2028 Watchlist Breakdown: Running Backs

Our 2028 watchlist is huge, and this summer, we're tackling the list by looking at potential impact players in 2026. Which rising junior running backs on the watchlist could join the rankings in 2026?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 Watchlist RB Check-In</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other 2028 WL pieces: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/2028-watchlist-breakdown-quarterbacks/">QBs</a>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Likely Contributors</h3>   Guys are usually on the watchlist when we're aware of them, but either haven't seen enough film or we feel they aren't quite ready to be ranked. Several expected contributors should join the rankings with a strong start to the season.    We hadn't seen a ton of McKoy's Fuquay-Varina film before our most recent rankings update. He had a solid season in a two-man backfield last year, and he's added a bunch of weight in anticipation of a potentially larger role at Willow Spring this season. He runs with excellent vision and balance, and we think he could be a breakout candidate.     Barrow's biggest contribution was on the defensive side of the ball last fall, as he was the third running back on a team with a workhorse. That workhorse graduated, and the Cavaliers have over 26 carries per game to divvy up among the younger backs. Barrow could be in line for a major increase in touches, and we look forward to seeing what he could do in 2026.     Frangipane has a depth chart problem, not a talent problem. He was the fourth-leading rusher in a stacked Asheville School backfield. The Blues lose two of their top three rushers, though neither was a true running back. Still, those two combined for 150 attempts on the ground, and the bigger Frangipane could be the primary beneficiary.     North Davidson didn't post full stats from last year, and it became easy to miss Ross, but he has the athletic profile and film of a guy who could be a huge asset for the Knights. He has exceptional lateral movement and explosive abilities. Couple that with his vision and ability in the open field, and he's a true breakout candidate.    Other Potential Contributors   [player_tooltip player_id='2255360' first='Jayden' last='Avent'] | North East Collegiate Prep   [player_tooltip player_id='2247473' first='Zamarrian' last='Richardson'] | Rosewood   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waiting Patiently</h3>   A few guys are sitting patiently for their opportunity. We may not see a ton of them in 2026, but we'll be ready for their future breakouts.   Editor's Note: If one or two of these guys ultimately see significant playing time this season, we won't be surprised, but as of now, that's not necessarily an expectation.    Kohler-Howard played both ways on the JV squad, and if Richlands was known more for running the ball, we'd probably have him higher on this list. As it stands, the Wildcats are one of the more pass-heavy teams in the state, and while Kohler-Howard should get some varsity run, I think his biggest impact will be on the defensive side of the ball in 2026.     Freedom lost a few of its top rushers from last season, leaving the running back rotation up in the air. Chapman is a smaller back, but he's shown on limited varsity film the ability to stay upright through would-be tacklers. I like his downhill running style, which should help him carve out a role.     Roundtree has had success on A.L. Brown's JV team in the past, but his path to consistent varsity carries is blocked by a talented class of 2027 back and a quarterback who takes a large portion of the carries. Still, we think he's a guy who could make an impact in the future, and we're excited to see that happen.     Gibbs was electric for J.H. Rose's impressive junior varsity team, but the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/predicting-each-big-carolina-teams-mvp/">varsity team returns its entire bevy of skill guys</a>, while adding a key transfer, as well. That said, I think Gibbs may be too talented to keep off the field. He's small, but shifty, and tough to bring down in the open field.     Galloway has been quietly putting in the work since making an early varsity debut, but has been fighting a loaded varsity backfield since. He has good quickness, and he's stronger than his size suggests. He's put in the work to add weight, and he could start to see some run on the varsity squad soon.    Other Names To Know in the Future   [player_tooltip player_id='1647114' first='Brian' last='Jackson'] | Ragsdale   [player_tooltip player_id='1685353' first='Landon' last='Martin'] | Lake Norman Charter   Ty'Rell Henry | West Cabarrus

Our 2028 watchlist is huge, and this summer, we're tackling the list by looking at potential impact players in 2026. Which rising junior running backs on the watchlist could join the rankings in 2026?