Smooth, natural runner, with nice acceleration and burst. Always looking for a crease and looking for the big play. Can run between the tackles and go north/south, nice feet, can run in traffic. Still believe he is a big play guy, who wants to run lateral and look for lane to explode. Changes directions, cuts, all while looking to take it next level. High effort kid, doesn’t take plays off, always looking to rip off a big play. Will fit in to RB by committee. More lightning than thunder, but a bit of both. Would want to know yards per carry and verified measurables. All the running lateral, allows defenders to catch up. Ultimately looking for space to exploit, has vision/explosion/burst, knows what he’s doing. Running style is a bit of curveball for defense, hard to read and predict him as a runner. This makes him a good change of pace back. Believe his style sets a tone in a college game, ripping off chunk yardage in second quarter. Dynamic complimentary back, but can get tough yards as well. Believe he is a D2/FCS back because he’s smooth and fluid. Believe he’ll ultimately be a dynamic D2 back, but with upside to transfer if he produces. Looks like he does a good job of not taking big hits, he’s always cutting and bends well. Tough kid to unload on because he’s sudden and is always changing directions. Have to pursue with control. Unpredictable element makes him a matchup problem. 4.52 verified, William and Mary has shown interest.

Hughes has ripped off back-to-back 200-plus yard rushing games in the last two weeks (both wins). In three games, Hughes has carried the football 79 times for 512 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. I am impressed with his ability to navigate through traffic. He uses short, controlled steps to adjust mid-run. Hughes times his acceleration to hit creases at the right moment.

In two games for Kempsville (1-1), Hughes has carried the football 47 times for 265 yards and two touchdowns. It’s early, but Hughes is already being counted on to take the load for Kempsville’s rushing attack. He ran for 209 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s win over Princess Anne High School. He’s averaged 20-plus carries in his team’s first two games.

An elusive Running Back with good athleticism and speed. His short-area quickness and ability to adapt stick out in his tape. Good burst, he can quickly get through the hole to the second level, displaying good balance. Good run strength for his size allowing him to keep his feet through weak tackles and set up a move to evade the next defender. Has the speed to stretch the field in outside runs. I am not surprised he caught my colleague Carl’s eye at a combine earlier this summer.

Hudl / X

Another speedster who impressed was rising junior Rob Hughes. The honor roll student is our 47th ranked prospect in Virginia’s 2027 class, he too earned himself an invite to Houston. A track and field star as well for the Chiefs, Hughes could be in line for offers by the end of his junior campaign.