Tennessee Future Stars: 2026 Running Back Selections

Since 2010, Tennessee and Kentucky have been meeting each June in the annual Future Stars Game. The bordering states have a deep rivalry, but a deeper respect for each other. Tennessee recently announced its selections for this year’s Future Stars Team. Here’s a look at the 2026 Running Backs selected for Team Tennessee eighth grade. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-331804 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Jayzon-Thompson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Jayzon Thompson | Emerald Academy</strong> The only returner from last year’s 7th grade Future Stars Team, Thompson should be a leader in this group. He’s put together very well at 5-foot-9 and 168 pounds of muscle. From what I can gather, he seems like the type of Running Back that gets better the more he touches the ball. Obviously reps will be split during the game, but Thompson is an every down back designed to wear down the defense. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Emory Harris | Blackman</strong> On the other size of the size spectrum from the above mentioned Thompson, Harris is the smallest of the stable at just 5-foot-4 and 122 pounds. He’s a quicker, scat back type of athlete who likes to play in space. He uses his stature to his advantage by hiding behind his Line and popping out for major yardage. Also a track kid who has pretty good times in the 100M. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Kullen Williams | Lavergne</strong> In every stable of Running Backs there needs to be a guy who wants the ball and doesn’t have time for cutesy motion and gadget plays. For the Tennessee Future Stars, that is going to be Williams. Average height and weight at 5-foot-8 and 156 pounds but plays an attacking style of Running Back. That’s a tough thought to articulate, but watching him play, you see he’s a no nonsense type of runner. One cut and go. Doesn’t do a lot of dancing or waiting for his linemen to move. If he sees a hole or an opening, he goes for it and asks for forgiveness later. Also a very good Linebacker on defense, simply put, Williams is just a football guy that makes things happen. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13099319/61732491f326990a2cce784e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-345543 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/IanMathes-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ian Mathes | Liberty Bell</strong> Mathes is a speed guy that gives Tennessee some creative liberty with their play calling. Stands 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds right now, with good quickness and some of the best vision I’ve seen on athlete in the country for the class of 2026. Appears to overthink things mid-play and tries to make every play a home run, when it doesn’t need to be. If he can couple his vision and ability to bust runs to the outside, Tennessee may have a weapon here for jet sweeps with pre-snap motion. That formation can open up a lot of other things. Would be remiss if I didn’t mention he’s also an outstanding baseball player on a state championship winning team on the Diamond. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3q0rwJuv3oQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>