Speedsters
Several running backs in the 2027 class stand out simply for their ability to change a game with pure speed.
Elkins’ Jaden Hatfield is an accomplished track sprinter, and that background shows clearly on the field. Once he finds daylight, he has the acceleration to pull away from defenders and turn routine runs into explosive plays.
Hampshire’s Roscoe Dean first caught attention with strong testing numbers last offseason, and it translated directly to the field in 2025. He proved excellent at exploiting openings and finishing long runs with breakaway speed.
Woodrow Wilson’s Alizah Pittman had more limited touches than others on this list, but every opportunity showed the same trait: downhill running with real burst. When he gets a seam, he attacks it quickly and decisively.
Wahama’s Reezin Stitt was one of the more dynamic playmakers in the class during 2025. He consistently broke long runs with his speed while also making a strong impact on defense.
Workhorses
Several backs deserve recognition for their ability to carry a heavy workload and consistently produce.
Elkins’ Seth Robinson is a well-built athlete who also plays defensive line, bringing a physical edge to his running style. He pairs toughness with enough speed to hurt defenses once he gets into space.
Landyn Carpenter of Philip Barbour produced one of the most impressive statistical seasons in the state, surpassing 1,500 rushing yards while becoming the centerpiece of an offense that already featured several playmakers.
Mingo Central’s Jace Coleman may be slightly undersized, but that never stopped him from producing. His balance, acceleration, and ability to cut through defenses made him a major part of the offense both as a runner and receiver.
Hedgesville’s Chris Williams made the most of his opportunities in 2025, showing solid burst through the line and the ability to break into the second level. He also added value as both a receiver and returner.
Defenders
Several rushers around the state produced strong offensive numbers, but their long-term recognition may ultimately come on the defensive side.
Bridgeport’s Gabe Martin is one of the best two-way athletes in the state and formed the second head in a powerful rushing attack thanks to his explosiveness and intensity.
Riverside’s Tavion Woods recorded more than 1,400 all-purpose yards while lining up across multiple positions. He runs with physicality and confidence, but his Division I interest is likely driven by his high-end linebacker play.
Oak Hill’s Cade Compton runs hard and punishes defenders with the ball in his hands, but his true impact shows up on defense where he excels as a physical, inside-the-box linebacker.
Wahama’s Treyvon Bearhs brought length and speed to a strong rushing offense, though it was his state-leading interception total on defense that made him one of the most productive two-way players in the state.
5. Kingston McDonald-Gibson
Even within a program as well known and heavily scouted as Martinsburg, Kingston McDonald-Gibson managed to emerge as a breakout performer. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound back rushed 59 times for 844 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging an explosive 14.3 yards per carry.
Though not the biggest runner, he consistently turned what looked like routine gains into big plays. McDonald-Gibson runs with excellent balance and poise under his feet, showing quick acceleration once he finds space. After bursting onto the scene in 2025, he should enter the next season firmly on the radar for another highly productive campaign.
4. Willis Wilson
Willis Wilson entered the 2025 season with plenty of buzz and quickly showed flashes of why before suffering a season-ending injury. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete runs with long, fluid strides that allow him to slip past defenders and pull away quicker than expected.
He also proved to be an excellent receiving option out of the backfield, giving him the tools of a true three-down running back capable of working between the tackles or creating mismatches in space. Defensively, he was equally impressive as a downhill, hard-hitting hybrid linebacker. With a year removed from injury, he should have the opportunity to reestablish himself among the state’s most dynamic athletes.
3. Braydn Tyler
Frankfort leaned heavily on Braydn Tyler during its push to repeat as state champions in 2025, and the 5-foot-10, 175-pound playmaker delivered with 2,039 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns.
Tyler is one of the most well-rounded players in the class. Beyond his running ability, he may be the best defensive back in the group as a smart, downhill safety. He is also a dangerous return specialist who consistently finds lanes on both kicks and punts. As a running back, he blends speed, toughness, and versatility, making him a player who should draw attention across multiple divisions.
2. Gavin Williams
It didn’t take long for Gavin Williams to establish himself as the next standout running back in Bridgeport’s long tradition of productive ball carriers. The 6-foot, 175-pound runner rushed for 1,977 yards and 27 touchdowns on just 127 carries, showing both patience and explosiveness.
Williams excels at allowing plays to develop before attacking the first crease he sees. His agility is underrated, particularly in the way he transitions from horizontal movement to vertical acceleration faster than most defenders can react. It is also worth noting that he is one of the best kickers in the state, highlighting his overall football ability and versatility.
1. David Robinson Jr.
Capital’s David Robinson Jr. sits at the top of the 2027 running back rankings after another standout season that reinforced the Division I attention he already carried. The 6-foot, 195-pound back rushed for 1,067 yards and 14 touchdowns in just seven games.
His running style can best be described as fluid. The way he reads defenses, attacks creases, and slips away from tacklers rarely feels forced. Instead, it reflects a natural feel for how to manipulate space and make defenders miss. That instinct allows him to play bigger than his frame and produce without relying purely on speed.
Robinson is also a standout defensive back who closes quickly on the football and makes plays on both sides. Heading into his senior season, expectations remain high that he will continue producing at an elite level.
RECRUIT THEM
Social media of players listed above, if found (ABC order):
- Treyvon Bearhs — Wahama (https://x.com/RembertTre70283)
- Landyn Carpenter — Philip Barbour (https://x.com/Landyncarp10111)
- Jace Coleman — Mingo Central (https://x.com/coleman_jace20)
- Cade Compton — Oak Hill (https://x.com/cadecompton13)
- Roscoe Dean — Hampshire (https://x.com/roscoe_220)
- Jaden Hatfield — South Harrison (https://x.com/JadenHatfield27)
- Gabe Martin — Bridgeport (https://x.com/gabemarti21)
- Kingston McDonald-Gibson — Martinsburg
- Alizah Pittman — Woodrow Wilson (https://x.com/AlizahP67305)
- David Robinson Jr. — Capital (https://x.com/drobjr1)
- Seth Robinson — Elkins (https://x.com/seth_robinson2)
- Reezin Stitt — Wahama (https://x.com/reezin_stitt)
- Braydn Tyler — Frankfort
- Chris Williams — Hedgesville (https://x.com/Chris_will2308)
- Gavin Williams — Bridgeport (https://x.com/GavinWilliamsWV)
- Willis Wilson — Bluefield
- Tavion Woods — Riverside