PSAL football: Top 10 running backs to begin 2026 season
Zy'eare Schulters against Long Island Lutheran on October 11, 2025. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
1. Zy’eare Schulters, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn)
Schulters is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. Despite being only 5-3, he makes everyone miss in the open field. He totaled 187 yards of offense in Eagle Academy II’s 24-20 win over Archbishop Hoban (Ohio) this season.
“He is pure electricity,” Eagle Academy II coach Kyron Jones said. “People think because of his size, he’s afraid to run inside, but as he demonstrated against Curtis, all he needs is daylight and once he’s through that hole, nobody is catching him.”
2. Kory Brown, Tottenville (Staten Island)
He has proven to be one of the fastest players in the PSAL since his freshman year. Brown, a senior, is committed to Monmouth and has 48 career touchdowns. “Reliability, character and ability — you put that all together, we’ll never have another Kory Brown at Tottenville High School,” coach Brian Neville said. “I’ve coached a lot of great players, but Kory checks every single box on and off the field.”
3. Jordan Bishop, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn)
Transferring from Cornwall Central, Bishop steps in as the next Division I-bound running back for the Dutchmen. Committed to Stony Brook. Bishop has tremendous vision and will be the feature back behind a big offensive line.
4. Quadare Gomez, Curtis (Staten Island)
A four-year starter for Curtis, Gomez scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Eagle Academy II in last season's PSAL quarterfinals. He totaled three touchdowns in Curtis’ season-opening 41-14 victory over St. Peter’s. “It’s the physicality in how he runs,” coach Peter Gambardella said. “He can run over people and he has the agility and speed to break away. He gets the tough yards and the long-distance plays.”
5. Mekhi Negron, Lincoln (Brooklyn)
He became the feature back for the Railsplitters as a junior and emerged as one of the top players for the storied program. He is an elusive back who will be the heart of Lincoln’s offense this season. Negron totaled 16 touchdowns as a junior.
6. Travys Leahy, James Madison (Brooklyn)
One of the top returning players in 3A, this junior amassed 200 yards of offense in Madison’s season-opening 28-0 statement victory over New Dorp, a 4A program. He helped guide Madison to last season's 3A championship game. “He put in a lot of work this offseason getting stronger,” coach Tommy Salvato said. “He’s very explosive and versatile. He catches the ball out of the backfield and has great vision.”
7. Amadou Samake, JFK (Bronx)
As a junior, Samake emerged as one of the PSAL’s top newcomers. This season, he becomes the feature back in Kennedy’s Wing-T offense. “He can make cuts without slowing down," coach Alex Vega said. "He’s only been playing football for three years, but he has good vision and is sneaky strong. He deadlifts 600 pounds.”
8. Shaliek Williams, South Shore (Brooklyn)
With many of its top offensive weapons departing, South Shore will rely on Williams to run the football. He is a powerful runner and will look to help the Vikings return to the playoffs.
9. Richuard Dobbin, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn)
Dobbin is a tough north-south runner. When Division I-bound running backs Ameir Morrow and Jaire Lewis were injured, Erasmus Hall’s offense remained productive with Dobbin leading the charge. He forms one of the best running back duos in New York City with Bishop.
10. Dominic Prestano, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn)
After transferring from North Babylon, Prestano adds power to Schulters’ speed in this offense. He rushed for 1,339 yards and totaled 19 touchdowns in Suffolk Division II last season. He will be asked to get the tough yards and wear down opposing defenses for Eagle Academy II this season.
