Top 10 Running Backs Who Played 7v7 Football of All Time

The Top 10 Running Backs Who Played 7v7 Football of All Time and Proved It Wasn’t Just a Passing Game

Running backs don’t always get the shine in 7v7 — but the great ones made sure they couldn’t be ignored. These backs didn’t just line up in the backfield and chill while the QBs aired it out. They ran crisp routes, embarrassed linebackers in space, and showed why elite vision and soft hands matter in any format.

Some of these dudes were catching screens in high school and torching DBs for six. Others were using 7v7 as a launch pad for a complete game — power, burst, and pass-catching polish.

From Heisman hopefuls to NFL game-changers, these are the Top 10 Running Backs Who Played 7v7 Football of All Time.

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New to 7v7 Football? Learn the rules, history, and everything you need to know before diving into these rankings. Click here for our full 7v7 Football breakdown.

10. Zack Moss

Running Back, 5’9”, 205 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Florida Fire, 2013–2015
College: Utah
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals/Colts/Bills)

Zack Moss brought that Florida Fire energy — literally. Running with one of the top 7v7 programs in the country, Moss showcased elite balance, soft hands, and serious power against linebackers and safeties in space. He wasn’t just a run-through-you guy — in 7v7, he proved he could line up wide, catch routes, and still hit you in the mouth after the catch.

At Utah, he became the school’s all-time leading rusher, setting records for touchdowns and yards with a mix of vision and contact balance that screamed “pro-ready.” He dominated in the Pac-12 despite being slept on nationally.

Now in the NFL, Moss has carved out a role as a physical, do-it-all back — stepping up in 2023 as a key starter and landing with the Bengals in 2024 to add depth and toughness to their backfield.

Accolades:
– All-time leading rusher at Utah (4,067 yards)
– 3× 1,000-yard seasons (2017–2019)
– Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
– 3rd Round Pick, 2020 NFL Draft (Buffalo Bills)

9. Kenneth Walker III

Running Back, 5’9”, 211 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Georgia Rare Breed, 2015–2017
College: Wake Forest / Michigan State
NFL: Seattle Seahawks

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Kenneth Walker III ran 7v7 like a wide receiver trapped in a running back’s body. With Georgia Rare Breed, he used his lateral quickness and stop-start explosiveness to shake defenders out of their cleats. Linebackers couldn’t cover him in space, and corners didn’t want to tackle him after the catch.

He started his college career at Wake Forest, but it was at Michigan State where he broke out and let the world know — he wasn’t just a dual-threat back, he was a full-blown Heisman-caliber weapon. Whether he was jump-cutting through the second level or bouncing outside with burst, his vision and top-end gear were elite.

In Seattle, he’s been a backfield hammer with home-run speed, and he’s only getting started.

Accolades:
– 2021 Doak Walker Award Winner
– 1,636 rushing yards, 18 TDs in breakout 2021 season at Michigan State
– 2nd Round Pick, 2022 NFL Draft (Seattle Seahawks)

8. Jahmyr Gibbs

Running Back, 5’9”, 199 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Hustle Inc, 2017–2019
College: Georgia Tech / Alabama
NFL: Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs in 7v7 was straight-up chaos in cleats. Repping Hustle Inc, he was untouchable in space and deadly on wheel routes. DBs didn’t have a prayer — he could break ankles, flip the field, and make defenders quit mid-rep. His hands? Clean. His acceleration? Silky. His balance? Silly.

He started his college career at Georgia Tech, where he was a one-man offense. Then he transferred to Alabama and immediately became a weapon Nick Saban leaned on — as a runner, receiver, and returner. Gibbs didn’t just catch passes — he cooked linebackers like a slot receiver.

Now in Detroit, he’s part of a two-headed monster and proving why he’s one of the most versatile backs in the league.

Accolades:
– 1,370 total yards, 10 TDs at Alabama (2022)
– 12th Overall Pick, 2023 NFL Draft (Lions)

7. Nick Chubb

Running Back, 5’11”, 227 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Georgia Fire, 2012–2013
College: Georgia
NFL: Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb didn’t need 7v7 to prove he was a beast — but when he played, he treated it like it was full contact. Running with Georgia Fire, Chubb wasn’t just there to catch swing passes. He ran routes with intent, caught with confidence, and looked like a linebacker with ballerina feet.

At Georgia, he formed a lethal backfield duo with Sony Michel and racked up yards like it was his job — because it was. Injuries tried to slow him down, but Chubb bounced back stronger and more violent than ever. Every run was a statement.

In the NFL, he’s been one of the most consistent and feared runners in the league. No dancing, no nonsense — just downhill destruction.

Accolades:
– 4,769 career rushing yards at Georgia (2nd all-time)
– 2× Second-Team All-SEC
– 2nd Round Pick, 2018 NFL Draft (Browns)
– 4× Pro Bowler (2019–2022)

6. Travis Etienne

Running Back, 5’10”, 215 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Louisiana Bootleggers, 2014–2016
College: Clemson
NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne turned 7v7 football into a track meet — and he always had the baton. Running with the Louisiana Bootleggers, Etienne brought raw speed, elite burst, and soft hands that let him line up as a receiver and cook DBs in space. He wasn’t just catching passes out of the backfield — he was taking screens to the house like they were 60-yard relays.

At Clemson, Etienne became the ACC’s all-time leading rusher while showing off improved vision and pass-catching. His chemistry with Trevor Lawrence was deadly, especially in third-down sets. And when he hit top gear? Forget it — he was gone.

Now in Jacksonville, he’s back with his college QB and proving to be one of the most dynamic backs in the league.

Accolades:
– 4,952 career rushing yards at Clemson (ACC record)
– 78 total touchdowns (school record)
– 2× ACC Player of the Year
– 1st Round Pick, 2021 NFL Draft (Jaguars)

5. Dalvin Cook

Running Back, 5’10”, 210 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: South Florida Express, 2011–2013
College: Florida State
NFL: Minnesota Vikings / New York Jets / Baltimore Ravens

Dalvin Cook was different the second he touched a 7v7 field. Repping the powerhouse South Florida Express, he played like a receiver in a running back’s frame — explosive routes, elite hands, and breakaway speed that turned swing passes into sprints to the pylon. You couldn’t cover him, and you couldn’t catch him.

At Florida State, he became a seminal piece of the offense, finishing as the school’s all-time leading rusher. His blend of vision, balance, and acceleration made him a nightmare to scheme against — and a dream for highlight reels.

In the NFL, Cook posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons and Pro Bowl nods. Injuries slowed him at times, but when healthy, he reminded everyone why he was one of the most dangerous backs in football.

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Accolades:
– 4,464 career rushing yards at Florida State (school record)
– 3× 1,000-yard NFL seasons with the Vikings
– 4× Pro Bowl Selection (2019–2022)
– 2nd Round Pick, 2017 NFL Draft (Vikings)

4. Joe Mixon

Running Back, 6’1”, 220 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: B2G Elite, 2012–2014
College: Oklahoma
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals / Houston Texans

Joe Mixon was built for 7v7 football. Running with B2G Elite, he lined up in the slot, ran crisp routes, and looked more like a WR1 than a traditional back. His size, agility, and hands made him a complete mismatch — and once he caught the ball, he was a nightmare in the open field.

At Oklahoma, he shared the backfield with Samaje Perine but still racked up over 1,800 all-purpose yards in his final season. He could line up anywhere and do everything — run between the tackles, catch fades, or take a screen to the crib.

In the NFL, Mixon became the heartbeat of the Bengals’ offense during their rise, including a Super Bowl run. Now in Houston, he brings that same dual-threat energy as a veteran weapon.

Accolades:
– 1,812 total yards, 15 TDs in 2016 at Oklahoma
– 2nd Round Pick, 2017 NFL Draft (Bengals)
– 2021 Pro Bowl Selection

3. Bijan Robinson

Running Back, 6’0”, 215 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Tucson Turf, 2017–2019
College: Texas
NFL: Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson in 7v7 football looked like a cheat code. Repping Tucson Turf, he lined up as a back, a slot, and even wide — and he dominated from all angles. His routes were clean, his cuts were violent, and his hands? Silk. He wasn’t just a part of the passing game — he was the weapon everyone game-planned for.

At Texas, he became a human highlight reel. Whether he was spinning through contact or hurdling defenders in the open field, Bijan had the complete skill set — and the tape to back it up. Scouts were drooling over his ability to impact the game on all three downs.

Now in Atlanta, he’s being unleashed as a true do-it-all threat. Running, receiving, motioning wide — he’s what 7v7 was made to create.

Accolades:
– 2022 Doak Walker Award Winner
– 8th Overall Pick, 2023 NFL Draft (Falcons)

2. Alvin Kamara

Running Back, 5’10”, 215 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Georgia Fire, 2011–2013
College: Alabama / JUCO / Tennessee
NFL: New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara was built for 7v7 football — and it showed. Repping Georgia Fire, he showcased rare receiving skills and explosive lateral movement. He lined up in the slot, caught deep outs like a receiver, and had hands so reliable they could’ve been insured. He was the mismatch that broke game plans.

His journey wasn’t straight. He started at Alabama, transferred to JUCO, and then exploded at Tennessee, flashing elite balance, vision, and dual-threat ability. He never needed 20+ touches to dominate — just the right angle and some daylight.

In the NFL, he made an immediate impact, becoming one of the most dangerous pass-catching backs the league has ever seen. Short swing passes? Touchdown. Wheel route vs. a linebacker? Goodbye.

Accolades:
– 3rd Round Pick, 2017 NFL Draft (Saints)
– NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2017)
– 5× Pro Bowl Selection (2017–2021)
– Over 10,000 career scrimmage yards
– Only player in NFL history with 6 rushing TDs in a single game (2020)

1. Christian McCaffrey

Running Back, 5’11”, 210 lbs
High School 7v7 Team: Team Full Gorilla, 2012–2014
College: Stanford
NFL: Carolina Panthers / San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey is the blueprint for a 7v7 football running back. Repping Team Full Gorilla, he was used like a slot receiver — and treated defenders like cones. His route running, hands, and football IQ were elite before he ever touched the Pac-12. In space? He was untouchable.

At Stanford, he became the most versatile player in college football, breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season all-purpose yardage record. He could run inside, run wide, return kicks, and catch 8 balls a game. He wasn’t just dominant — he was impossible to scheme for.

In the NFL, he’s lived up to every bit of the hype — and then some. When healthy, he’s a top-5 RB and WR in one body and that’s why he’s #1 on our top 10 running backs who played 7v7 football of all time. Whether it’s a 7-yard slant or a 60-yard screen, McCaffrey stays surgical.

Accolades:
– 2015 AP College Football Player of the Year
– Over 3,800 total yards in a single CFB season (NCAA record)
– 8th Overall Pick, 2017 NFL Draft (Panthers)
– 3× Pro Bowl, 3× First-Team All-Pro
– 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year (49ers)

Want to see who was slinging the rock in 7v7 before they became stars? Check out the Top 10 QBs who dominated the format. Click here for the list.