1A/2A RBs To Know: Cameron Clem Leads Strong Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. Here, we'll look at five running backs to know in the state's two smallest classifications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A RBs to Know in 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other 1A/2A pieces:</em><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a ton of turnover at the running back position in the two smallest classifications, as outgoing seniors dominated the leaderboards last year. There are still plenty of electric backs, however.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem']</strong> | Murphy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clem is one of the top backs in the state, regardless of classification, and is the top returning rusher in the 2A class in 2026. He's a three-year starter who has a chance to join the top 10 all-time in rushing touchdowns with a strong season (He needs 32 to get there after 26 and 30 rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 2025, respectively). He has size, speed, and tackle-breaking abilities that helped Murphy reach the 2A state title game last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616528' first='Tobias' last='Cromartie']</strong> | Union</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-year starter, Cromartie is a workhorse for Union, already hitting 450 career carries as he enters his junior season. He ran for 15 touchdowns and almost 1,700 yards last season, displaying improved patience and burst compared to his freshman season. He's not the biggest guy, but he keeps his legs churning, and he's difficult to bring down in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2067025' first='Kazzure' last='Downing']</strong> | Holmes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Downing doesn't have the volume of some of these other backs, but he's one of the most explosive players in the entire state. He averaged over 15 yards per carry and scored 19 touchdowns on 97 offensive touches last season, or around once every five plays. This year, I actually expect to see that rushing volume tick up, and with his speed and abilities in the open field, Holmes could be difficult to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah Esperance</strong> | KIPP Pride</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Esperance led the Pride in rushing last season, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. He was at his best down the stretch, with four straight 100-yard games to end the year, scoring eight touchdowns in that span. He returns on a team with state title aspirations in the 1A class, and another strong year should help with that goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815500' first='Jaden' last='Lewis']</strong> | East Bladen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis is ranked as a defensive back in our 2028 rankings, and he's a good one at that. But he's also a talented running back who had nearly 1,500 yards last season. Not only that, but East Bladen does a fantastic job of getting him the ball in space, and he averaged nearly 20 receiving yards a game, near the top of the list for 2A running backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A/2A Running Backs to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148880' first='Amir' last='Tate']</strong> | Hobbton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148877' first='Amir' last='Gamble']</strong> | Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106564' first='Calvin' last='Lacewell']</strong> | Lakewood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1304566' first='Nixon' last='Willis']</strong> | Community School of Davidson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2092909' first='Antonio' last='Draughn']</strong> | Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. 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