The working again class in 2025 has been described because the deepest of the last decade. This class may exchange one-third of present NFL starters and it wouldn’t shock me.
To go additional, there are roughly 16 gamers I imagine wholeheartedly have starter upside within the class. This infusion of expertise is fairly versatile, with energy backs and pace backs being well-represented.
Listed below are the highest 5:
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty has been the apparent high working again on this class for the higher a part of a yr, and the hype prepare has by no means stopped chugging alongside for a number of causes.
Jeanty’s imaginative and prescient and phone steadiness make it appear to be he’s by no means going to get tackled, and his yards-after-contact totals are among the highest within the nation. He profiles as a well-rounded again who can tackle dashing, receiving and blocking tasks.
His solely flaw is that he could also be solely common when it comes to pace — so was Emmitt Smith — however his imaginative and prescient and instincts make up for it. Jeanty is a transparent high participant within the class.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Dec 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes working again TreVeyon Henderson (32) hurdles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Gaston Moore (13) throughout the first half of a School Soccer Playoff first spherical recreation at Ohio Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Adam Cairns-Imagn Photos Henderson began his profession with a bang, taking up the beginning working again function for the Buckeyes as a freshman and going for over 1,200 yards, however a foot damage took him out of fee for a yr.
Upon his full wholesome return, it seemed like Henderson hadn’t missed a beat. He’s spectacular within the open discipline with a transparent first and second gear that leaves defenders within the mud because of his acceleration.
Whereas he’d reasonably preserve out of hurt’s means, when he must get bodily, he lowers the shoulder and is ready to truck by contact with out dropping his high pace, and can be a powerful blocker with an analogous fashion. Henderson wouldn’t be misplaced within the first spherical.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Nov 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tarheels working again Omarian Hampton (28) runs the ball towards the Florida State Seminoles throughout the first quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Myers-Imagn Photos In order for you true pace in your working again room, Hampton is your man. Hampton carries 220 with grace and has absolute burners within the open discipline.
The preliminary explosion out of the backfield will flip heads, however his pace is much more apparent within the passing recreation. When he finds a mushy spot in protection, he’s off to the races.
Hampton fights for each yard and is by all accounts a grinder who takes soccer very critically. Hampton’s deadly flaw is his lack of creativity and desire to go straight-line that might restrict his ceiling within the NFL, however with coaching, he may very well be a high again.
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Sep 7, 2024; Iowa Metropolis, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes working again Kaleb Johnson (2) runs for a 27 yard landing towards the Iowa State Cyclones throughout the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos Johnson is perhaps probably the most bodily again within the class. If you happen to thought Jeanty’s play fashion inspired contact, turning on the Iowa offensive movie will change your tune.
Johnson can bounce defenders out of his means and churns his legs to maintain transferring ahead lengthy after the play ought to have been over. Bodily yoked, he makes use of that muscle to interrupt by defenses like a wrecking ball.
This isn’t to say he’s solely in a position to work by contact. Johnson has the imaginative and prescient to get into open house and may win that means. He lacks agility and generally is a bit stiff and high-cut, so don’t anticipate any jukes or soar steps, however his power may make him right into a starter his rookie season.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Oct 17, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies working again Bhayshul Tuten (33) runs the ball towards Boston School Eagles cornerback Bryquice Brown (19) throughout the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-Imagn Photos Tuten runs like a observe star. Quick and fluid, Tuten confirmed off his pace on the mix and rapidly rose up draft boards.
His jittery cuts and breakaway, home-run means make him one of many higher-upside performs within the class. He’s the kind of big-play menace who can rating at any second.
In a position to rapidly determine the outlet he must hit to make these large performs occur, he reaches the second degree of the protection in a blink and turns into a blur within the open discipline.
Whereas he lacks some pure energy and receiving abilities, Tuten is a high-floor prospect who may instantly grow to be a two-down again — with the ceiling to do way more.