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2029s
Even looking a few years ahead, the 2029 class has already shown some promising running backs. Huntington’s Tyler Long is still physically developing, but the early clips show legitimate pop when he gets the ball. Fairmont Senior’s Lynex Williams and Independence’s Paxton Myers have both made the most of their opportunities, flashing advanced vision and a natural ability to gain yardage whether through physical running or subtle agility.
However, the early headliner in the class is clearly Jaden Black of George Washington. Already built like a feature back, Black was one of the most productive runners in the state in 2025 regardless of class year, carrying a heavy workload against strong competition. His balance and body control stand out immediately, allowing him to stay upright through contact and finish runs with power. He already checks nearly every box evaluators look for in a collegiate running back and still has three seasons of development ahead. It would be surprising if Division I offers do not begin stacking up as he continues to progress.
Breakouts
Several players could see their profiles rise significantly in 2026 with expanded roles.
Washington’s Xavier Mack has good size and flashes the burst that translates well at the next level. He showed the ability to break tackles and accelerate through contact, and a full season of touches could turn him into a major producer. John Marshall’s Dalton Cooper is another name to watch out for an upswing in 2026.
Fairmont Senior’s Christian Hrapchak continues to battle for carries in a talented offense, but the opportunities he has received have shown plenty of upside. He runs aggressively and brings a physical edge that suggests more production could be coming.
Linsly’s Georgie Mamakos also flashed intriguing ability. There is still polish needed in parts of his game, but once he gets moving he shows a natural instinct for attacking space and slipping past defenders.
Princeton’s Alex Cox carved out a role on a stacked offense and showed flashes of big-play ability. His downhill running style and agility make him capable of breaking long gains whenever he finds space, and a larger role could allow him to emerge as a bigger offensive threat.
Proven Producers
The 2028 class is deep at running back, and several players have already established themselves with consistent production.
Herbert Hoover’s Malakhi Hope saw his 2025 season limited, but earlier film and his freshman campaign showed a runner with a strong frame, solid burst, and advanced vision that allows him to consistently find space.
Bluefield’s Jeremiah Jones stepped into a workhorse role midway through the season and immediately delivered. He runs downhill with power and just enough lateral ability to create problems for defenders, while also standing out as an elite linebacker.
Doddridge County’s Lyric Blake continues to show the tools that made him a known name early in his career. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a difficult matchup, and his role should only increase moving forward.
North Marion’s Brian Poindexter quietly put together a strong season in the northern part of the state. Though slightly smaller in stature, he runs with purpose and contributes in several areas offensively.
Roane County’s Javon Letourneau made a strong impact at the AA level, contributing both as a runner and receiver. Slightly undersized, he compensates with instincts and playmaking ability, consistently taking what the defense gives and turning it into positive yardage.
5. Kevin Myers
Martinsburg’s Kevin Myers continued building momentum during his sophomore season after already turning heads as a freshman. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound back rushed for 594 yards and nine touchdowns on just 66 carries while also adding receiving production, averaging more than 26 yards per catch.
Used creatively by the Martinsburg staff, Myers showed his ability to attack downhill while still possessing enough agility to make defenders miss. His threat as a receiver may be the most unique part of his game, consistently finding soft coverage and catching passes in stride. With a frame that can add weight and another year of development ahead, he could take another significant jump in production.
4. Gage Burdette
Woodrow Wilson’s Gage Burdette steadily took control of the backfield in 2025 and finished the season as one of the most productive runners in the state regardless of class. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound back totaled 1,623 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns.
Burdette checks many of the physical boxes evaluators look for, combining length with a downhill running style. He typically needs only one or two cuts to reach the second level, where his speed allows him to separate from defenders. He is also the most physical runner in the group, lowering his shoulder and finishing runs with authority. With a full season as the primary back ahead, his ceiling continues to rise.
3. Mayshaun Okonkwo
Huntington’s Mayshaun Okonkwo jumps off the film with how explosive he looks as a runner. Despite a slightly smaller frame, he makes it a non-factor with elite agility and body control. During the 2025 season, he produced nearly 1,000 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, consistently creating big plays.
Okonkwo has a rare ability to move laterally while still maintaining forward momentum, allowing him to slip off tackles and weave through traffic without losing speed. That slipperiness combined with his acceleration makes him a constant big-play threat capable of finishing long runs. His ceiling is extremely high and should attract attention across the Division II level and potentially some Division I programs as well.
2. Brody Kehler
University’s Brody Kehler also saw his season shortened by injury, but the flashes he showed were enough to keep him near the top of the class. Despite a slightly smaller frame, he carries himself like a player who has spent significant time in the weight room.
Kehler runs with a downhill mentality that stands out immediately. He accelerates violently through openings and attacks defenders with physical intent, producing explosive runs when he reaches space. His defensive play also stands out, flying downhill with controlled aggression. His long-term projection could draw attention on both sides of the ball.
1. Travon Okonkwo
Huntington’s Travon Okonkwo takes the top spot despite a shortened season that limited him to six games. In that time, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete rushed for 453 yards and seven touchdowns, making an immediate impression whenever he touched the ball.
Okonkwo already possesses ideal size for his age with a well-built frame that should continue filling out over the next few seasons. His running style is smooth and efficient—take the handoff, read the crease, plant, and explode. Once he reaches top speed, his stride allows him to power through contact and maintain acceleration.
While he is highly productive with the ball in his hands, his overall athletic profile suggests his best long-term position may actually be linebacker, where his size, range, and physicality could translate extremely well at the next level.
RECRUIT THEM
Social media of players listed above, if found (ABC order):
- Jaden Black — George Washington (https://x.com/Jadenblack_11)
- Lyric Blake — Doddridge County (https://x.com/Blake_Lyric2028)
- Gage Burdette — Woodrow Wilson (https://x.com/Gage55_)
- Malakhi Hope — Riverside (https://x.com/Malakhihope6)
- Christian Hrapchak — Fairmont Senior (https://x.com/christianhrap_5)
- Brody Kehler — University (https://x.com/Brody_k5)
- Georgie Mamakos — Linsly (https://x.com/GeorgeMamakos1)
- Kevin Myers — Martinsburg (https://x.com/kevmyersss)
- Mayshaun Okonkwo — Huntington (https://x.com/MayshaunO)
- Travon Okonkwo — Huntington (https://x.com/travon_okonkwo)
- Brian Poindexter — North Marion (https://x.com/Brianpoind591)