’23 Preseason Super 7 – 2A Running Backs
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Super 7 – 5A Running Backs Super 7 – 4A Running Backs Super 7 – 3A Running Backs IOWA CITY, Iowa – The 2023 high school football season is just a short summer away. It will be here before we know…
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Continue ReadingIOWA CITY, Iowa – The 2023 high school football season is just a short summer away. It will be here before we know it.
You can read about the quarterbacks HERE, and now we’ll take a look at seven standout runnings backs in each class. Here’s 2A:
Braden McShane, ’24, New Hampton – McShane (6-2, 204) is an interesting player to watch on his junior highlights. He delivers on both sides of the ball as a running back and linebacker. He rushed for a 2A best 1,733 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. On defense, he totaled 21 solo tackles (5.0 for loss) with two sacks, four fumbles recoveries and three interceptions. He projects best on defense with good instincts and explosiveness to the ball.
Ben Gonzalez Ben Gonzalez 5'7" | 170 lbs | RB West Marshall | 2025 State IA , ’25, West Marshall – Gonzalez (5-8, 180) shined as a sophomore in ’22 with 1,398 yards (8.3 YPC) and 14 touchdowns. He does well in picking his way through the line and hitting the gas when he finds a seam. He sees the field well and makes sharp cuts. He also can power through defenders as you can see in his junior highlights.
Graham Eben Graham Eben 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Central Lyon Rock Rapids | 2024 State IA , ’24, Central Lyon/GLR – I think Eben (6-2, 190) could end up on defense in college, but he’s intriguing on offense as well. He has good size and is athletic. He lines up all over the defense, but defensive back seems like a good bet at the next level. As a running back and return man, you see a playmaker who is a problem when he hits the open field.
Titan Schmitt, ’25, Clear Lake – Schmitt (6-0, 170) earned second-team all-state laurels as a sophomore in ’22. He rushed for 977 yards and 17 touchdowns. He picked off two passes on defense. He shows a good feel for running the football, patiently waiting for his blocks and then accelerating through the hole. He cuts sharply and looks comfortable taking the handoff from wherever he lines up.
Bode Higgins, ’25, Spirit Lake – Higgins joins Gonzalez and Schmitt in making it a strong ’25 running back class in 2A. Higgins (6-0, 190) rushed for 966 yards (6.7 YPC) and 16 touchdowns as a 10th-grader last season. He added 17 receptions for 109 yards, and contributed 3.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss on defense. His highlights reveal a nice blend of speed and power running the ball. Athleticism shines through on defense.
Brock Oxenreider, ’25, Chariton – Have we talked about the ’25 running backs in 2A? We have. Well, add Oxenreider (5-10, 180) to the list. He hits the hole with a purpose and can get to top speed very quickly. He also fights for tough yards between the tackles. He rushed for 893 yards and eight touchdowns in ’22. He added 37 solo tackles with 7.0 for loss and 4.0 sacks.
Adrien Robbins Adrien Robbins 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB PCM | 2025 State IA , ’25, PCM – Hey, look, it’s another standout ’25 running back in 2A. Robbins (5-10, 155) rumbled for 867 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as a sophomore last fall. He chipped in six catches for 93 yards and a score. He picked off a pass on defense and stood out on returns. During his highlights, you see a back that knows when to stick his foot in the ground, change direction and make guys miss. He’ll also drop a shoulder and plow over defenders.