 8+ yards a pop and scored 19 TDs to lead all 4A rushers. With a low center of gravity, lateral quickness and a breakaway burst, he shreds defenses and delivers big plays. He is much more than a speed back, as he is elusive in the open field but can also blow through arm tackles and pick up substantial yards after the initial hit. He has been busy this off-season with hoops and track this spring and is in good hands training with Coach Tabor and PIA, as well as hitting numerous junior day visits and camps along the way. This guy got warmed up last year and is on coarse to bring the fireworks again this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1592178' first='Deontae' last='Fields'], 6'0, 180, RB/ATH, Labette County, '27, this time last year he was flying under the radar as a back with a lot of promise but who was playing in the shadow of an all-state RB. When the team's top back was injured he stepped up and delivered, carrying the ball 216 times for 1,409 yards, averaging 6+ yards per carry and scored 16 TDs. He also added another 234 yards receiving and on returns, including two kick return TDs, for 1,643 APY. On defense he is a versatile multi-positional defender who can play isolated on the perimeter as a shut-down cornerback or drop back as a ballhawk safety who cashed in on 31 tackles and a pair of interceptions.  He won't surprise anyone this year but after last year's great debut and a good off-season underway he is going to be en fuego this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1613502' first='Roman' last='Byers'], 6'1, 205, RB, KC Piper, '6'0”, 200, '27, up next is an explosive running back coming off a standout season a year ago when he carried the ball 154 times for 1,197 yards, averaging 8+ yards per carry and scored 21 TDs. Add to that 338 yards in receiving and returns and he tops out at 1,535 APY. He has had a busy off-season with junior day visits and on-going football training, and earlier this month announced he was committed to South Dakota for his next-level step. A powerful back with the speed and acceleration to take it to house on any carry, he has great spatial awareness and makes decisive cuts before exploding through traffic and into the open field. This guy is a baller and is poised and ready for another exceptional season to wrap up his varsity career.     [player_tooltip player_id='1987964' first='Grady' last='Myers']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/grady-myers/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/grady-myers/"></a> , 5'10, 170, RB/DB, Mulvane, '27, I started following this multi-positional rising-star after following his brother for the last couple of seasons and when he got his opportunity to play RB last fall, he delivered with 1,342 APY, averaging 9+ yards a carry and scored 20 total touchdowns in helping his team win eight straight, as well as a couple of wins in post-season play. A versatile, three-way athlete who started last season under the radar, he quickly changed that with a standout junior year on offense, defense and special teams. Now that his brother is graduating he may be called on to replace him at QB. He has been busy this off-season playing hoops and currently playing baseball while training for this fall. This guy is the real-deal and is ready for a monster year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1591357' first='Jaxon' last='Pollard']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jaxon-pollard/"></a> , 6'0, 200, DB/RB/LS, Jefferson West, '27, and last but certainly not least is a bruising baller coming off a standout junior season at Lansing when he ran for 1,092 yards, added another 200+ yards passing and receiving out of the backfield for 1,305 APY and 17 TD's. On defense he can play anywhere in the secondary, using his read and react skills and closing speed to collapse down and hammer runners in their tracks and ended the year with 55 tackles and had a pick-6 on a 52-yard interception for a TD. He is also an excellent long snapper on special teams. He has had a busy off-season, as he recently transferred to Jefferson West to add his talents to an already stacked team. With this guy's three-way game he is going to be an outstanding addition and is ready for another huge season.     In conclusion, get out and see these talented players this fall - you won't be disappointed! Also, if you know of any players not getting any/enough coverage that they deserve, please feel free to DM me via X so we can take care of that!   And, most importantly...   Keep Grindin'

Yesterday we took a closer look at which classes were deepest considering passing yardage and other key measurables, and I wanted to follow up with a similar snapshot looking at the runningbacks getting ready for the 2026 season this fall.