Gulat was our top mover in the rankings, and for good reason. He took over down the stretch, racking up over 200 yards in every game he played as a senior, including a 429-yard outing in the first round of the playoffs. He plays with a ton of patience and power, making him a true FCS or high-Division II prospect, in our eyes.

Dixon senior running back JJ Gulat JJ Gulat 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB/WR Dixon | 2026 State NC has been a force all season long, and it came as no surprise that his dominance continued into the postseason. The explosive senior put together one of the most jaw-dropping performances of the entire playoff opening round, rushing for an incredible 429 yards and 7 touchdowns. Gulat ran with power, balance, and determination, breaking through tackles and ripping off big plays seemingly at will. His vision and burst through the line made it nearly impossible for defenders to slow him down, as he carried the offense on his back from start to finish. What’s most impressive is his consistency — week after week, Gulat has delivered elite-level production and refuses to be contained no matter the opponent. His combination of strength, endurance, and playmaking ability has made him one of the most feared backs in the state. If this performance is any indication, JJ Gulat JJ Gulat 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB/WR Dixon | 2026 State NC and the Bulldogs aren’t just in the playoffs to participate — they’re here to make a statement, with their senior workhorse leading the charge.

Gulat ran for 200 yards and a touchdown in every game, scoring three times or more in eight games, and at least four times in half of Dixon’s games. He also threw for two touchdowns, accounting for nearly 26 points per game by himself. Since the Bulldogs snuck into the playoffs, Gulat has a real chance to reach 3,000 rushing yards, and could challenge for the national lead, if his team makes a run.

Even in defeat, Gulat continued his historic pace toward the state’s single-season rushing record. The workhorse senior once again carried the load for the Bulldogs, finishing with 38 carries for 235 yards and four touchdowns. His vision, balance, and endurance were on full display as he powered through defenders and kept Dixon’s offense alive all night. Gulat’s consistency week after week has made him one of the most dominant backs in North Carolina this season.

The new 8-classification system has had wide-reaching implications, especially in the middle classes. After a 2-8 season in 3A last year, Dixon is playing at the newly-created 5A level, and Gulat is running away with the Player of the Year race. A powerful back with excellent long speed, he’s eclipsed 225 yards in every game, going over 340 in the last two. With a decent playoff run, he could challenge for the all-time single-season rushing record. His contact balance and vision will certainly carry over to the college level as well.

JJ Gulat JJ Gulat 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB/WR Dixon | 2026 State NC (RB, Dixon, Senior) is putting together a historic senior season, not only leading the state but ranking among the nation’s top rushers at the mid-season mark. Gulat has already piled up over 1,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, powering the Dixon offense week after week. His consistency has been remarkable — he has topped 200 yards in every single game, including a jaw-dropping performance of over 300 yards in his most recent outing. A durable workhorse with breakaway ability, Gulat has become nearly unstoppable, and his production places him firmly at the top of the mid-season offensive Player of the Year watchlist for running backs.

Gulat made his presence felt with 31 carries for 246 yards and a touchdown. He showed excellent balance between speed and power, breaking arm tackles while also having the burst to get into the open field. What really stood out was his consistency — almost every time he touched the ball, he picked up positive yardage, keeping Dixon’s offense ahead of the chains. Gulat’s reliability and ability to set the tone early in games make him one of the most dependable backs in the region.

JJ Gulat JJ Gulat 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB/WR Dixon | 2026 State NC – RB | 17 carries, 288 yards, multiple touchdowns

Gulat was virtually untouchable in Week 2, erupting for 288 yards on just 17 carries — an eye-popping 16.9 yards per carry. Every time he touched the ball, he was a threat to take it to the house. His vision, burst through the hole, and ability to finish runs made him a nightmare for defenders. This type of performance cements Gulat as one of the most dangerous backs in the region.