Carolina Recruits Media Day: RB part 1

The running back position was easily one of the deepest and most talented groups at the inaugural Carolina Recruits Media Day. In Eastern North Carolina, where physical, run-first football has long been the identity, these backs are built to carry the load and change games. From explosive home-run hitters to bruising every-down runners, Part 1 highlights a group of playmakers ready to put up big numbers and lead their teams this fall. The future of the ground game is in good hands.    Prince McKoy enters East Bladen's run-heavy wishbone offense as an exciting Class of 2029 prospect with the tools to make an immediate impact. While he'll be asked to produce whenever his number is called, his biggest weapon may be his explosiveness on the perimeter. Expect the Eagles to get him involved on jet motion and outside runs, where his speed and ability to turn the corner can put constant pressure on opposing defenses. McKoy has the skill set to become another dangerous weapon in East Bladen's ground attack.     [player_tooltip player_id='1655441' first='Riley' last='Collins'] is the senior workhorse in East Bladen's backfield and the perfect fit for the Eagles' wishbone attack. A decisive one-cut runner, Collins excels between the tackles, quickly finding creases and getting north and south. While his physical running style stands out, don't overlook his speed. As a track athlete, he's much faster than many realize and has the ability to break long runs once he reaches the second level. Expect Collins to be the Eagles' primary dive back and a reliable tone-setter for one of the area's most productive rushing offenses.     Jaden "Scoot" Lewis is one of the most explosive returning running backs in the state regardless of class. The East Bladen standout put together one of the most productive sophomore seasons in North Carolina, scoring over 20 touchdowns while proving to be a game-changing weapon every time he touched the football. Entering 2026, Lewis has set the bar even higher with a goal of averaging more than 250 yards from scrimmage per game. Given his dynamic skill set and ability to impact the game as both a runner and defender, that's not as far-fetched as it sounds. Lewis is a true home-run threat who can change the momentum of a game in a single play and should once again be one of the Eagles' biggest difference-makers this fall.     Transon Hunter saw limited opportunities as a freshman at East Columbus, but the Class of 2029 running back is expected to take on a much larger role this season. Hunter has approached the offseason with a great attitude and is ready to make the most of his increased workload. A versatile playmaker, he has the ability to impact the game both as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield, giving the Gators another weapon to create mismatches in space. As his role continues to grow, don't be surprised if Hunter emerges as one of East Columbus' breakout offensive players this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2266352' first='Steven' last='Hansford'] is poised for an even bigger season after finishing as East Columbus' second-leading rusher as a sophomore. Now entering his junior year, the Class of 2028 standout is expected to see his role expand significantly in the Gators' offense. Hansford is a downhill, one-cut runner who wastes little movement, gets north and south quickly, and attacks defenders with authority. Once he finds a crease, his explosiveness and speed allow him to turn routine runs into big gains. With more touches coming his way, Hansford has all the tools to emerge as one of the area's top breakout running backs this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2266358' first='Anthony' last='Brewington'] is one of the top two-way athletes in the Class of 2028, making a major impact on both sides of the football. Offensively, he's a dynamic, physical runner who is difficult to bring down once he gets downhill. Brewington possesses a long, athletic frame with plenty of room to continue developing, giving him intriguing upside at the next level. His combination of toughness, playmaking ability, and outstanding attitude makes him a player coaches love to build around. Expect Brewington to be a key contributor for his team this season and continue establishing himself as a rising college prospect.

The running back position was easily one of the deepest and most talented groups at the inaugural Carolina Recruits Media Day. In Eastern North Carolina, where physical, run-first football has long been the identity, these backs are built to carry the load and change games. From explosive home-run hitters to bruising every-down runners, Part 1 highlights a group of playmakers ready to put up big numbers and lead their teams this fall. The future of the ground game is in good hands.