While Devon Caldwell Devon Caldwell 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB Hebron Christian Academy | 2026 State GA ‘s shorter frame and smaller stature are ultimately why some big schools aren’t heavily involved here, he is still committed to Mercer, and it’s hard to argue against what he puts on tape. He is explosive, twitchy, and has blazing breakaway speed to separate. He runs hard as well, which is what you need to do at his size to make a difference. Caldwell’s traits and running style should translate well to Mercer.

One of the top 2026 backs in the Atlanta area, Caldwell is a dynamic back who can break off a big run any time he has the ball. The outstanding senior was ran for 114 yards and three scores while also returning 45 yards on kickoff returns. He’s not the biggest back, but the Mercer commitment runs hard and can get tough yards while finishing strong. He also showed quick feet, burst, and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Caldwell, leading Hebron Christian to a 29-22 win over North Atlanta, scored on runs from 13, 11, and 3 yards away. He was a consistent runner who helped the Lions rush for 125 total yards in the game.

It has taken a little while for Caldwell’s talents to get recognized in the recruiting world but I saw it 2 years ago. Bucknell, Delaware State, Fordham, Dartmouth are among the schools that have offered the State Championship MVP recently.

Caldwell caught our eye his Sophomore year by eclipsing the 100-yd mark in 4 of Hebron’s 1st 5 games that season. I saw him live last Fall in the State Championship where he was electric vs Prince Ave. He had over 180 yards rushing with 3 TDs vs one of the top defenses in the State.

What Stands Out: Elusiveness; Dual threat. Slippery with the ball in his hands. Shows great patience in letting holes open up then explodes through quick. High academics (4.4 GPA)

Outlook: Hebron has a good shot at defending their Title. Caldwell will make an outstanding SB at the next level.

Still one of the more underrated running backs in the state, it took way too long for Caldwell to see some offers come his way, but they’re finally on their way. The metro-Atlanta back earned new offers this month from Wofford, Bucknell, and Delaware State. He deserves even more after a giant junior season where he rushed for 1,458 yards and 13 touchdowns, hitting the 100-yard mark six times and averaging 104 yards per game.

A breakout 2026 running back out of Gwinnett County last fall, Caldwell rightfully earned a boost in the latest Prep Redzone ranking after a dominant junior season where he ran for 1,458 yards and 23 touchdowns. A scoring machine, Caldwell ran for a touchdown in 11 of his 14 games last season and hit the 100-yard mark six times. His best game came against Hart County where he rushed for 200 yards and four touchdowns. He’s now ranked as the No. 9 RB and the No. 95 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2026 class.

Devon’s skill set is unmatched, when he takes the ball in his hands, defenders know they’re in for a long day. Helping led his team to a State Title last year, he’s now looking to add one more title under his belt his senior season. With a rare combination of size, speed, and vision, he has the unique ability to shed tacklers with power and accelerate past defenders with blistering speed. His patience and ability to read blocks allow him to find the smallest gaps in the defense, making him a constant threat to break off huge runs. Whether he’s bursting through the line or making defenders miss in the open field, he’s always one cut away from taking it to the house.

What sets him apart is his versatility—he’s not just a ground-and-pound back. His quickness and agility make him a nightmare in open space, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game. He’s a triple-threat, capable of changing the course of the game with his hands, his legs, or his vision. His football IQ is top-tier, always making smart decisions that keep the defense guessing.

As he returns for his senior year, his talents have only grown. His offseason work has only made him more dangerous, refining his game and ensuring he’s in peak form to lead his team to another state championship. Opponents know they’ll have to bring their best if they hope to slow him down, but given his elite skills and determination, it’s clear that he’s poised to once again be one of the most electrifying running backs in the state. When the ball is in his hands, magic happens.

Showcasing a standout talent, Devon Caldwell Devon Caldwell 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB Hebron Christian Academy | 2026 State GA Hebron Christian Academy’s running back is rewriting the script on playmaking with an electrifying season. Finishing the regular season with 1,023 rushing yards on just 136 carries and an impressive 17 touchdowns, this dynamic athlete proved to be the engine behind his team’s offense. His vision is unmatched, allowing him to find gaps and exploit them with ease, while his blazing speed and elite shiftiness make him nearly impossible to bring down. With the ability to make defenders miss in the open field and in tight spaces, he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. More than just stats, he played a pivotal role in leading Hebron Christian Academy to a state title, showcasing his leadership and clutch performance in the biggest moments. For recruiters looking for a game-changing running back who combines skill, intelligence, and championship pedigree, this rising star is the complete package and ready to shine at the next level.

Vision:
Devon has exceptional vision, consistently seeing holes develop before they fully materialize. His ability to read his blockers and make quick, decisive cuts allows him to find and exploit running lanes with ease.

Speed:
Devon’s speed is explosive, capable of outrunning defenders in the open field. His top-end speed allows him to break away for long runs, making him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.

Ball Security:
Devon demonstrates excellent ball security, consistently protecting the football while navigating through traffic. His ability to hold onto the ball under pressure is a critical asset for a running back of his caliber.

Agility:
Devon agility is second to none. He can change direction on a dime and make defenders miss in tight spaces. His quick feet and ability to plant and cut allow him to evade tackles and create opportunities for big plays.

Strength:
Despite his speed, Devon is also physically strong. He uses his frame effectively to break through arm tackles and push piles, gaining extra yards after contact. His physicality adds a tough dimension to his game

The 5’9 170 junior running back had 18 carries for 185 yards with 3 TDs in helping Hebron Academy to a 56-28 win over 2x defending State Champion Prince Ave Christian. The junior standout 1st caught our staffs eye last season after rushing for over 1000 yards as a sophomore. He has outstanding burst and acceleration and explodes through the LOS, tough to catch once he gets to the 2nd level.

Outlook: Caldwell continues to show he can perform vs elite competition week in and week out. Outstanding in the classroom with a 4.4 GPA, he has already received D1 interest and will have the opportunity to play at that level.