TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Running Backs)

<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This year's senior crop of running backs is one of the best we have had in recent years and I think it can be even better after the coming 2026 season. You see that inside our current senior rankings where the top overall prospect hails from this position and ten ball carriers are placed inside our "Tennessee Top 100." Here we have go in-depth with the running backs and breakdown those players listed inside our rankings. </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Over the past decade, the running backs have been de-valued by the powers that run football but I feel it's starting to come back into fashion as teams are realizing how important it is, especially during playoff and championship level games. Saying that makes you scout the ball carriers a little differently now, well at least in my eyes and I see a solid group this cycle here in Tennessee that can become better and much deeper by the end of the 2026 season. One thing is definite though about this group and that it will have the top overall prospect in the state throughout this entire cycle in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Inside The Top 100</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Everything in this state and recruiting class starts and ends with Baylor senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges']</strong>. Rated as the top prospect in the state, this Canadian native is elite in multiple categories with still a lot of upside to go. He has everything from the power, size and speed you want with a Power Four and potential NFL style ball carrier. Gabriel-Georges is so good that he has the #1 spot locked up the entire way and might end up being the best player to “ever” come out of the Volunteer State, he is that elite!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2165024,"width":"317px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-03-2026-6-14-58-PM-crop-800x526-1775258213.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2165024" style="width:317px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor RB David Gabriel Georges in the state championship. Taken by Chattanooga Times Free Press.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of the running back class can be determined by people's preference but we feel the next best guy in-line is Westview senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes']</strong>. Standing 6 '0 205 pounds, Barnes (40th overall/2nd RB) brings the preferred size and overall look to the field that you want in your running back. This West Tennessee prospect runs hard and fast with nice balance while also being one of the better pass catchers out of the backfield in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This next guy is a scouting darling of ours that we feel is sitting way under the radar right now but could have massive upside on the next level. MASE senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch'] </strong>(48th overall/3rd RB) looks like the most explosive running back in this class behind Gabriel-Georges that displays an excellent initial burst then a second gear once into the open field. Branch shows good contact balance as well with room to get bigger. There is a lot to like about this Memphis area prospect and his potential to flourish in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sharing the backfield with our top ranked running back, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665478' first='Jean-Pierre' last='Eto'o'] </strong>would be more of a household name if he was at another high school but the Canadian native is legit with outstanding size and deceptive athleticism. Eto'o (51st overall/4th RB)&nbsp; is a power back that can get to the third level with excellent contact balance and a hidden burst that sneaks up on defenders. The Red Raiders senior does go both ways at linebacker for his team and I could see some college staff liking him there but ultimately, I feel Eto'o can be an impact college running back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transferring to Southwind for his senior season, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] </strong>ranks next at 58th overall (5th RB) but could be a player that boosts his ranking with a strong Fall football year. The Jags senior is a true power back that runs faster than he looks and can increase that facet of his game to become more difficult to stop. Enhancing his pass catching would help as well, which is something he can take advantage of playing inside the Southwind offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] </strong>is someone I like a ton and a prospect that I think could flourish on the college stage. If this guy was two inches taller, Sanders would be garnering bigger interest because this guy is fast with sudden feet and a well built body that can take contact and continue moving forward. The Eagles ball carrier (76th overall/6th RB)&nbsp; is a prime candidate to contend for Mr. Football this Fall and potentially lead the state in rushing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three East Tennessee running backs follow next in our rankings with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'] </strong>(78th/7th RB) from Oak Ridge, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] </strong>(79th/8th RB) out of Sevier Co. and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] </strong>(91st/9th RB) from Grace Christian Academy. All three of these bring something a little different to the playing field but are all talented with upside to play on the D1 playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1507701,"width":"236px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/tthomas.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1507701" style="width:236px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) ATH [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] at practice.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter is a fun eval because of how hard he runs and how defenders have a tough time dealing with his running style. He brings a nice combination of power and speed to the field along with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Maples is a big play threat with the ball in his hands that gets through the line fast and into the open field quickly. The Smoky Bears senior has good size as well with room to fill out much further. Coming off a season ending injury last year, it will be interesting to see how Thomas has come back from that to provide the kind of big play abilities I am used to seeing. The Rams versatile offensive weapon, who will spend a lot of time at receiver this year, is one of the best receiving backs in this class that does a lot of damage after the catch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out the backs from inside the “Top 100” is Collierville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III']</strong>. Transferring to play for the Dragons his final high school year, Johnson (96th/10th RB) is a compact, strong, explosive runner that gets through the line quickly and continues moving forward due to his well built body. This Memphis area product isn't the tallest but he is physically fit with some athletic upside that can be developed further into the college ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sitting beyond the top tier is a collection of backs that I think have some legit qualities about themselves and enough talent to become potential D1 or FCS starting running backs one day. There are a few guys in this section that I believe are vastly underrated when it comes to their offer lists and think they can grow their interest with strong senior campaigns as well as boost their Prep Redzone Tennessee rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>just missed the cut from our “Top 100” but is definitely someone to watch as a stock riser. The Panthers senior is one of the bigger backs from this class that is tough to bring down once he gets going down field. Bowers (104th overall/11th RB) is a better athlete and faster than his size may suggest as well. He has yet to be the lead guy behind center for Bartlett and even though he will share carries this year, Bowers will be the lead guy and someone that can take the Panthers back to the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=RB" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=RB">#TN2027 Running Back Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collierville might have the best backfield in the state this season with Johnson and our 107th ranked prospect in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684759' first='Dillan' last='Vaughn']</strong>. This senior ball carrier compliments his counterpart well as Vaughn brings power and size to the field along with the ability to bounce it to the outside. One of our bigger hidden gems in this class I believe to be is Green Hill running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright']</strong>. The Hawks ball carrier shows elite footwork on film along with an outstanding initial burst and the speed to breakaway from his opponents. If Cartwright (118th overall/13th RB) was two inches taller, he would be holding multiple Power Four offers to this point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2112696,"width":"243px","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/zcartwright.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2112696" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a breakout junior year, Ensworth running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] </strong>(119th overall/14th RB) is primed for a Mr. Football caliber senior season that could not only boost his PRZTN ranking but his overall recruiting stock. The Tigers ball carrier has already landed several quality offers but I think he can increase the interest with shown improvement with his agility and speed. This guy is a tough runner that is hard to bring to the turf with a certain grit about his game you like in the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the top fourteen backs in the state, it takes a drop-off until you get to Crockett Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods']</strong>. Placed 184th overall and 15th among the running backs, Woods is a multi-year starter that has produced some big seasons thus far and will be a prime Mr. Football candidate for the 2026 season. This West Tennessee product is a true power back that uses his size and strength to run over opponents and continue running down field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Outside The Top 200</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is where the running back depth begins to show and I mean that by talent, not by sheer numbers. Our senior ball carrier class isn't the deepest but its good quality with guys in this section worthy of bigger looks as long as they continue to progress over the Fall and Winter months. I actually see some steals in this portion of the article that is currently being overlooked, sporting physical abilities and traits that translate well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 208th ranked prospect in the state is Spring Hill running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261066' first='Lionel' last='Brooks']</strong>. This is a talented ball carrier that brings a nice combination of athleticism, size and speed to the gridiron but is still in need of some refinement on the next level. The Raiders senior has a nice build that can pack on more size and I see higher levels to his athleticism and speed that can be formed over the next couple of years. I don't think Brooks has reached his plateau, meaning his best football days could be ahead of him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pearl Cohn senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674227' first='Lance' last='Donaldson'] </strong>is picking up steam on the recruiting trail currently and when you look through his film, you can see why. The Firebirds two-way talent (209th overall/17th RB) brings good athleticism and size to the field along with low tread on his tires due to Donaldson spending a lot of time on defense. Much of the same can be said about Smyrna senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667459' first='Trevel' last='Gordon']</strong>. This Mid-Tennessee (255th overall/19th RB) ball carrier sits under the radar right now but has the physical tools to break out this Fall and turn himself into a potential D1, FCS level prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2214287,"width":"237px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/ldonaldson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2214287" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new addition to the Volunteer State, running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2181093' first='Adrian' last='Peebles'] </strong>from Oakland just made the cut at the last minute of putting these rankings together but is someone that could move up with a standout senior year. Peebles is a nice compliment to rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] </strong>where he brings power and size to the field along with the ability to break tackles. I could see a scenario where some college staffs may like Peebles best at linebacker but even scouting him there, the Patriots senior would be a current “Top 300” prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 281st overall and 20th among the running backs, Jackson South-Side senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576799' first='Braydon' last='Weldon'] </strong>is a talented prospect that could bolster his overall stock after a banner final season with the Hawks. Compact and strong with good open field speed, Weldon isn't the biggest of backs but he makes up for it with tough running and the ability to get into the third level. He is already quite good at breaking tackles but added weight would help in that area and make him tougher to handle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Science Hill two-way backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179390' first='Nalique' last='Anderson'] </strong>is someone to look out for this Fall season. He flew under the radar with me for too long but after going in-depth with his film, I see college upside, especially on offense. The Hilltoppers senior (282nd overall/21st RB) has college size with a broad frame and a strong lower base. Anderson runs well for his size and when he gets going, defenders have a tough time bringing him down. This guy is a definite sleeper for me that could play his way higher up the college food chain.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final ranked running back inside the Prep Redzone Tennessee Top 300 is Ravenwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace']</strong>. This Williamson Co. native has an opportunity to raise his ranking during the next update with a strong senior year, which I believe is coming. Pace (284th overall/22nd RB) will finally be the lead back for his Raptors offense this Fall and I expect this speedy ball carrier to take full advantage of his opportunities. This dude can run, providing a big play threat with the ball in his hands along with showing receiving upside coming out of the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, this is a solid running back class that I think can be even better after the 2026 season due to its top end talent and depth. I think the “Top 15” in this class are definite P4, D1, FCS level guys while others behind them have multiple traits that could develop over the next few months and form themselves into high caliber college prospects. It will be fun to see how these running backs progress and how much better than can or will become by the time we update our rankings in the Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2214288,"width":"250px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/cpace.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2214288" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->