Alabama’s top high school football running backs: Meet the best RBs in AISA

As the 2026 season approaches, 205focus.com is hitting the gridiron to highlight the premier talent across Alabama. We have shifted our focus to the backfield, identifying the standout running backs set to make waves in the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).

To ensure our coverage is comprehensive, we reached out to all 28 AISA football coaches for insights on their rosters. The following breakdowns are compiled directly from the feedback provided by these coaches as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Keep your eyes on 205focus.com, as we will soon launch a fan poll to determine which of these talented playmakers is truly the best of the best in the state.

AISA Running Back Spotlights

The talent pool in the AISA is deep, with coaches praising a mix of veteran powerhouses and explosive new threats:

• Rebels: Gage is a standout leader with collegiate interest, coming off a season with over 700 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
• Wildcats: Brady is a hard-nosed, high-speed difference-maker, while Colten is noted for his physicality and speed, and Luke is a young player with elite vision and strength.
• Cougars: One runner is a multi-threat playmaker who scores on the ground, through the air, and on special teams. Another, Mike Battles Jr.’s standout, is a tough, two-way team leader.
• Warriors: Arlton Hudson is transitioning his team to a wing-T offense, relying on a 6-3, 240-pound athlete with quick feet to anchor the backfield.
• Saints: Ethan, an all-state athlete who logged 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, moves from tailback to fullback. Ridge, meanwhile, transitions from wide receiver to provide explosive playmaking at tailback.
• Bessemer Academy Rebels: Newcomer Kilo (6-1, 205 lbs) brings a dangerous combination of speed, power, and receiving ability.
• Generals: Riddge returns after a 1,153-yard season and boasts an offer from South Alabama. Lathan also provides a powerful presence, having logged 1,200 yards and 12 scores in just eight games last year.
• Chargers: Jadon Dixon and Kaleb Patterson form a potent duo, with both expected to eclipse 1,000 yards this season. Jadon is a 500-pound squatter with 4.7 speed.
• Eagles: Wyatt, a transfer from John Carroll, offers dual-threat capabilities. Meanwhile, Heath serves as an old-school, contact-loving fullback, and Thomas is a breakout candidate with a high football IQ.
• Lowndes Academy Rebels: Whit (6-0, 165 lbs) offers breakaway speed and elite vision between the tackles.
• Volunteers: Charlie is a tough-as-nails three-year starter moving to fullback, while Ty returns as a three-year starter and game-breaker who has topped 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.
• Gators: Ross brings excellent vision and a quick first cut, coming off a 978-yard performance in just six games.
• Colts: Ayden, a returning starter who rushed for 877 yards as a freshman, is expected to easily surpass the 1,000-yard mark this fall.
• Knights: Matthew is a physical between-the-tackles runner who posted over 1,300 rushing yards last year.
• Jets: Jaylon is expected to reach 1,000 yards after a 740-yard campaign, supported by teammates Kameron Ross and Aromani Freeman.
• Additional Leaders: Coaches are also highlighting versatile contributors like Sanders, the rotation of Adam, Bently, and Walker for the Wildcats, and the strength of Lee and Steele.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news, and additional player spotlights, visit the high school sports section throughout the season.