Kelly popped on my radar this fall, and I became enamored with his skill set. He is a big, strong 6’0 215, but plays with impressive finesse at that size. Both out of the backfield and split out wide, Kelly contributes as a receiver both in space after the catch and as a route runner. He is explosive, relying on his short-area quickness and one-cut running style to quickly get up on second-level defenders and explode through openings. His size and versatility really stick out to me. Underrated addition by Ohio, who infiltrated the deep south for this addition.

This is my first look at new Ohio commit James Kelly James Kelly 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB/WR Hewitttrussville | 2026 State AL . He is an extremely well-rounded football player and is versatile. At 6’0 215, he will project as an RB, despite consistent reps as a receiver, both in the slot and on the outside. His short-area quickness and explosiveness are elite, allowing him to dance in tight areas and quickly change direction. As a route runner, he is surprisingly flexible at the top of his route for his size. He doubles as a violent blocker on the outside. He leverages his traits and versatility with a physical brand of football, running hard and squeezing the most out of each rep. He will have to adjust to being an RB full-time, but has the looks to be a true every-down back if the upside hits.

James Kelley is a talented RB/WR from Hewitt-Trussville who has dropped some big news regarding his recruitment.

“Kelly is an explosive weapon in Hewitt-Trussville’s offense who can produce wherever he’s lined up. At 6’0 215, he has great size and speed and can make a ton of great plays out of the backfield as an RB. He has great vision and breakaway speed he uses to follow his blockers and create explosives on the ground.

I’m really impressed with Kelly’s receiving skills- he uses his size and hands downfield to make contested catches over the tops of defenders, proving himself to be a real threat as a pass catcher.“

A few days back, Kelly announced he’d committed to Ohio!

Be sure to check out some of Kelly’s film! He’s having a dominant senior season. See for yourself below:

James Kelly James Kelly 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB/WR Hewitttrussville | 2026 State AL is a talented RB/WR prospect out of Hewitt-Trussville who has become a big piece of his team’s offense.

Kelly is an explosive weapon in Hewitt Trussville’s offense who can produce wherever he’s lined up. At 6’0 215, he has great size and speed and can make a ton of great plays out of the backfield as an RB. He has great vision and breakaway speed he uses to follow his blockers and create explosives on the ground.

I’m really impressed with Kelly’s receiving skills- he uses his size and hands downfield to make contested catches over the tops of defenders, proving himself to be a real threat as a pass catcher.

Kelly has had a busy offseason, picking up offers from Georgia Southern and Southern Miss over the last month.

Watch some of Kelly’s tape below- he’s a talented player who deserves A LOT more attention: