2027 Rankings Preview: Six Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next week we will release our updated 2027 rankings. Here are six running backs we expect to make a significant move up or make their debut in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606048' first='Xander' last='Chavez'], Legacy Academy</strong>: Chavez will make his debut in these upcoming rankings. Chavez &nbsp;isn't a big guy (listed on MaxPreps at 5-foot-4, 150 pounds), but he's a fearless and physical runner for the Silverbacks. After limited action with the varsity in 2023 and 2024, Chavez erupted for 871 rushing yards and 13 TD on 130 carries in 2025. He'll be a centerpiece for Legacy Academy's offense in 2026. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demarcus Hill, Hobbs</strong>: The Eagles ended up with a three-headed monster in the running game on their way to the Class 6A semifinals. Hill began the season as the No. 2 RB but saw increased action due to injuries. He finished with 767 rushing yards and 7 TD on 108 carries. He had the second most carries on the Eagles, who return their QB and top two rushers in 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155082' first='Raul' last='Lopez'], Chaparral</strong>: Lopez showed promise as a sophomore in 2024 and continued to make impressive progress as a productive running back in 2025 with nearly 1,100 rushing yards and 11 TD on 150 carries for the Lobos. Lopez was ranked No. 65 overall in the pre-season rankings, but should leap up the rankings. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605046' first='Zachary' last='Perez']-Verdeja, Valley</strong>: After getting a taste of varsity action as a sophomore in 2024, Perez-Verdeja emerged this past season as one of the top 2027 running backs in the Albuquerque Metro Region. He finished with 772 yards and 11 TD on 134 carries as the Vikings' leading ball carrier. Definitely has 1,000-yard potential. Perez-Verdeja and Valley are moving to 4A in 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606046' first='Mario' last='Romero'], Moriarty</strong>: Romero was virtually unknown when the 2025 season began in August. Then he went out and powered his way to 1,420 yards and 17 TD on 172 carries for the Pintos in their triple option attack. Romero took a lot of hits but he gained a lot of yards too in helping lead Moriarty to the 4A quarterfinals. Romero and Moriarty are moving to 3A in 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604784' first='Cael' last='Walton'], Raton</strong>: The Walton Legacy runs deep in Raton. The biggest name, of course, is Cayden Walton, who graduated a few years ago as the state's all-time leading rusher. Cael did his older brother proud this past season by finishing as the third leading 2027 rusher in the state with an impressive 1,791 yards and 15 TD on 167 carries. He'll be the face of the Tigers in 2026. Can he get to 2,000 rushing yards?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/gvFSlumnUx">pic.twitter.com/gvFSlumnUx</a></p>&mdash; Demarcus Hill (@Demarcusho23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Demarcusho23/status/1998592260339020143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>      </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->