Minnesconsin Camp, Best I Saw: ’25-’26 RBs
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a subscription! With a deep group of 2024s representing the RB group I wanted to save the other guys for their own article. There are eight athletes that I saw that are entering their…
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With a deep group of 2024s representing the RB group I wanted to save the other guys for their own article. There are eight athletes that I saw that are entering their junior, or sophomore, years that I saw that have me excited for the future. Let’s get right into this group of playmakers.
Mason Gehl
Mason Gehl
A WI athlete who put himself on my radar, and the radars of the next level if they saw what I saw, is ’25 Mason Gehl. The New Berlin Eisenhower RB checked in at 5’11” 186 lbs. He has a solid frame to continue to build on and fill out. It is a frame that carries impressive athleticism that should standout on the field this fall. He jumped 9’1″ and 36.7″ in the broad and vertical respectively. He also ran a respectable 4.78 40 yard dash. On tape, Gehl is actually used at QB, but don’t get confused. Mason is more of a wildcat QB and uses his legs to create his big plays. Gehl looks like a physical runner who can play between the tackles, run through arm tackles, fall forward, and he has the speed to pick up big yards when he hits the open field. I’m excited to see him impact as an upperclassman this fall.
One of the first student athletes who caught my eyes during positional work was the MAS ’25 RB. Josiah has built up an impressive frame. He is 6′ 210 lbs, a good bit larger than he was in 2022. That growth hasn’t slowed him down either. The big back jumped 9’6″ in the broad, and 34.5″ in the vertical. He also ran a solid 4.69 in the 40 yard dash. Josiah is a natural at the RB position and has proven to be a complete back who can impact the game on the ground or as a receiver. With the ball in his hands, Josiah wins with his vision to find lanes or blocks, strength to be able to run through contact, and speed to turn green grass into points. Josiah put up almost 800 yards last season, but we may see a full breakout this fall. He is definitely a name to know.
Highlights
Teams looking for that mismatch nightmare out of the backfield need to know about Brecken. Keoraj is an undersized back at 5’7″ 141.6 lbs, but his athleticism is off the charts. He ran an elite 4.46 40 yard dash, jumped 9’8″ and 37″, and had a 4.39 in the pro agility. Brecken is the type of athlete who shines in space. Get him the ball with screen passes or check downs, or tosses/sweeps to get him outside of containment. Once out there, Brecken has the burst and agility to make defenders miss or use bad angles. His top speed doesn’t allow him to be caught from behind. On top of being an offensive weapon, Keoraj has proven to be a special teams impact as well. Any way you can get him the ball in space is a good thing. He helped his team win a State Championship as a sophomore.
Highlights
One of the top 2026 RBs from Minnesota came over and represented himself well at the Minnesconsin Camp. James was 5’8″ 165 lbs, ran 4.68, broad jumped 9’1″, and had a solid 7.1 L-Drill. Because PRZ MN had him ranked so high, and he stood out at the camp among all the RBs, I had to go to the film to see him in action. It didn’t disappoint as the back was a man among boys as a freshman. He averaged nearly 15 yards per carry. His vision to see the field, set up defenders, and find cut backs was amplified by his speed and agility. The twitchy athlete weaved his way through defenses all fall, and he should be a key to the Maple Grove offense this fall. Have the soon to be sophomore on your radars.
Highlights
I also had my eyes caught by the Bethlehem Academy ’25 RB. The 5’7″ 170 lbs athlete ran a great time of 4.63, jumped 9’7″ and 37.1″ in the broad and vertical jumps. Bo also proved his agility with a 4.31 pro agility time. Bo caught my eyes in the drill work with the RBs. His body control caught my eyes as he had a very smooth jump cut and lateral agility overall. I went to his tape to see more, and that same agility stood out. Bokman does a great job of always going forward. Even when he would hit a juke or jump cut, he would instantly accelerate and continue to attack the defense. His speed checks out too as he was able to get outside the defense often and beat a lot of pursuit angles.
Highlights
Landon Bryant
Landon Bryant
Landon is an interesting prospect, and a new athlete on my radar. The 5’9″ 166 lbs ’25 had a great 40 time of 4.59 along with a solid 9′ broad jump. Those two being his best results matches what his tape shows as well. Bryant isn’t one to win with lateral agility, jukes, or jump cuts. Instead, you see him make plays by hitting the hole quickly, and then using his top speed to beat closing defenders. As he enters his junior season one thing I will be watching is to see how his balance and body control develops so he can add that agility and elusiveness to his game. He can become a solid change of pace back with that part added to his game.
Cooper sure made a name for himself at the camp last week. Cooper ran the second fastest 40 yard dash among the field of 700+ athletes. He ran a stunning 4.39 and also added a 36.3″ vertical jump. Lawton is an explosive athlete who I believe is going to have his breakout year this fall for Northwestern. Northwestern uses the ground game a ton and have put out multiple athletes that went on to the next level in recent years. It looks like Lawton could be next up. Look for him to attack edges, use his agility to maximize his elusiveness, and also make some plays after contact like he showed on tape. I’m excited to see Cooper take the field in 2023.
We end the RB recap with one of the best overall players in attendance. Anthony Liggins Anthony Liggins 5’7″ | 160 lbs | RB Racine Case | 2026 State WI proved to be an FBS level talent during his freshman season. The 5’6″ 155 lbs ’26 put some numbers to his great athleticism that you see on tape. He put up a 9’4″ broad jump, 37.3″ vertical jump, 4.42 pro agility, 7.14 L- Drill, and 4.65 49 yard dash. The numbers greatly summarize his on tape performance. He has the speed to break off big plays, but what is even greater in his game is his explosiveness. He can burst to top speed instantly, can cut on a dime, and is able to change direction with great control. Get ready for Liggins to make a name for himself at his new school, Racine Case.