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Vote for Republic's top 10 Arizona HS running backs for 2026 season

Here is another installment of The Arizona Republic's ongoing look at the top 10 Arizona high school players for the 2026 season at each position.

We started with the top 10 quarterbacks and top 10 athletes. Here, we turn our attention to the running backs, those guys who can find the smallest of seams and break through for touchdowns. There is no shortage of them in Arizona.

The Republic's top 10 running backs

1. Noah Roberts, Chandler Basha, 6-1, 190, Sr.

He's been a varsity starter since his freshman year, a game-changer with his ability to catch deep passes out of the backfield. Should get most of the carries this season. Has a chance to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving. He has committed to Texas.

Basha quarterback Jake Rogers hands the ball off to running back Noah Roberts during spring football showcase at Basha High School in Chandler on May 13, 2026.

2. D'Mari Bryant, Goodyear Millennium, 5-11, 190, Sr.

Electric back who will run through and around defenders. He ran for 2,042 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 9.2 yards a carry as a junior.

Millennium Tigers running back D'Mari Bryant (6) runs the ball against the Verrado Vipers at Millennium High School in Goodyear on Oct. 3, 2025.

3. Jeremy Adeyanju, Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor, 6-0, 222, Sr.

Son of a former NFL player, he's got all of the moves and strength to have a 2,000-yard season as the offensive line comes together. He's got an explosive first step and drives through defenders.

4. Byron Brandon, Goodyear Desert Edge, 5-10, 185, Jr.

Tough runner and good pass catcher. He ran for 1,274 yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore. He'll be utilized quite a bit out of the backfield.

Desert Edge Scorpions Byron Brandon (6) runs with the ball against Millennium Tigers Isaiah Whitfield (19) during a game at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear on Oct. 31, 2025.

5. Devonte Roebuck, Chandler Hamilton, 5-11, 205, Jr.

He rotated with two other tailbacks last season when he ran for 363 yards on 62 carries. He could be the featured back, running behind one of the biggest and strongest lines in the state.

6. Jaylee Abraham, Peoria Centennial, 5-8, 180, Jr.

He transferred from Tucson Desert View at the end of the school year. Expected to become a featured back midway through the season. He ran for 1,716 yards and 33 TDs as a sophomore last season, when he also caught 30 passes for 570 yards and five scores.

7. Keshawn Barkus, Mesa Westwood, 5-9, 200, Sr.

He has led 6A in rushing the past two seasons. He could go for 3,000 yards this season. He's low to the ground and tough to tackle. Takes more than one defender to bring him down. Great in open space.

Westwood's football success in 2026 revolves around the play of offensive lineman Samson Tengei (left) and running back Keshawn Barkus.

8. Chuck Van Dyke, Surprise Paradise Honors, 5-10, 195, Sr.

He ran for 2,082 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior. Bullish back who can pop outside for big gains. He's a workhorse. Durable, strong, elusive.

9. David Douglas, Chandler, 5-9, 185, Jr.

Expect him to come into his own, giving the Wolves a balanced attack. He can catch passes out of the backfield. A true dual threat.

Chandler quarterback Will Mencl (7) hands the ball off to running back David Douglas (25) during spring football showcase at Chandler High School in Chandler on May 12, 2026.

10. Dylan Brush, Horizon, 5-11, 181, So.

He burst onto the scene as a freshman, breaking tackles and making big plays on the varsity. He's gotten even faster and stronger. Watch for him to chase 2,000 rushing yards this season. He's a big-play back.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up for Azcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Republic's top 10 Arizona HS running backs to see in 2026

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