Kentucky HSFB: 30+ Freshmen (2029) Running Backs to Know in 2025

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Running Backs and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.   A few things to remember:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>EVERY SECTION IS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY FIRST NAME</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This list is NOT final and will be updated by Prep Redzone Kentucky as HS careers progress</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Things change quickly on this level and there may be incorrect information that I simply missed/wasn't aware of</li> </ul>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Brennan-Grinstead-body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1790761" style="width:523px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Top-5 Running Back Prospects</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**    Out of all the RBs on this list of nearly 35 prospects, perhaps none is entering high school more physically ready for the varsity level, than [player_tooltip player_id='1648360' first='Brennan' last='Grinstead']. The former Lyndon Lightning stand out is well-put together in terms of muscle mass and enters high school with pretty good speed. On the field he displays strong contact balance that makes him difficult to bring down in the open field if a defender makes contact on him. Not necessarily a burner, but fast enough to get through the holes opened for him. In theory he would thrive more in a power run scheme, than a zone scheme, but he can do both. This off-season he has worked hard as of late to improve his presence in the passing game. He looks noticeably more comfortable and natural catching passes out of the back field.     Middle School coaches around Kentucky have to be exhaling a sigh of relief that Middleboro's [player_tooltip player_id='868210' first='Caden' last='Lawson'] is now on the high school level. Last year Lawson orchestrated one of the most productive seasons in recent memory, as he accumulated over 2,500 yards of total offense en route to his second straight Regional Player of the Year award. Speedy and versatile, he also lined up out at Wide Receiver at times, totaling 46 touchdowns. No matter where he's lined up, Lawson possesses that "make you miss" ability and is truly a threat to take it to the house at any time. If there's a knock on Lawson it's in his size, listed at just 5-foot-7 and 140-pounds. There's obviously a ton of time to pack on weight and size over the next few years, so here's to hoping he does just that.     A Running Back with a big frame at 5-foot-10 and 170-pounds, he's a nice blend of power and quickness, with quick feet. Swanson looks to be the future for the Bruins rushing attack and a potential big time Running Back recruit. While he can run up and down a bit, he does a nice job squatting down as he hits the hole, minimizing the surface area the defense has to aim at. Keeps the chains moving by running through contact and consistently falling forward. It will likely be difficult for Swanson to see the field this season, as Ballard is senior-heavy at the skill positions. With that said, giving him another year to get bigger and faster will only make him more dangerous for the duration of his career.     The Lions of Boyd County are getting a plug and play varsity Running Back in [player_tooltip player_id='1667012' first='James' last='McDaniels']. McDaniels had a stellar eighth-grade football season a year ago, as it culminated with an MVP performance in the Kentucky All-Star Classic. On the football field he's a physically strong runner who doesn't get brought down easily. Runs low to the ground and significantly more powerful than his 5-foot-7, 140-pound size would suggest. His lower pad level routinely punishes arm-tacklers and head-hunters. His athletic ability isn't just confined to the football field, McDaniels also wrestles and runs track. He has been clocked as low as a 12.04 in the 100m, a top 30-time in the state. Despite what he's done on the gridiron and the track, McDaniels' top sport is wrestling at this point. Boyd County Middle School finished the wrestling season 12-3 in dual meets, with McDaniels placing 2nd in the state at 136-pounds in the 2024-2025 season.     Widely considered the top Running Back in the class of 2029 in Kentucky -- and I am in agreement with that. [player_tooltip player_id='1311186' first='Jayvian' last='Meaux'] is an excellent mix of speed, balance and full body strength. The definition of a workhorse back, he runs low to the ground and bounces around the field like a pinball. Speedy and agile with excellent change of direction. Cuts effortlessly and uses vision that simply can't be taught. One of the fastest 2029 prospects in the state, Meaux had a record-breaking year on the track at Bate Middle School. Meaux placed in the State in the 100M, 4x1 and 4x2 in May 2025. He recorded a 100m PR of 11.35 and an 11.54 at the Kentucky Middle School Meet of Champions -- which placed him fourth.      <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Caden-Lawson-body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1790817" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">The Best of the Rest Running Back Watchlist</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   [player_tooltip player_id='1791335' first='Blake' last='Johnson'] - Cooper High School has one of the most accomplished class of 2029 Running Backs in all of the Bluegrass State coming in this year, in Johnson. A year ago, Johnson was selected as the Player of the Week three times, named All-Conference, and was subsequently named the Norsemen Conference 8th Grader of the Year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1790687' first='Brayden' last='Bartley'] | Barren County High School - Part of a very talented Running Back/Linebacker duo at Barren County Middle School last year, along side his running mate [player_tooltip player_id='1780904' first='Gavyn' last='Minor']. The pair were the main source of points on the board a season ago for the Trojans, and also a major reason for keeping points off of it. A tireless worker in the weight room, look for him to have a big high school career if he continues to play like he has.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664922' first='Braylan' last='Humfleet'] | Lynn Camp High School - A multi-sport athlete (basketball) with championship pedigree, after spending some time at Corbin Middle School the last few years. He's an explosive kid that I anticipate will be starting in all three phases of the game from the jump as a RB, DB and as a Returner.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791548' first='C.J.' last='Rogers'] | North Hardin High School - One of the top 2029 Kentucky Running Backs entering High School this year and has a chance to get some touches early in his career. A Battle of the Regions and Kentucky All-Star Classic selection following his eighth-grade season. At the All-Star Classic combine, finished with the fastest 40-yard time and best vertical.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791687' first='Emonee' last='Wilkins'] | duPont Manual High School - A good combination of quick, agile feet and assuming power coming out of the back field. Throughout his pre-high school career he was quick enough to bounce runs out side and/or dip a shoulder when he needed to. Moving forward he'll be playing against some of the best competition in the state, we'll see how he develops.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791695' first='Frank' last='Igleheart'] | Owensboro Catholic - A big, lumbering Running Back who runs with a bruising running style and makes people pay for trying to tackle too high. While not a speed demon, he moves better than one would expect. His long term fit may be better as a Linebacker, but he's certainly not a Running Back to sleep on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791812' first='Gerryis' last='Harris'] | duPont Manual High School - The second Crimson of duPont Manual High School to be included on this list of Running Backs, Harris is another shorter, stronger Running Back. He's not quite as big as [player_tooltip player_id='1791687' first='Emonee' last='Wilkins'], but built very much in the same way. He may transition over to playing Linebacker more than Running Back, but he was a force at JCTMS.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791835' first='Hudson' last='Hatfield'] | Anderson County High School - On the smaller side at 5-foot-6 and 150-pounds, but one of the best open-field runners in the state for the class of 2029. He reads blocks well at the line of scrimmage before exploding north and south. Once he's off to the races in open field, he sets up his cuts as good as anyone.   [player_tooltip player_id='1803111' first='Jaylan' last='Strader'] | Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School - The main source of productivity out of the backfield for an Ashland team that reached the semi-finals of the KYMSFA playoffs. Plays the position with great vision and runs on the balls of his feet all times. The Strader last name is not a new one in Tomcat Country, as his older brother LaBryant Strader was named Player of the Year by their local newspaper last year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791957' first='Kam' last='Smith'] | Pike County Central High School - I'm not sure how he is as a nimble as he is given his stature, but there's a lot more to [player_tooltip player_id='1791957' first='Kam' last='Smith'] than what meets the eye. Looks like an undersized interior OL/DL but moves like a scat back. Comes with power when necessary too. One of two 2029s listed on the varsity roster as of right now. Also a talented baseball player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1632127' first='Peyton' last='James'] | Green County High School - A big, thoroughbred Running Back who is listed on the Green County roster at 6-foot-1 and 180-pounds as he begins his high school career. An All-County selection a year ago, he has a smooth running style. Doesn't dance around in the backfield, rather sees the hole and explodes through it. Runs with long strides and advanced vision once rumbling in the open field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1784535' first='Quinn' last='Strunk'] | South Laurel High School - An intriguing prospect that I wish I could see more of on the middle school level, but have run out of time. Thick, stocky kid with excellent feet and good speed. Listed at 5-foot-10, but that may be a stretch. By many accounts an even better baseball player than a football player at this stage of his development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1792035' first='Rishard' last='Green'] | Union County High School - Very productive Running Back who put an exclamation point on his pre-high school career with big numbers a year ago as an eighth-grader. Union County Middle School's Team MVP tallied 1,223 yards and 20 TDs on 99 carries last season and appears ready to continue with big contributions as he moves into high school.   [player_tooltip player_id='1650811' first='Ty' last='Smith'] | Franklin County High School - While he looks, moves and is built more like a Linebacker--a position that he does also play--[player_tooltip player_id='1650811' first='Ty' last='Smith'] is a violent Running Back that can keep the chains moving. A standout on the KYMSFA Division 1 State Champion Elkhorn Middle School a year ago. One of those Backs who seems to get better as the game wears on and gets more physical.     <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Caleb-Bush-Body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1791530" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Additional Watchlist Running Back</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666420' first='Ben' last='Bertrand'] | Lexington Catholic</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791371' first='Brody' last='Wescott'] | Christian Academy of Louisville</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791527' first='Caleb' last='Bush'] | Bryan Station High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1665991' first='Gavien' last='Barber'] | Bardstown High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666766' first='Jacob' last='Pendergist'] | Garrard County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1648901' first='Jaxon' last='Whipple'] | Atherton High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791912' first='Jay' last='Johnson'] | Glasgow High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791953' first='Josh' last='Quigley'] | Lexington Christian Academy</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791976' first='Kerryaun' last='Blakemore'] | Eastern High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1669523' first='Layton' last='Wade'] | Apollo High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1791997' first='Nate' last='Shavers'] | Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1797041' first='Ryan' last='Geiger'] | Ryle High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1797023' first='Ryan' last='Savicki'] | Ryle High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1792044' first='Ryder' last='Hall'] | Belfry High School</li> </ul>

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Running Backs and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.