Underrated Small-Town 2027 Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These small-town running backs in the 2027 class deserve more recognition...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2138176"],"_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-6a41539fca763"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A West Georgia back still flying under the radar, Tarboro is a 5-foot-10 185-pound back from Columbus who is one of the top returning backs in the area for the upcoming season. As a junior in 2025 Tarboro ran for just under 800 yards and seven touchdowns in just nine games, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per attempt. He brings above-average speed and burst with the ability to fight through defenders in the trenches. The small-town runner is currently ranked as the No. 72 RB prospect in the state with the potential to earn All-Region honors and a possible 1,000-yard season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2236568"],"_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-6a415633ec60b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated backs in Atlanta, Tate is a shifty back who can slash his way through defenders down the field. He runs with patience and does a good job of bursting through a hole when it opens up. He brings above-average speed and acceleration that allows him to be a big-play threat when he has the ball. The sleeper back at Maynard Jackson ran for 813 yards and nine touchdowns last fall as a junior in just 11 games. Look for him to be added to the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2236572"],"_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-6a43cb06df818"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another powerful back in Atlanta flying under the radar, Woods is a bruising back who can bowl over defenders with ease when he gets room to run. Woods does a good job of running behind his pads and picking up yards after first contact. He brings a thick 5-foot-9 215-pound frame and is one of the toughest backs to tackle in the region. The physical back at Woodward Academy ran for 640 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with the potential to eclipse those numbers this fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2236576"],"_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-6a43cb06df8b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the heaviest backs you'll find in Cobb County and the metro-Atlanta area, Grant was a touchdown machine for the Marietta Blue Devils last fall, rushing for 18 touchdowns as a junior last fall. A bowling ball of a back who can wear down defenses, Grant is an intimidating back with plenty of size at 5-foot-11 230-pounds. Not only does he break tackles and dominate in short-yardage situations, but he's also consistent, rushing for 612 yards and and averaging over five yards per carry. He's one to keep a close eye on next fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2236580"],"_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-6a43cb06df954"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A slippery back with toughness and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Taylor is an underrated back who flashed Dq-caliber talent last fall as a junior. A physical blocker in pass protection, Taylor is also a crafty runner who made the most of every carry last fall in 2025. The impressive North Gwinnett back ran for 617 yards last season with five touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Look for Taylor to be added to the next rankings update with the potential to have a giant final season this fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->