Paul Erredges POSITION TOP 5: Running Back (5A)
In this article:
Iowa has officially become loaded with halfbacks. There are countless names that are going to go to big colleges some of which are already committed. Last year was kind of a down year with running backs but its the complete…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIowa has officially become loaded with halfbacks. There are countless names that are going to go to big colleges some of which are already committed. Last year was kind of a down year with running backs but its the complete opposite this year.
My rankings are based on stats, performance, skills, and team success. I am only including halfbacks on this list, if a player played multiple positions they will be featured in a different article! Feel free to message me on Twitter if you have a question or a different opinion.
1. Colin Kadolph Colin Kadolph 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Ankeny | 2022 State IA (Ankeny) 2022 5´10 170 lbs Hudl Twitter
No one had quite the statistical year that Kadolph had. Kadolph rushed for 1,801 yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, and 6.9 yards per carry. Those stats are far and away the best out of every single halfback in the state especially against 5A competition. Kadolph has a incredible burst that leads to breakaway touchdowns almost routinely. I was extremely impressed with him this season and in my opinion he should have won player of the year for the state of Iowa (hard to beat Xavier Nwankpa Xavier Nwankpa 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA ). Overall he is a tremendous prospect that currently is committed to Mankato State University.
2. Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Des Moines Lincoln | 2022 State IA (Des Moines Lincoln) 2022 6´0 184 lbs Hudl Twitter
Jenkins is one of the most underrated prospects I have ever seen. He has the perfect combo of size and speed that resulted in a stellar season. Jenkins rushed for 1,113 yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, and 8.2 yards per carry and he did all that in nine games. No doubt Jenkins would of been a 1,500+ rusher if he had a better offensive line and a playoff caliber team (hard to do when your town is split into four). Jenkins recently received a PWO from Iowa State so it looks like college coaches are starting to recognize his name.
3. Abu Sama Abu Sama 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA (Southeast Polk) 2023 5´11 180 lbs Hudl Twitter
Sama started the season at defensive back but after Titus Christansens injury Sama filled in for him at halfback. This move ended up leading Southeast Polk to a state championship. Sama was sensational this season at fighting for extra yards and breaking weak arm tackles that a lot of high school corner backs try to do. Sama currently has not been given a offer by a FBS or FCS school, but I imagine that will change by the end of the 2023 season.
4. Darren Richardson Darren Richardson 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Iowa City High | 2022 State IA (Iowa City High) 2022 6´0 200 lbs Hudl Twitter
Richardson was a major part of Iowa City Highs Cinderella run. Richardson is a extremely gifted runner that can break multiple tackles and explode for massive gains. Richardson had 1,012 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and 7.4 yards per carry. Richardson currently has offers to multiple NAIA/Division three colleges. He could possibly get a division two offer but sadly he had to make up a lot of ground after a limited COVID season.
5. Jazan Williams Jazan Williams 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Kennedy | 2023 State IA (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) 2023 6´0 180 lbs Hudl Twitter
Williams ran as hard as any running back in the state this year. Williams consistently broke multiple tackles it felt like every play. He totaled 1,239 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 4.8 yards per carry. Williams excelled at getting fighting for extra yards and putting his head down to flatten opposing defenders. Williams had a heavy workload this season but continued to fight for yards and break tackles every play.
HM: Makelle Taylor Makelle Taylor 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Prairie | 2023 State IA , Carter Henderson Carter Henderson 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Linn-Mar | 2023 State IA , Mason Applegate Mason Applegate 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Iowa City West | 2022 State IA (Not a primary halfback), Nate Hummel, Drew Benson Drew Benson 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Sioux City West | 2022 IA , Titus Christansen (Hurt), Dion Hutch Dion Hutch 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Valley | 2022 State IA , Danny Rankins Danny Rankins 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Valley | 2022 IA Jr, Alexander Linquist (Hurt).