Gaines is one of the more explosive backs in this talented 2028 class of running backs and is poised for a huge Junior season on the central coast. He runs with power, leverage and behind his pads while always falling forward and churning his legs through tacklers. He shows wiggle in space, vision in tight windows and has a open field gear in the clear while able to make defenders miss, work against flow and excels as a zone scheme runner. Gaines is also a excellent receiver out of the backfield with solid hands, tracking abilities and can do some damage form the slot as well or in one on one situations out of the backfield.

Breakout season for the sophomore RB out of St. Joseph taking 198 carries for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. 5’10” 180 lbs. he’s got a good frame to build on and a complete skillset to also be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Just as comfortable attacking downhill between the tackles as he is bouncing runs outside to break containment on the perimeter. He presses the LOS quickly and runs hard through the first level showing he can absorb contact with good balance and pad level to slip tacklers and extend gains after contact. Like his timing and variety of moves, knows when to attack lanes, cut laterally, and stiff arm. High caliber ball carrier vision, instincts, and anticipation he’s got good cutback awareness and spatial awareness to see defensive flow and navigate traffic smoothly. Recruitment will pick up as the cycle progresses.