Sophomore Spotlight: Rising 2029 Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several soon-to-be sophomore running backs worth taking a look at heading into the 2026 KHSAA season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before we dive in, however, is the third installment of our 'Sophomore Spotlight series,' which has highlighted <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/sophomore-spotlight-offensive-skill-position-standouts-in-ky/">some of the top 2029 offensive skill talent</a></strong> within the Commonwealth, as well as several <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/sophomore-spotlight-2029-lb-edge-standouts-on-the-rise/">EDGE/LBs who are riding momentum</a></strong> heading into their sophomore season. Now, let's take a look at some rising running backs looking to stand out in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1751484"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30260126f7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1751484' first='Felix' last='Ortiz'] is a patient runner who follows his blocks and carries the ball with confidence. Ortiz has strong legs, which allow him to break weak tackles around his lower body. Has demonstrated his downhill rushing ability and isn't afraid of contact, often lowering his shoulder and initiating contact when going 1-on-1 with a defender. He rushed for nearly 400 yards across 10 games during his freshman season, and his carries will only increase during his sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1791548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30260127012"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1791548' first='C.J.' last='Rogers'] demonstrated his explosiveness during his freshman season at North Hardin. Rogers is quick out of his stance and out of the backfield. His jump cuts are impressive, and he has showcased his ability to bounce outside and gain extra yards. If he finds the open field, Rogers can turn on the afterburners and outrun opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1792008"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3026012706d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1792008' first='Preston' last='Hall'] appeared in four games for Hazard as a freshman and certainly made the most of it. He took 45 carries for 204 yards on 4.5 yards per carry to go with four touchdowns on the ground. With more production likely coming his way this fall, Hall will be able to build on his strong season in 2025, put more game film on tape, and start rising his way through the ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1791695"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a302601270c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A strong, tackle-breaking running back, [player_tooltip player_id='1791695' first='Frank' last='Igleheart'], proved himself to be an explosive option for Owensboro Catholic during his freshman season. His strength doesn't hurt his agility, either, and can make an opposing defender miss in the open field. Igleheart is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and gain significant yards in the process. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1648360"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30260127119"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Athleticism jumps out on tape when watching [player_tooltip player_id='1648360' first='Brennan' last='Grinstead']. He's bouncy, which creates problems for opposing defenders in the open field, as he can pivot quickly and outrun them on the outside. Grinstead's speed was on full display while standing out on St. Xavier's freshman and JV teams in 2025. Varsity reps could come his way this fall as he continues to prove his abilities this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->