Summer Scouting: Top FCS RB Prospects To Watch In The 2027 NFL Draft

Part two of the summer scouting series will highlight the running back position. The running back position has been trending towards becoming a more premium position if a team can find one that is hard to pass on.

Since 2020, seven running backs have been drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft despite numerous analysts and critics stating that it may be too high to grab a running back in the draft. During the same time period, the FCS had three running backs selected in the NFL Draft out of the 119 total draftees (Isaiah Davis, Dylan Laube, and Pierre Strong Jr.).

The numbers are a bit discouraging for one of the most exciting positions on the FCS level, but getting drafted has never been the only way to become a productive NFL player. Despite these possible challenges, the crop of FCS running backs in the 2027 class is not the deepest, but some prospects can carve out a nice role for themselves on the next level.

For running backs on the FCS level, showcasing versatility, ball security, and the ability to consistently generate positive yardage is a good way to remain on scouts' radar. It also never hurts to be a good athlete at the position.

Eli Gillman (Montana)

Height: 5102
Weight: 213 lbs
2025 Stats: 250 carries, 1,540 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs, 33 receptions, 240 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs (15 games)

Strengths

Very good burst and acceleration
Good breakaway speed
Good vision, identifying cutback lanes and creases
Fits both gap and zone schemes effectively
Reliable receiver out of the backfield

Dason Brooks (Idaho State)

Height: 5114
Weight: 230 lbs
2025 Stats: 157 carries, 1,007 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 50 receiving yards (11 games)

Strengths

Outstanding contact balance
Exceptional leg drive and power
Explosive finisher at the end of his runs
Builds momentum through contact
Reliable in short-yardage situations
Tough and gritty runner

Idaho State running back Dason Brooks (28) | Idaho State Athletics

Floyd Chalk IV (Southern Utah)

Height: 5072
Weight: 206 lbs
2025 Stats: 35 carries, 141 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs (4 games)

Strengths

Explosive initial burst through line of scrimmage
Good quickness and lateral agility
Urgent and decisive runner
Maintains momentum through change of direction
Good maneuverer through congestion

Xaviah Bascon (Harvard)

Height: 5074
Weight: 205 lbs
2025 Stats: 122 carries, 626 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 14 receptions, 116 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD (11 games)

Strengths

Good contact balance
Quick footwork when navigating in traffic
Willing pass protector
Reliable hands out of the backfield
Patient runner with quality vision

Harvard running back Xaviah Bascon (0) | Edward Monigan IV (Harvard Athletics)

Ihson E. Jackson-Anderson (Western Illinois)

Height: 5090
Weight: 199 lbs
2025 Stats: 132 carries, 677 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 15 receptions, 166 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD (12 games)

Strengths

Tough, downhill runner
Decisive runner with good vision
Good contact balance in congestion
Good RAC ability
Very good technique as a pass protector

Victor Dawson (Illinois State)

Height: 5110
Weight: 221 lbs
2025 Stats: 278 carries, 1,377 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs, 32 receptions, 176 receiving yards (17 games)

Strengths

Explosive first step when attacking the LOS
Physical downhill running style
Subtle, efficient footwork
Tough, punishing runner with very good finishing burst
Outstanding leg drive

Illinois State running back Victor Dawson (5) runs the ball against Montana State during the FCS National Championship | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Jordan Barnett (Morgan State)

Height: 5110
Weight: 232 lbs
2025 Stats: 172 carries, 1,209 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 68 receiving yards (11 games)

Strengths

Powerful build and frame
Very good finishing burst
Tough runner with quality leg drive
Explosive finisher with good contact balance
Reliable hands out of the backfield

Sleeper RB Prospects:

Charles Pierre Jr. (South Dakota)
Eden James (Howard)
Brendon Barrow (Rhode Island)
Luke Yoder (Lehigh)

Biggest Games To Watch In 2026:

Jordan Barnett vs Arizona State (Sept. 5)
Eli Gillman vs Oregon State (Sept. 19)
Dason Brooks vs Utah State (Sept. 5)
Floyd Chalk IV vs Colorado State (Sept. 12)
Ihson Jackson-Anderson vs Wisconsin (Sept. 12)

Early FCS Running Back Superlatives:

Best Pure Runner: Eli Gillman (Montana)
Best Vision: Xaviah Bascon (Harvard)
Best Contact Balance: Dason Brooks (Idaho State)
Best Home-Run Threat: Eli Gillman (Montana)
Best Receiving Back: Eli Gillman (Montana)
Best Pass Protector: Ihson Jackson-Anderson (Western Illinois)
Most Complete RB: Eli Gillman (Montana)

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