Minnesota’s Best Power Backs Heading into the 2024 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running backs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are fast, some are quick, but there is something about a big, bruising back that strikes a special kind of fear into the hearts of defenders. In this list, I'll highlight some of the best power backs heading into the 2024 prep football season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["348767"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"No list of Minnesota power backs would be complete without [player_tooltip player_id='348767' first='Francis' last='O'Malley'] The rising senior out of Montevideo has a 6 foot, 235 pound frame, yet seems athletic enough on tape to play any position on the field if he wanted to. He is a bulldozer in the backfield, getting to the next level with his pads down, then using his surprising top speed to pull away from the defense. I noticed multiple plays where defenders actually angled their bodies away from the guy just so they wouldn't have to hit him head on. He can outrun defensive lineman, outmanuever linebackers, and outmuscle defensive backs, not to mention the pancakes he racked up on pass blocking downs. He squats 565 pounds, benches over 400, and runs a 4.7 second 40 yard dash at his size. Simply put, O'Malley is a man amongst boys on the field, and will likely spend his senior season terroizing opposing defenses once more.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["348812"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The most versatile back on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='348812' first='Ramero' last='Trevino'] has added another layer to Wilmar's offense, as he is a threat both on the ground and through the air. He has a surprising range of routes, and can get open anywhere on the field. In fact, despite being 5'10u0022 and weighing 210 pounds, Trevino frequently lines up in the slot. On the ground, he is just as if not more dangerous. Right away, I noticed his legs chopping through all of his runs, whether it was a three yard gain or a 30 yard rumble. Trevino doesn't shy away from contact, and will gladly take a low hit if it means a few extra yards after the fact. He can stop on a dime and force arm tackles with his redirections, a unique skill to have for someone his size. He also shows surprising poise for someone his age as he waits for plays to develop in front of him. This patience, and more importantly, trust in his blockers, shows a sense of maturity and poise that will translate well to the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["242385"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"I sat down on my couch to watch [player_tooltip player_id='242385' first='Landon' last='Dillon']'s film, and the first thing I saw was him bulling over an unblocked u003cemu003enosetackleu003c/emu003e, then dragging two defensive backs with him on the way to the end zone. The next play saw him pull another pair of defenders with him past the goal line, and I knew I was watching a stud. Dillon is 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, and runs like every play might be his last. He has a knack for getting low to the ground, especially right before contact, and this allows him to truck past even the most technically sound defenders he faces. The yardage he gains after contact is absurd at times, and I saw him turn multiple would be negative rushes into first downs. The more I watched his film, the more he reminded me of another running back with the last name Dillon on Green Bay.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["383119"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Rushing for nearly 800 yards against some of the toughest competition in Minnesota is no small feat, and [player_tooltip player_id='383119' first='Sawyer' last='Wilkie'] did it as a junior. The Lakeville North product is a tough, upfield runner that earns every one of his yards. He has great vision and commitment to hitting the hole, which is part of the reason he was leaned on so much for short yardage situations. He lines up at both fullback and running back, being a threat at both spots. In the passing game, Wilkie sells the play action well and locks onto defenders when he blocks, making him useful in the backfield regardless of the down and distance. I also noticed his sharp instincts and ball security, as he would keep the football safely tucked between two arms until he either had some space to turn upfield or he was past the defense. I'm excited to see what steps forward he takes as the returning lead back for the Panthers this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["551384"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The Litchfield phenom put together a great junior campaign, racking up over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns while still averaging over five yards a carry. [player_tooltip player_id='551384' first='Lukas' last='Kuehl'] combines patience and acceleration to hit gaps while they are still open, allowing him to get four or five yards up the field untouched in some instances. His skill set works especially well on quick pitches, as he is able to gain steam horizontally while simultaneously waiting for the play to develop. His base is excellent, which allows him to change directions and shrug off would be tacklers. I also noticed a recurring stiff arm, one that was strong enough to ward off opposing middle linebackers. Kuehl is a powerful back with good vision, and many programs at the next level could benefit with him on their roster.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["242483"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Although he is one of the smallest backs on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='242483' first='Ronnie' last='Lemon'] is undoubtedly the best blocker. He lead blocks, he pass blocks, and he can put any defender across from him belly up on the turf. Lemon's sturdy base, hand placement, and ferocious leg movement allow him to drive larger defenders back, and in some instances, pancake them on impact. For the passing game, he takes on charging linebackers without giving up much ground, helping give his quarterback a clean pocket to throw in. Sometimes, he even lines up at wingback due to how well he can set the edge for his other backs. This unselfish playstyle is apparent in his running too. He barrels shoulder-first into any short yardage situation, falling forward nearly every time. He can stiff arm, truck, or juke defenders of all sizes. These skills, paired with his unbelievable blocking, would make him a nightmare to game plan against.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640211244b059"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->