2029 NPA RB Kruise Buntyn Jr showed why he belongs in the conversation as one of the top running backs at the event. With a physically developed build, he brings a strong base and an explosive lower half that shows up in his burst and ability to snap off routes. Buntyn was a reliable option in the passing game, displaying good hands and consistently making himself available as an outlet. He was especially effective on crossers and drag routes, where his speed and acceleration allowed him to separate and turn short passes into positive gains.

Another talented prospect to earn himself MVP honors was Kruise Buntyn Jr. Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2029 TN , a running back at Knoxville Catholic. Buntyn was highly explosive on Sunday afternoon, showcasing both strong footwork, electric speed, and excellent durability on the run. I also liked Buntyn’s ability to burst down the field, picking up speed each step he took.

Tape:

Kruise Buntyn Jr. Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2029 TN set the tone from the start and earned MVP honors with a complete, high-level performance. He showed excellent patience and vision during RB-specific drills, allowing blocks to develop before exploding through lanes. In RB/LB 1-on-1s, Buntyn consistently created separation with sharp routes and natural hands out of the backfield. He was especially dangerous in space, displaying elite body control and balance during the make-the-linebacker-miss drill. Defenders struggled to square him up as he combined sudden cuts with deceptive speed. Buntyn also brought a confident, competitive demeanor that stood out rep after rep. His all-around skill set translated clearly, making him the most consistent back at the camp.

The freshman RB from Knoxville Catholic had a solid start to his high school career, running for 4.9 YPC in a victory against Riverdale in week 1. He followed that with another good performance the next week, where he rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown against Anderson County.

Buntyn Jr is a compact player who impresses with his toughness, footwork and good speed while featuring nice power to run through people. The 2029 tailback is undoubtedly a player to watch out for, as he could grow into one of the best running backs in Tennessee.

Out of all the 2029 Running Backs in the state of Tennessee, I may be the most interested to see what the future holds for Kruise Buntyn Jr. Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2029 TN If there was ever a Maurice Jones-Drew clone in this class, it would be him. Thick, strong, balanced and runs low to the ground like a tank. After tearing up western Tennessee at Briarcrest Christian, Buntyn Jr. is enrolling at Knoxville Catholic for his freshman year. We’ll see if he can add to the reported offers of Austin Peay and UT Martin.

Participating in his third and final tour of duty for the Tennessee Future Stars, Kruise Buntyn Jr. Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2029 TN had a commendable performance. His day was highlighted by a productive second quarter, namely a beautiful 21-yard touchdown run that put Tennessee up 18-0. On the touchdown run, he ran it up the gut before bending it outside to the nearside of the field and motoring in for a touchdown.

He (unofficially) finished the day with six carries for 32 yards and a TD. He also had one reception for 4-yards.

The running attack for the Tennessee Future Stars certainly starts with the tough style of Kruise Buntyn Jr. Kruise Buntyn Jr. 5'5" | 183 lbs | RB Knoxville Catholic | 2029 TN The only Running Back on the team with prior TN Future Stars experience, expect him to be relied on heavily. Built like a tank and running with a low center of gravity, he’s a load to bring down. After taking the handoff, he combines power with quick-footedness in the hole to promptly pick up yards. Keeps his shoulders square and with nearly ideal pad level, he easily breaks arm tackles and nearly always falls forward if he makes it past the LOS. Buntyn Jr. is, without question, one of the top 2029 RBs in the state.

Kruise brings a rare blend of power and agility to the position, making him a standout performer. He excelled in bag drills, demonstrating quick feet and explosive power through each rep. His soft hands and ability to secure contested catches add versatility to his game, making him an option in both the run and pass game. Kruise’s physicality was evident during contact drills, where he consistently broke tackles and finished runs with authority. He also showcased strong blocking fundamentals, providing reliable protection in passing situations. With his size, strength, and skill set, Kruise is poised to be a dominant force in the backfield moving forward.

When I first saw Buntyn Jr. this past June at the Tennessee vs. Kentucky Future Stars Game, I loved his powerful running style. He ran low to the ground, was built thick and more or less moved like a tank as he broke arm tackles. Everything I saw in June was still the case at Team Fire’s practice, with the exception of two big things. First, he appeared to stretch out a bit and get a few inches taller, yet his thighs and hamstrings appeared to get even bigger/stronger. The type of legs that will cause defenders to see stars if they meet 1:1 in the hole. The second difference is that he looked noticeably quicker once he was able to get moving in space. Not that he was ever a one-trick pony who only pounded it between the tackles, but the Briarcrest Christian prospect appears to have quicker feet and has added a degree of speed to his game. I’m not a fan of making comparisons to NFL greats, but it’s hard not to draw comparisons between Buntyn Jr. and Marshawn Lynch. Build, size, ability, production, etc. it all checks out.

Listen here…K.B. Jr. has wiiiiiiiggle. This young man has elite foot work and agility. He can change directions at a moments notice and will lower his shoulder the next second to get everything out of his carry as possible. A two yard play will have some highlighted moves in it. Kruise also has good hands and makes it look easy catching the ball out the backfield. Fun to watch!