Newly-Ranked 2029 QBs and RBs

We're in the middle of our 2029 rankings content after publishing our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">late spring rankings update</a> earlier this week. While we've covered some <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">big-picture topics</a> surrounding the class, we haven't yet talked about any of the 41 new faces. Here, we're starting with the newly-ranked quarterbacks and running backs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Quarterbacks and Running Backs Joined the 2029 Rankings?</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out the rest of our 2029 rankings coverage:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-skill-position-stock-risers/">Skill Position Stock-Risers </a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-big-men-in-the-trenches/">Trenches Stock-Risers</a>    Byrd-McCoy immediately turns heads because of his size and arm talent when he earned some playing time last year. At the Carolinas Coaches Combine in April, I was told he looked the part. He just needs more live reps as he refines his footwork and processing. As his footwork becomes more consistent, so too should his accuracy. Right now, he's so young that we're excited about his potential. He could be the top recruit to come out of Parkland in a number of years.     Watson wasn't a big contributor last year at Hickory Grove Christian, but he's been a top performer at both our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-rb-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a> and the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/best-running-backs-cfi-mega-showcase/">CFI Showcase</a>. He's a fluid athlete with excellent lateral agility, somebody who can really impress with the way he moves. I think he could have a big impact on a deep and talented Robinson squad.     Wilson plays quarterback for Winston-Salem Prep in the age-old, "guarantee your best player the most touches" role. He threw for 700 yards, but he's known for his ability to pick a hole off-tackle and explode forward. I'm interested to see how much he grows, as he could be an impact recruit with a bit more size.     Jones started the year on the junior varsity team, ran for nearly 1,400 yards there, then averaged nearly 130 yards per game in the first three rounds of the varsity playoffs. He's an explosive athlete who is tough to bring down. His vision is excellent for a freshman, and we expect him to be a key piece on one of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-5a-top-10/">5A's top teams.</a>     Clodfelter has much more power than you'd expect from a smaller, younger back. Specifically, his excellent contact balance allows him to pick up a few extra yards when a defender can't square him up on a tackle attempt. He earned a bit of playing time on both sides of the ball last season. Clodfelter is the top returning running back for North Rowan and could see a huge increase in volume as a sophomore.     When I previewed potential <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/1a-sleepers-in-2026/">sleeper teams in the 1A classification</a>, Jenkins immediately caught my eye on a young Washington County team. He only played a handful of games, but he made an impact as both a linebacker and a true fullback. We may eventually move him to linebacker in the system, but his blocking and short-yardage abilities at such a young age make him a promising 2029 running back.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2029 rankings. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Team preview season is beginning soon! Coaches, fill out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">team preview info sheet</a> so we can properly cover your athletes.

We're in the middle of our 2029 rankings content after publishing our late spring rankings update earlier this week. While we've covered some big-picture topics surrounding the class, we haven't yet talked about any of the 41 new faces. Here, we're starting with the newly-ranked quarterbacks and running backs.