Nigel Newkirk Nigel Newkirk RB Gainesville | 2027 State GA is an outstanding running back in the 2027 class who is to me one of the more underrated backs although we at Prep Redzone has him ranked high, in other places when people are talking about backs, I believe Newkirk needs to be mentioned, no question. He is such a smooth runner and a very impressive runner. One thing about Newkirk is that he is a gamechanger and an impact player who is going to have a massive senior season!

Already one of the state’s highest-ranked backs in the 2027 class, Newkirk will see a small bump forward in the next update after another impressive season for the Gainesville Red Elephants. The 5-foot-11 200-pounder holds just about every offer in the book and it’s easy to see why after he rushed for just under 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, rushing for at least 100 yards in nine games with an average of 8.1 yards per carry. He’s another physically-gifted back who can power through defenders with ease. He also brings impressive agility for his size and the ability to carry on offense on the ground. Look for Newkirk to find himself ranked in the top-15 across the state in the next 2027 rankings update.

One of the top 2027 running backs in Georgia, Newkirk had a big week on the recruiting trail, adding major SEC offers from both Alabama and Georgia after impressive in front of the staffs. As a freshman at Ola in 2023, Newkirk ran for 870 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging nine yards per carry along the way. As a sophomore last season, still at Ola, Newkirk ran for 690 yards and 8 touchdowns in just six games. He’ll play at Gainesville this fall where he has a chance to light up the stat sheet once again as a junior.

A dynamic back with plenty of speed at 5-foot-1 185-pounds, Newkirk was outstanding last season for the Ola Mustangs, rushing for 690 yards on just 92 carries for an impressive 7.5 yards per carry. He showed quick feet, excellent burst, and breakaway speed that allowed him to find the end-zone eight times. He showed easy Power Four talent and should be even better as a junior with the Gainesville Red Elephants this fall. He’s one of the top 2027 running backs in Georgia and earned a big SEC offer recently from the Florida Gators.

Newkirk is one of the top 2027 RBs in GA and will play his junior season at Gainesville. He was clocked at 11.05 in the 100M this spring at 5’11 195. Newkirk is a big RB with long strides and impressive foot speed. He finds his top speed in a hurry and maintains it to break the tape against defenders. He is tough to bring down in the open field and is not hesitant to drop his shoulder and drive through contact. Newkirk holds several P4 offers and it will be my first time seeing him play in person this spring.

An impressive back with size, speed, and vision, Newkirk only played in six games last fall for Ola, but ran for an impressive 690 yards and eight touchdowns, rushing for a respectable 115 yards per game. The 5-foot-11 190-pounder does a great job of finding the hole and taking off through it, using his breakaway speed to score from anywhere on the field. He shows easy Power Four talent and continues to see new offers come his way. Now, the rising junior for Gainesville has seen a new offer come his way from the Auburn Tigers. He’s a junior back to keep a close eye on next season. He’s currently ranked as the No. 5 RB prospect in the state for the 2027 class.

Behind a potent rushing attack, Ola was able to go 10-0 in the regular season and is positioned to make a run in the playoffs. Newkirk isn’t the leading rusher for Ola, but he has still had a productive season and is averaging nearly 8 yards a carry. Newkirk has several FBS offers under his belt, and for good reason. He has outstanding measurables around 5’11 180 with plenty of room to add weight. He is a long strider in the open field who can eat up grass once he gets going. He plays with good pace and patience as well, allowing his blocks to develop. Newkirk’s best football is ahead of him and we have him ranked as one of the best 2027 RBs in the state. He will be relied on early and often in the postseason.