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: 5102Weight: 213 lbs2025 Stats: 250 carries, 1,540 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs, 33 receptions, 240 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs (15 games)StrengthsVery good burst and accelerationGood breakaway speedGood vision, identifying cutback lanes and creasesFits both gap and zone schemes effectivelyReliable receiver out of the backfieldDason Brooks (Idaho State)Height: 5114Weight: 230 lbs2025 Stats: 157 carries, 1,007 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 50 receiving yards (11 games)StrengthsOutstanding contact balanceExceptional leg drive and powerExplosive finisher at the end of his runsBuilds momentum through contactReliable in short-yardage situationsTough and gritty runnerIdaho State running back Dason Brooks (28) | Idaho State AthleticsFloyd Chalk IV (Southern Utah)Height: 5072Weight: 206 lbs2025 Stats: 35 carries, 141 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs (4 games)StrengthsExplosive initial burst through line of scrimmageGood quickness and lateral agilityUrgent and decisive runnerMaintains momentum through change of directionGood maneuverer through congestionXaviah Bascon (Harvard)Height: 5074Weight: 205 lbs2025 Stats: 122 carries, 626 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 14 receptions, 116 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD (11 games)StrengthsGood contact balanceQuick footwork when navigating in trafficWilling pass protectorReliable hands out of the backfieldPatient runner with quality visionHarvard running back Xaviah Bascon (0) | Edward Monigan IV (Harvard Athletics)Ihson E. Jackson-Anderson (Western Illinois)Height: 5090Weight: 199 lbs2025 Stats: 132 carries, 677 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 15 receptions, 166 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD (12 games)StrengthsTough, downhill runnerDecisive runner with good visionGood contact balance in congestionGood RAC abilityVery good technique as a pass protectorVictor Dawson (Illinois State)Height: 5110Weight: 221 lbs2025 Stats: 278 carries, 1,377 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs, 32 receptions, 176 receiving yards (17 games)StrengthsExplosive first step when attacking the LOSPhysical downhill running styleSubtle, efficient footworkTough, punishing runner with very good finishing burstOutstanding leg driveIllinois State running back Victor Dawson (5) runs the ball against Montana State during the FCS National Championship | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectJordan Barnett (Morgan State)Height: 5110Weight: 232 lbs2025 Stats: 172 carries, 1,209 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 68 receiving yards (11 games)StrengthsPowerful build and frameVery good finishing burstTough runner with quality leg driveExplosive finisher with good contact balanceReliable hands out of the backfieldSleeper 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)Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow