STOCK RISERS: Underrated 2028 Running Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These promising 2028 running backs are bound for monster junior seasons...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1988550"],"_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","fullHeight":true,"anchor":"acf-block-6a144e393ba7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated running backs across Georgia, Lumpkin is finally starting to see his recruitment pick up after an outstanding sophomore season where he ran for just over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. The physical, tackle-breaking back powered through defenses last year at 6-foot-0 200-pounds and should be even better in 2026. He ran for at least 100 yards in five games last fall and found the end-zone in 8 of his 11 games. He runs hard, physically gifted, and saw his first two offers come his way this spring from Miami (OH) and Liberty. He'll likely see more offers come his way and a bump in the next 2028 Prep Redzone rankings this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2214125"],"_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-6a144e393bb2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile, hard-running back who has no problem lowering his shoulder to fight through defenders, Alexander is a physical Middle Georgia back with the ability to help catch the ball out of the backfield. He's a crafty runner for his size who can elude defenders in space, but his ability to power through defenders and run with physicality is why he'll see a new Prep Redzone ranking come his way this summer. Don't be surprised if Alexander becomes a key member of the Demons offense and pushed for All-Region honors this fall as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1097598"],"_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-6a144e393bbdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic and productive two-way player from the small town of Lincolnton, Jones is a powerful linebacker who can run through defenders with ease at running back. He plays hard, runs behind his pads, and loves contact, fighting through tackles anytime he has the ball. He's tough to wrap up, runs well, and is one of the top returning players across the region. Just a sophomore, Jones made an instant impact on both sides of the ball, making 51 tackles on defense while gaining just under 600 total yards and 12 touchdowns. He's an impressive back who should be even better for a Lincoln County team that always runs the football at a high level. Jones brings easy D1-caliber talent and should prove it in a big way next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2215817"],"_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-6a1453b79fd98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quick, shifty runner who shows natural athleticism and a feel for the position, Gault is a two-way standout at 5-foot-10 170-pounds who is still flying under the radar in the Augusta area. The slipper running back can change directions quickly, shows good burst, and the ability to break off a big run once he gets though the trenches and into the open field. He's an active runner with good balance, vision, and the ability to have a tremendous junior season in 2028. If he continues to improve and adds more weight, Gault will be tough to stop and could garner some serious D1 interest and possible offers down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048654"],"_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-6a1453b79fdf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another small-town back with quick feet, burst, and the ability to score from anywhere on the field, Hooks is one of the fastest 2028 backs in the area who can slip through defenders and take off down the field. A strong athlete with impressive vision and balance, Hooks is fresh off a really strong sophomore season where he ran for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. Averaging just under 7 yards per carry, Hooks rushed for at least 100 yards twice and should have an opportunity to improve on that as a junior this fall. He's an impressive back with his best football ahead of him who can absolutely play at the next level if he continues to improve over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->