Top 5 Running Backs of Northern WI

With the offseason well underway, and recruiting heating up, I want to begin a series looking at the Top 5 Players by Position in the different regions of the state. To keep it consistent, we will break WI into a northern and southern half using Hwy 10 as the dividing line. We begin the series by looking at the Top 5 RBs of Northern WI. One last qualifier, this series is open to the Class of 2023-2025. This way we can identify the true Top 5 of both regions. There will also be a Honorable Mention section to provide even more names for college coaches. Let’s get it started! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31392" first="Najeh" last="Mitchell"], ’23- West De Pere (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14182148/613d504d5ef7770348b50b4f">Najeh’s Junior Season</a>)</strong> Najeh is one of the state’s most versatile, dangerous athletes. Our National Director of Scouting just mentioned this week how he believes Najeh could play RB or WR at the next level, and I agree wholeheartedly. Najeh is outrageously gifted athletically. He has rare speed and vision making him a matchup nightmare out in space. He finished 2021 with 193 carries, 903 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs, 37 receptions, 570 receiving yards, and 9 receiving TDs. Look for Najeh to be the focal point of an explosive West De Pere offense that includes QB [player_tooltip player_id="220784" first="Duke" last="Shovald"], WR [player_tooltip player_id="104984" first="Langdon" last="Nordgaard"]. [embed]https://twitter.com/Lemmingscouting/status/1516491824352874502[/embed] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104497" first="Ben" last="Vallafskey"], ’23- Appleton West (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12744007/6179b925ab92a206e4478140">Ben’s Junior Season</a>)</strong> The 5’10" 185 lbs RB is going to be fun to watch this season. He is a big play waiting to happen, and the big plays happen often as Appleton West gets him the ball on the ground, through the air, and in the return game. The name of the game is acceleration, burst, agility, and top end speed. Ben is one o ft he best options when it comes to athletes who can create mismatches, and be super dangerous in change of pace roles at the next level. As a junior, Ben posted 150 carries, 872 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, and 101 receiving yards. He also housed a kickoff return. I expect to see the raw numbers, and per touch averages to make a jump this year. Keep an eye on this playmaker in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104370" first="Andrew" last="Trandahl"], ’23- New Richmond (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4765788/615b4e20e984d50aa4404be2">Andrew’s Junior Season</a>)</strong> Andrew is going to be apart of a dominant backfield duo, but as a  junior he proved he can handle a RB1 type workload. The 5’8" 180 lbs RB is a strong runner with a low center of gravity making it difficult to bring him down. To that contact balance, Andrew also adds collegiate level explosive traits. This has made the compact RB a dynamic inside, outside threat. In 2021 he posted 145 carries, 1,094 rushing yards, 13 TDs, 5 receptions, and 29 receiving yards. Keep an eye on this backfield in 2022. <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="104987" first="Karter" last="Butt"], ’24- Edgar (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15124299/6189c64ddfd86f09444732c7">Karter’s Sophomore Season</a>)</strong> The soon to be junior RB is the top ’24 RB in Northern WI. The 5’10" 200 lbs two way athlete is a strong runner. He pairs short area agility and the power to break tackle together to make himself a reliable between the tackles runner who can pile up the yards after contact. He sets the tone of the game as he churns his way to tough yards. He also has the speed to be able to get the edge and pick up big yards out in space. He finished 2021 with 154 carries, 988 rushing yards, 15 TDs, 4 receptions, and 44 receiving yards. Karter is going to be must watch the next two seasons. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104407" first="Noah" last="Hofmann"], ’23- Kaukauna (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13116629/6178ce88f560280ae0266f59">Noah’s Junior Season)</a></strong> Noah was able to put together a strong season despite not being the primary option. This season we could see a big jump as he looks t o take on that starting RB work after the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id="182824" first="Hunter" last="Natrop"]. Noah is an intriguing change of pace, third down option for the next level. He thrives out in space where his speed is able to be highlighted. He finished 2021 with 65 carries, 270 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 215 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs, and 1 kickoff return TD. keep an eye on the 5’10" 170 lbs athlete. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104482" first="Dawson" last="Rud"] ’23 (Mondovi): </strong><em>206 Carries, 1,584 Yards, 21 TDs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104485" first="Blake" last="Barry"] ’23 (Kimberly):</strong> <em>103 Carries, 674 Yards, 15 TDs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="262068" first="Gus" last="Newel"] ’25 (Ashwaubenon): </strong><em>Played on Freshman Team, No varsity stats</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="167622" first="Sawyer" last="Fox"] ’25 (Somerset):</strong><em> 6 Carries, 22 Yards, 1 Varsity game</em>