Our highest remaining uncommitted is Highland Springs running back Eric Byrd Eric Byrd 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Highland Springs | 2026 State VA . Ranked 24th overall his offers range the Power 4 to Division 3 level. Ed O”Brien wrote a nice breakdown of Byrd’s game a couple weeks ago:

I watched some mid-season highlights, and I’m impressed with how fast he both hits and gets through the hole, putting immediate pressure on the second level. Byrd consistently beats defenders to the corner. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t get it done between the tackles, too. Byrd is already low to the ground, so he runs with a low pad level and has a strong lower body, which enables him to run through tackles.

Great film. Very Emmitt Smith/Mark Ingramish. Dynamic runner between the tackles who gets North/South quickly. As soon he he sees a crease, he plants and is looking 2nd/3rd level. He has great contact balance, his feet are always churning, and has great lean as a runner. He is a dynamic pinball, with a nose for the end zone. His feet and balance are great, and shows burst and breakaway speed. Would want to see verified 40, and some combine weight room numbers, because of small stature, but great player. Everything he does is done urgently, pressing the holes, and has big play upside. Can be a P4 kid, but helpful if he is behind a big Oline, where he’s hard to see behind. His running style is between the tackles, but he lacks length. Question is he a feature back in an offense, or a change of pace/big play back? How many carries a game can his body handle. Personally, I think he’s a guy whose running back by committee, and gashes you in the 3rd quarter with fresh legs. He’s a secret weapon who you want to keep healthy. Would like to see receiving statistics to justify value as All-purpose back. Reminds me of Perry Jones of Oscar Smith/UVA. Believe he is a scholarship runner at SEC level, because you need deep stable of backs there. 2nd/3rd sting option who you limit reps, and gashes you to win big games.

A new addition to the rankings, one of the very few new names to debut inside the top 25, high praise. Post-season offers include opportunities out of West Virginia, App State, and Marshall. The offseason has brought forth more scholarship opportunities Eric Byrd Eric Byrd 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Highland Springs | 2026 State VA ‘s way, with JMU and Bluefield State adding their names to the growing offer sheet.

5’8, 179lbs. 3.5 GPA. Boasted a whopping 9.4 yards per carry last Fall on his way to a 1,600+ yard season. One score short of hitting the 20 TD mark, Highland Springs’ Eric Byrd Eric Byrd 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB Highland Springs | 2026 State VA proved he could produce from tight or spread formations. Despite a less-than-ideal stride, Byrd displays good long speed to turn singles into home runs. Wins between the trenches, relies on balance and core strength to win inside the front seven. Can hit a gear when he sees open turf, has a natural feel for creating running lanes for himself once beyond the second level. Tough to bring down, center of gravity is already low in relation to defenders. I’m expecting the same production output from Byrd this coming Fall.