To wrap up our top five running backs in the class of 2029 in the state of Kentucky, I have James McDaniels James McDaniels 5'7" | 140 lbs | RB Ashland Blazer | 2029 State KY . James had a strong freshman season at Boyd County, leading the team in rushing with 66 carries for 500 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. McDaniels has impressive speed which he uses to accelerate past opposing defenders in the open field to pick up big gains. He also has great vision, showing the patience to find the running lane then hit it with a sense of urgency once he finds it. McDaniels also caught five passes for 28 yards this past season and played a key role at defensive back, recording 49 tackles and a tackle for loss. I’m intrigued to see how McDaniels’ career progresses moving forward after transferring to Ashland Blazer for this upcoming season.

To wrap up our top five running backs in the class of 2029 in the state of Kentucky, I have James McDaniels James McDaniels 5'7" | 140 lbs | RB Ashland Blazer | 2029 State KY . McDaniels led Boyd County in rushing as a freshman, carrying the ball 66 times for 500 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. He has very impressive vision as a ball carrier, showing the ability to find cutback lanes quickly then hit them with a sense of urgency. Once he gets into the open field, he has shown the burst of speed to run away from the defense on long runs. McDaniels also caught five passes for 28 yards this past season and made an impact on defense, recording 49 tackles and one tackle for loss. James will be an intriguing running back prospect to keep an eye on over the next few seasons.

The Lions of Boyd County are getting a plug and play varsity Running Back in James McDaniels James McDaniels 5'7" | 140 lbs | RB Ashland Blazer | 2029 State KY . McDaniels had a stellar eighth-grade football season a year ago, as it culminated with an MVP performance in the Kentucky All-Star Classic. On the football field he’s a physically strong runner who doesn’t get brought down easily. Runs low to the ground and significantly more powerful than his 5-foot-7, 140-pound size would suggest. His lower pad level routinely punishes arm-tacklers and head-hunters. His athletic ability isn’t just confined to the football field, McDaniels also wrestles and runs track. He has been clocked as low as a 12.04 in the 100m, a top 30-time in the state. Despite what he’s done on the gridiron and the track, McDaniels’ top sport is wrestling at this point. Boyd County Middle School finished the wrestling season 12-3 in dual meets, with McDaniels placing 2nd in the state at 136-pounds in the 2024-2025 season.