A Dozen 2027 Running Backs Ready For More

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></strong></em></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final ranking update is now up on Prep Redzone Oklahoma! We've updated the rankings in the 2028 and 2029 classes. We finish off this update sequence with the 2027 class and the newly unveiled Top 175. <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/updated-2027-oklahoma-rankings/">We released the rankings earlier this week</a></strong>. Throughout the week on Prep Redzone Oklahoma, we'll be breaking down a ton of the 2027 prospects that are among the best in the state. Also, on our <strong><a href="http://youtube.com/@prepredzoneoklahoma">YouTube channel</a></strong>, we'll have quite a few highlight videos coming out that feature the best of the best in Oklahoma's 2027 class. In this breakdown, we're taking a look at a dozen 2027 running backs that are ready for more this fall. It should be noted, we covered two of the better RB prospects earlier this week with our <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-five-2027-stock-risers-in-latest-ranking-update/" type="link" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-five-2027-stock-risers-in-latest-ranking-update/">Stock Risers</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-five-2027-newcomers-in-ranking-update/" type="link" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-five-2027-newcomers-in-ranking-update/">Top Newcomers</a></strong> articles. Keep it locked in to Prep Redzone Oklahoma for more 2027 prospect breakdowns!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["693905"],"_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-69e7e63077ae1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carl Albert's [player_tooltip player_id='693905' first='Delijah' last='Matthews'] continues to have a stranglehold on the top spot for running backs in the 2027 class. We thought that Matthews had the potential to be a star in his first season as a full-time starter for Carl Albert in 2025. He not only exceeded expectations, he blew them away with a record-breaking performance. Matthews was a touchdown machine for the Titans last fall with over 40 touchdowns on the ground. He already has his sights set on breaking his own record and helping Carl Albert break the state record for the longest win streak. Matthews is a complete back and what's scary is he has a ton of gas still in the tank. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["649663"],"_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-69e7e63077b3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Broken Arrow's [player_tooltip player_id='649663' first='Octavian' last='Roberson'] has all the tools to be one of the state's best running backs, regardless of class as we look ahead to this season. You could see flashes of that throughout the last few years but he's also been banged up at different times. Roberson is definitely near the top of the list for us when it comes to players that we just want to see play with a clean bill of health. There's a handful of players that have had awful injury luck and Roberson is one of them. But when he's right, he's one of the best running backs in Class 6A-1. If he stays healthy this season, he could be a big reason why the Tigers emerge as state title contenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1298836"],"_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-69e7e63077b87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After watching Norman North's [player_tooltip player_id='1298836' first='Byron' last='Mason'] in person around this time last year, we're not surprised that he emerged as one of the top offensive weapons in Class 6A-1 during the 2025 season. Mason is one of our favorite all purpose backs in the state. He is equally as impactful in the run game as he is as a pass catcher in the Norman North offense. He had some very special performances during his junior season and we are fired up to see what he does as an encore this season. Mason is one of several running backs in Class 6A-1 that bring so much to the football field and is a complete back that can beat defenses in a variety of ways. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1182029"],"_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-69e7e63077bca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lawton MacArthur's [player_tooltip player_id='1182029' first='Connor' last='Claborn'] is near the top of the list for breakout stars from the 2025 football season. He's in the same class (5A) as Matthews at Carl Albert so his 2025 season might have flown under the radar. But there aren't many running backs in the state, regardless of class that had more yards than Claborn did last fall. We've liked his game ever since his sophomore year and we are fired up to see what he looks like this fall. He's been hard at work this offseason to back up what was a terrific junior season. And the Highlanders are going to be breaking in a new quarterback so that will open the door for even more carries for Claborn. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1109329"],"_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-69e7e63077c0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Millwood running back [player_tooltip player_id='2042560' first='Anthony' last='Keys'] went from being the young, up and coming running back that split carries with a few others to being the seasoned-veteran last fall. Millwood was incredibly young in 2025 and that meant all eyes were on Keys to put the offense on his shoulders while those new faces got used to playing under the Friday night lights. Keys took a massive step forward with his overall production and the leadership qualities he showed definitely stood out. Now, looking ahead to the 2026 season, all those young players are another year older. And when it comes to Keys, he's going to be one of the more experienced players in 2A-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1084102"],"_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-69e7e63077c4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hooker running back [player_tooltip player_id='1084102' first='Justin' last='Palacios'] is going to be a four-year starter when the Bulldogs take the field this fall. We've been writing about Palacios since his freshman season and it still blows our mind how he's still flying under the radar across the state. Maybe that's because he's playing way out in the panhandle but it's 2026, people should know what he brings to the table. We don't have exact numbers for every player but we'd be shocked if Palacios wasn't the state's active leader in rushing yards going into this season. He's been a highly productive player since his freshman season and he also brings the heat on the defensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["474870"],"_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-69e7e63077c8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coweta's [player_tooltip player_id='474870' first='Brock' last='Heilmann'] is another 2027 prospect that we've written about from very early on in his high school career. At this point, it feels like Heilmann has been playing for the Tigers for five or six years now but he's about to enter his senior season. We have a feeling that a lot of Coweta's opponents will feel the same way when they see Heilmann returning in 2026. He was the go-to weapon for Coweta as they had a huge bounce-back season in 2025. He did a little bit of everything for the Tigers. He was a dynamic runner but could also catch passes out of the backfield. And he also had an impact for Coweta in the return game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1694449"],"_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-69e7e63077ccb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sulphur running back [player_tooltip player_id='1694449' first='JoJo' last='Gray'] has shown flashes of being an outstanding running back in the Bulldog rushing attack. But he hasn't had to be the marquee back as they've had one of the best players in the state in their backfield in the last few years. Now, we get to see what Gray looks like when he's the go-to weapon in the Sulphur offense and the workload is sure to go up. He's a very fun running back to watch and he's made plenty of plays over the last two seasons. But because of who Sulphur has had in this offense, he might be flying under the radar for some as we go into the 2026 season. He won't be flying under that radar for very long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1836640"],"_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-69e7e63077d08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're looking forward to seeing Elgin running back [player_tooltip player_id='1836640' first='Braxten' last='Antuna'] this fall. Over the last two seasons, Antuna has been the ultimate "change of pace" running back for Elgin as the Owls had the workhorse of all workhorses at running back. But look at the film and the numbers over the last two years and Antuna still found a way to be productive as a shifty back and as a receiver out of the backfield. Now, Antuna is going to be the marquee back in the Elgin offense and all eyes will be on him. The workload is certainly going to be elevated and we're looking forward to seeing how he responds to that challenge when they take the field this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743237"],"_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-69e7e63077d47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We wrote this and mentioned it quite a few times last season, we got Fairview wrong in 2025. We thought they would take a step back after losing the school's best quarterback in program history but that wasn't the case. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='1743237' first='Alex' last='Houk'] was a big reason behind that and he quickly became a name that we needed to take more seriously during his junior season. Prior to last fall, Houk was certainly known more as a role player and that was understandable considering who he shared the backfield with. But in 2025, Houk absolutely exploded and became one of the top running backs in the smaller classes and he's hungry for more in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261180"],"_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-69e7e63077d87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We first watched Salina running back [player_tooltip player_id='1261180' first='Jescee' last='Sanders'] at one of our camps and he not only earned our attention but also the coaches in attendance. He was considered one of the better players in his position group and then we got another chance to see him last fall and he backed up all the hype we had around his name coming into the 2025 season. Sanders is an absolute bowling ball of a running back and it routinely takes two or three defenders to bring him down. We watched Sanders go to work against two of the top defenses in 2A-2 with Adair and Davis and he made them working overtime to try and bring him down throughout the night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299977"],"_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-69e7e63077dc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Verdigris running back [player_tooltip player_id='1299977' first='Peyton' last='Stelling'] rounds out this breakdown and we're fired up to see what he does for an encore this fall. Like several other players on this breakdown, Stelling enjoyed a breakout season last fall with the Cardinals as they took their first steps to getting back to contending in Class 3A. This season, led by Stelling, we really like what Verdigris has coming back and they could end up making a lot of noise. Stelling is a very durable running back that was incredibly productive last season. And what's scary is we think that he's just scratching the surface on what he could be down the line. We could see a massive senior year from him this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->