Top Running Backs
Class of 2026 -- ranked by measurables, physical ceiling, and recruiting validation
Mesh to B Gap: Our RB Metric
We time every back from the mesh point in gun to the B gap because it’s the one gap that matters in virtually every run concept (inside zone, gap power, counter, duo), making it a true apples-to-apples comparison across schemes and competition levels. From gun, the extra depth amplifies differences that get compressed under center, and there’s no running start to mask deficiencies. One number captures five attributes simultaneously: explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, decision-making speed, and path efficiency. We’ve seen verified sub-10.7 hundred-meter sprinters post slower times than less explosive backs because they took worse angles and processed slower. This metric separates football players from track athletes.
The clear #1 RB in Colorado's 2026 class — Gatorade POY, UCLA commit, verified 4.45 forty, 37-inch vert, 14.2 YPC at 5A Cherry Creek against elite competition, and 20 receptions showing three-down ability. Elite speed, explosiveness, and big-game production (275 yards vs. Utah semifinalist Skyridge) separate him from everyone else; frame needs to fill out but the athletic ceiling is undeniable.
The best all around RB in the 2026 class. Has great acceleration. Mesh to B Gap from Gun: 1.51s
Led all of Colorado in rushing with 2,197 yards and 27 TDs at the 5A level on 300 carries at 7.3 YPC — that volume and efficiency at the highest classification is rare. Air Force commit with elite contact balance, durability (54-carry game, 370-yard playoff performance), and football IQ; lacks verified speed testing which capped his offer sheet, but he's a perfect scheme fit and projects as an early contributor in the flexbone.
Jack McKeon is a highly productive, tough, high-character running back who led all of Colorado in rushing as a senior with 2,197 yards and 27 TDs at the 5A level. His lack of verified speed testing and 5'10" 210 frame limited his D1 options despite elite film and production, but his physical running style, contact balance, and high football IQ make him an ideal fit for Air Force's 'super back' role in the flexbone/triple option offense. He projects as a contributor who could thrive in a scheme that values power, toughness, and decisiveness over raw measurables.
Prototypical college RB frame at 6'2" 195 lbs with verified track speed (10.82 100m) and home-run ability (85-yard long run) — that size-speed combination at 5A Columbine is legitimately intriguing. Career production of 3,243 yards and 38 TDs at 7.5 YPC is strong, but near-zero receiving production and only an Ivy League offer (Penn) suggest evaluators see limitations; if his self-reported 4.4 forty verifies at a camp, his stock could jump significantly.
Snyder is a physically impressive, high-volume running back with legitimate track speed (10.82 100m) and a college-ready frame at 6'2" 195 lbs with room to add mass. His career numbers are outstanding (3,243 rushing yards, 38 TDs, 7.5 YPC) and he earned All-State honors in Colorado 5A, but the lack of FBS offers and near-zero pass-catching production limit his current ceiling projection to FCS/Ivy League levels with potential to earn a preferred walk-on look at a Group of Five program if he tests well at camps this offseason.
Monster career numbers (4,880 rushing yards, 72 TDs) with an efficiency spike to 10.2 YPC as a senior and a college-ready 6-1, 210 lb frame that should carry weight well. The All-State First Team honor and 40 tackles on defense show a complete player; the D2 commitment to Western Colorado is puzzling given his frame and production — he desperately needs verified speed testing because if he runs even a 4.6 he should have FCS looks.
Elijah Womack is an extraordinarily productive Colorado 4A running back with elite career numbers (4,880 rushing yards, 72 rushing TDs) and a frame (6-1, 210) that could project to the college level. His senior season efficiency spike to 10.2 YPC suggests he continued to improve, and Prep Redzone scouts praise his vision, contact balance, and ability to run inside and outside. However, the lack of verified speed testing, limited D1 recruiting interest, and a Colorado 4A competition level raise questions about his athletic ceiling against higher-caliber defenders -- his commitment to D2 Western Colorado reflects where the recruiting market currently places him.
Verified 4.44 forty, 36-inch vertical, and 285 lb bench at 180 lbs are elite athletic numbers that exceed Top 300 RB averages — the measurables are D1 caliber even if the frame (5'9" 180) is undersized. Solid 5A production (1,194 yards, 15 TDs, 8.0 YPC) with a 94-yard long run and Northern Colorado commitment; limited receiving usage (6 catches) and struggles against top-tier 5A competition are concerns, but the verified speed gives him a real floor at FCS.
Tyrone Smiley is a compact, explosive running back with verified elite athletic testing numbers (4.44 forty, 36" vertical, 285 bench) that exceed Top 300 RB averages at most metrics despite being undersized. His senior year production of 1,194 yards and 15 TDs at 8.0 YPC demonstrates he can be a featured back, though his struggles against top-tier competition and limited receiving role as a senior are concerns. He projects as a potential impact player at the FCS level at Northern Colorado, with his elite speed and strength giving him a solid floor, though his 5'9" 180 lb frame limits his ceiling beyond that level.
Impressive 5A production at powerhouse Valor Christian (1,435 yards, 13 TDs, 8.7 YPC) with a 95-yard long run and 19 receptions showing three-down versatility, plus a Navy offer validates his recruiting profile. The 4.49 forty is functional and the competition level is elite, but at 5'9" 175 lbs his physical ceiling is limited to service academy or FCS programs.
One of the most complete statistical profiles in the class — 2,056 rushing yards, 25 TDs, 8.3 YPC plus 27 receptions for 420 yards (15.6 YPR) with a 95-yard receiving TD, showing elite dual-threat ability from the backfield. All-State First Team and PRZ #69 ranking validate his production, but the D3 Pomona-Pitzer commitment and complete lack of verified speed testing strongly suggest his athletic ceiling doesn't project to D1.
Mo Thenell is a physically mature, highly productive Colorado 4A running back who posted one of the state's best senior seasons with 2,056 rushing yards, 25 TDs, and 420 receiving yards. His contact balance, vision, and receiving versatility are legitimately impressive, and he earned All-State First Team honors while leading Heritage to the 4A semifinals. However, the absence of any verified speed/athletic testing data and his commitment to D3 Pomona-Pitzer strongly suggest his athletic ceiling may not project to the FBS level -- he profiles as an excellent D3 starter or potentially a D2 prospect, but would need verified speed numbers to warrant serious D1 FCS consideration.
If the self-reported 4.41 forty and 10.05 100m verify, this kid is a legitimate D1 prospect — that speed combined with 1,274 yards, 22 TDs, 8.4 YPC, and 24 receptions for 345 yards shows a complete back with home-run ability (87-yard long run, 86-yard TD reception). Zero offers and 2A competition level are red flags, but the 4.21 shuttle, 33-inch vert, and 4.0 GPA make him a must-see at college camps this spring; don't sleep on this one.
Britton Walston is a highly productive 2A running back with intriguing self-reported speed numbers (4.41/10.05) who put up monster senior numbers (1,274 rushing yards, 22 TDs, 8.4 YPC) while also contributing as a receiver (24 rec, 345 yds, 3 TDs). His All-State Second Team selection and Reporter-Herald Player of the Year award validate his dominance at the 2A level, but the lack of verified camp measurables and zero reported offers suggest he needs immediate exposure at college camps this spring/summer. Projects as a potential FCS or D2 back with legitimate D1 speed if his testing numbers verify -- the 4.0 GPA and multi-sport background add significant value for smaller programs.
Tough, high-volume workhorse who ground out 1,702 yards and 22 TDs on 275 carries at 3A Windsor behind an elite OL anchored by Oklahoma signee Deacon Schmitt — six straight 100+ yard playoff games show durability and consistency. Wrestling background adds contact balance and toughness, but the complete absence of verified speed testing, only 5 receptions, and zero D1 offers suggest he profiles as FCS/D2 unless he posts strong camp numbers.
Adrian Czyszczon is a productive, tough, well-rounded running back who dominated Colorado 3A competition as a senior with 1,702 rushing yards and 22 TDs on 275 carries behind an elite offensive line anchored by Oklahoma signee Deacon Schmitt. His wrestling background, contact balance, vision, and ability to handle a massive workload project him as a legitimate FCS or D2 back, with potential to earn a look from lower-end FBS programs if he posts strong camp/combine numbers this offseason. The biggest gap in his recruiting profile is the complete absence of verified athletic testing data -- a strong 40 time and shuttle at a college camp this spring/summer could significantly elevate his stock.
Verified 4.59 forty and 10.75 100m confirm legitimate speed, and elite strength numbers (345 squat, 295 bench at 170 lbs) combined with a wrestling runner-up background give him a physicality edge beyond his 5'8" 170 lb frame. Outstanding efficiency (10.6 YPC, 25 TDs) with 54 tackles and 2 INTs on defense, but 2A competition level and undersized frame cap his ceiling at FCS/D2 — Fort Lewis commitment is appropriate level.
Two-time 8-man state champion with a projectable 6'1" 175 lb frame that could fill out to 195 lbs — named NFF Colorado Chapter Most Outstanding Player after recording 3 INTs in the title game, showing elite football IQ and ball skills. The 8-man competition level is a legitimate concern, but 1,595 yards, 24 TDs, 65 tackles, 13 TFL, and 6 INTs as a two-way player suggest rare instincts; he needs camp exposure and verified speed testing to generate D1 interest.
Two-time state wrestling champion (175 lbs) with a growing frame (now 6'0" 205) gives him elite contact balance and physicality that translates directly to the football field — 1,314 yards, 18 TDs, 7.4 YPC plus 61 tackles and 9 TFL show legitimate two-way production. Committed to Fort Hays State for wrestling, but if he chose to pursue football his frame, toughness, and defensive instincts could warrant FCS looks; needs verified speed testing to evaluate his athletic ceiling.
Good size at 6'0" 190 with solid 3A production (1,442 yards, 15 TDs, 7.2 YPC) and a dramatic year-over-year development curve from 12 carries as a sophomore to 200 as a senior. All-State and Denver Post All-Colorado recognition validate his play, but the Chadron State commitment, lack of verified speed testing, and minimal receiving production (7 catches) suggest his ceiling is D2 starter rather than D1 contributor.
Pascual is a productive, physical 3A back with legitimate size (6'0" 190) and strong senior-year production (1,442 yards, 15 TDs, 7.2 YPC) who earned All-State First Team and Denver Post All-Colorado honors. However, the lack of verified athletic testing data and limited recruiting interest beyond the D2 level suggests his speed and explosiveness may not project to D1. He profiles as a high-floor D2 starter who could earn early carries at Chadron State and develop into a featured back in the RMAC.
State wrestling champion with 1,748 yards and 17 TDs at 7.5 YPC shows the contact balance, leverage, and toughness you'd expect from an elite grappler — 47 tackles and 5 TFL on defense add two-way value. At 5'10" 170 lbs in 1A competition with no verified speed testing, he's a significant projection, but the wrestling pedigree and multi-sport athleticism suggest untapped upside if he can add weight and get to camps.
The most prolific pass-catcher in this group with 56 receptions for 726 yards and 6 TDs as a senior, plus 1,380 rushing yards — 2,706 all-purpose yards and Times-Call POY show he's a dynamic playmaker who creates mismatches out of the backfield and in the slot. However, at 5'7" 163 lbs with a 4.9 forty, his physical limitations are severe for college football; profiles best as a D2/NAIA slot receiver or returner rather than a D1 running back.
Sonny Delpizzo is a dynamic, undersized playmaker who put up gaudy numbers (2,706 all-purpose yards, 22 TDs as a senior) and earned Times-Call Offensive Player of the Year honors in Colorado 4A. His vision, elusiveness, receiving ability, and football IQ are legitimate, but at 5'7" 163 lbs with no verified elite speed testing, his ceiling projects to the D2/NAIA level as a slot receiver or returner, with an outside shot at FCS as a versatile offensive weapon if he can prove speed at a camp setting.
Father Dustin Delpizzo coached Sonny in peewee football. Family are avid football fans -- father and brother-in-laws gather every Sunday to watch NFL games (Raiders/Broncos fans). Sonny was born around Super Bowl weekend. No college/pro athletic background found.
Physical two-way player with 1,209 rushing yards, 71 tackles, and a 345 lb squat at 195 lbs — the Prep Redzone watch list recognition and 170-yard performance against ranked Kent Denver show he can compete when the lights are on. No verified speed testing and 2A competition level limit projection, but at 5'10" 195 he has a frame that could develop with proper strength training and speed work.
Extremely strong for his size (315 bench, 460 squat at 175 lbs) with 1,345 yards and 15 TDs at 6.9 YPC playing 5A at Mullen, which validates his production against quality competition. Three-time All-Conference and Denver Post 101 Impact Player recognition show durability, but at 5'7" 175 lbs with no verified speed testing, his ceiling is capped — Fort Lewis offer is likely his level unless he can demonstrate elite short-area quickness at camps.
The stat line is absurd — 1,133 rush yards, 423 receiving yards (24.9 YPR), 14 rush TDs, 6 receiving TDs, AND 8 INTs and 74 tackles on defense in a single season, with 20 career INTs showing elite ball skills. No measurables exist (not even height/weight) and 8-man competition is a major question mark, but the two-way production and receiving ability out of the backfield are rare; he needs to get measured and tested at a camp immediately.
Mason Barr is a prolific two-way 8-man football player with elite production (2,462 career rush yards, 1,023 career receiving yards, 20 career INTs) and CHSAA All-State recognition. However, the complete absence of verified measurables, the small-school 8-man competition level, and zero recruiting interest from college programs make him a significant projection. He profiles as a potential small-college or NAIA prospect who would need a camp performance with verified testing numbers to generate any D1 interest.
Well-rounded two-way player with 1,389 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 4 INTs, and a massive junior-to-senior statistical leap (210 to 1,389 rushing yards) that shows rapid development. At 6'0" 160 lbs he has a projectable frame that needs 25-30 lbs, but the receiving ability (15.3 YPR) and ball-hawking instincts could make him a contributor at the NAIA level with Dordt; 2A competition and lack of verified testing limit higher projections.
Cade Hemphill is an exceptionally productive and versatile Colorado 2A athlete who dominated at the small-school level with 1,389 rushing yards, 27 total offensive TDs, and 4 INTs on defense as a senior. His frame (6'0", 160 lbs) and competition level are the primary limiters -- he needs significant weight and could struggle against higher-level athletes. He's committed to Dordt (NAIA) which appears to be the appropriate level; his multi-sport athleticism and two-way production suggest he'll be a valuable college player, but the lack of verified measurables and low recruiting buzz make a D1 projection unlikely.
Steady 4A producer with 2,285 career rushing yards and a rising YPC trend (3.8 to 6.4 to 7.2) that shows genuine year-over-year development as a runner. The clutch playoff performances and physical running style are appealing, but zero verified testing, virtually no receiving production (4 career catches), and no recruiting interest make him a long-shot D1 prospect at best.
Martinez-Santana is a productive, physical downhill runner who earned CHSAA 4A All-State Honorable Mention and helped Grand Junction win the I-25 League title with a 9-3 record. His 2,285 career rushing yards and 23 TDs across his junior and senior seasons demonstrate consistency, and his rising YPC (6.4 to 7.2) suggests genuine development. However, the complete absence of verified athletic testing, zero recruiting interest from college programs, minimal receiving production, and undersized frame for a power-style back make him a long-shot D1 prospect -- more realistically a D2/D3/NAIA candidate who could earn a preferred walk-on look at an FCS or low-major FBS program if he can post strong camp numbers.
Elite strength numbers (365 squat, 405 deadlift, 225 power clean at 165 lbs) and 157 tackles suggest a physical, high-motor two-way player with rare toughness for his size — the 222-yard, 5-TD game shows he can take over when healthy. However, 4.6 forty, 5'8" 165 lbs, and 8-man competition level make D1 a significant reach; his defensive instincts and tackling production might actually be his best path to a smaller college roster.
Produced 1,183 yards at 6.1 YPC in the brutally competitive Centennial League (9 of 10 opponents made playoffs), which adds context to his solid but not spectacular numbers. At 5'8" 170 lbs with no verified speed, no football offers, and a lacrosse commitment to William Jewell, he's likely done with competitive football — but the Centennial League production deserves respect.
Logan Posey had a productive senior season as Cherokee Trail's featured back, rushing for 1,183 yards at 6.1 YPC against a very strong Centennial League schedule. However, at 5'8" and 155-170 lbs with no verified speed numbers, no D1 football offers, and a late breakout (minimal production as a sophomore and junior), his college football ceiling appears to be at the D2/D3/NAIA level. His commitment to William Jewell College for lacrosse confirms his likely path is as a lacrosse athlete rather than football at the next level.
The 12.3 YPC efficiency and 105 tackles are eye-popping, and the year-over-year improvement curve (5.5 to 11.4 to 12.3 YPC) shows real development, plus zero fumbles on 98 carries is remarkable. But the 4.86 forty, 5'8" 190 lb frame, and 8-man competition level place him firmly at the NAIA/D3 level — a tough, productive player who dominated his classification but lacks the speed to project higher.
Nathan Guerrero is a productive, tough, two-way 8-man football player who dominated his classification as both a runner and tackler, earning CHSAA All-State honors. However, his small frame (5'8", ~190 lbs), lack of verified speed testing, and exclusively small-school competition make him a significant projection at the D1 level. He profiles as a potential NAIA/D2/D3 prospect who could contribute immediately at that level, but would need to show significantly more speed and physicality against bigger, faster athletes to warrant FCS or FBS interest.
Incredible 6-man production (2,011 yards, 33 TDs, 5 INTs, 90 tackles) and true ironman two-way ability, but at 5'8" 155 lbs in Class A 6-Man with no verified testing, the competition level and physical limitations are too significant for D1 projection. Could be a fun NAIA/D3 player if he can add 25-30 lbs.
Zachary Yost is an extraordinary 6-man football player who dominated at the Class A level in Colorado with 2,011 rushing yards, 33 TDs, and 5 INTs as a senior, earning CHSAA All-State Second Team honors. However, at 5'8" 155 lbs with no verified athletic testing and playing in a 6-man format, he does not currently project as a D1 FBS prospect. His elite production, work ethic, and two-way impact could make him a fit at the NAIA or D3 level, or potentially a preferred walk-on at a smaller D1 FCS program if he can add significant weight and demonstrate verifiable speed at a camp or combine.
Has a brother, Zander Yost, who also plays varsity football at Caliche High School. Zander rushed for 161 yards and 3 TDs in a game during the 2024-25 season. Local media covered the 'brotherly love' dynamic on the team.
Prolific 6-man career (3,681 yards, 64 TDs, 11.6 career YPC) with 10 career INTs showing elite two-way instincts and multi-sport athleticism, but at 5'10" 145 lbs he is drastically undersized for any level of college football. Would need to add 35-40 lbs while maintaining his elusiveness to even project at the NAIA level — the talent is real but the body isn't ready.
Mitchell Stivers is an extremely productive 6-man football player with elite instincts, elusiveness, and multi-sport athleticism, earning CHSAA All-State honors as a senior. However, at 5'10" 145 lbs playing 6-man football in rural Colorado with no verified testing data and no recruiting interest from D1 programs, he projects as a small-college prospect (NAIA/D3) unless he can add significant weight and post strong camp numbers. His 4-sport athletic background and 10 career INTs suggest real athletic ability that needs to be validated against higher-level competition.
Blake Stivers (Sr., 5'5" 153 lbs) and Tristen Stivers (Jr.) are teammates at Otis -- likely siblings/brothers, both multi-sport athletes playing football and baseball. No additional family athletic background found.