Hayden’s Hotshots: My Top 100 RBs (100-75+HMs)
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Runningbacks are still the lifeblood of most Minnesota high school offenses, and with over 350 teams in the state, there is no shortage of talented backs returning to the varsity playing field. I initially amassed over 400 potential runningbacks and…
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Continue ReadingRunningbacks are still the lifeblood of most Minnesota high school offenses, and with over 350 teams in the state, there is no shortage of talented backs returning to the varsity playing field. I initially amassed over 400 potential runningbacks and narrowed them down to these top 111 (100 ranked, 11 HMs) by factoring in stats, offers, likely to make large leaps, film, and overall hype around the prospect. That being said, I’m pleased to present Hayden’s Hotshots, my top 100 RBs!
HM: Derrick Sando – Bethlehem Academy 2024 5’7″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 407 Yards, 7 TDs, 4.5 YPC
A key part of the Cardinal’s rushing attack, the now senior has gathered interest from schools like Augustana and MSUM this offseason. After watching his film, the best part of his game is “clearly” his vision. He has great instincts and can sense where holes are opening up well. Sando is routinely tough to bring down, and it’s only going to get harder with the amount of work that he’s been putting in the weight room. Boasting a confirmed 515 lb squat and repping 225 on the bench for 19 reps, don’t sleep on this powerful southern Minnesota RB.
HM: Connor Flintrop – TCU 2024 6’1″ 175 lbs
2022 Stats: N/A
It is important to note that Flintrop did start last season, I was just unable to recover his stats online. Hailing from the AAA school Tri-City United, Flintrop boasts a powerful frame that compliments his fast and shifty play style. That doesn’t mean that he’s scared to lower his shoulder by any means, Flintrop will run over someone if they’re in his way. He’s explosive and hits the hole quickly, and combined with his always-moving legs, he’s a dangerous back who often breaks out of tackles for big gains.
HM: NaKiye Mercado – St. Peter 2024 5’7″ 160 lbs
2022 Stats: 408 APY, 2 TOT
Following success in both of his other sports, (baseball/wrestling), well-rounded athlete NaKiye Mercado will return his senior year as a jack-of-all-trades player out of the Saints backfield. Primarily known for his talents on the defensive side of the ball, Mercado also provides a valuable service to the other side of the ball. Known for his unique talents which allow him to line up in the backfield, or also as a wideout, Mercado looks to make his mark as a talented St. Peter athlete.
HM: Hank LeClair – Little Falls 2024
2022 Stats: 534 APY, 5 TOT
A three-sport all-conference athlete (Football/Wrestling/Track) and a two-sport state entrant (Wrestling/Track), LeClair returns for his senior season as one of the most well-rounded athletes not only on this list but in the state. LeClair is a powerful back who has made his name on running through opponents. He reaches his top speed very quickly and is a high-upside workhorse in 2023.
HM: Jack Wertish Jack Wertish 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB Renville County West | 2024 MN – Renville County West 2024 5’11” 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 398 APY, 3 TOT
The well-built 9-man product returns for his senior season as a jack-of-all-trades athlete. He’s very nimble, but he runs as if he was 20 pounds bigger. He’s shown receiving upside, not only from out of the backfield, but Wertish has also shown that he can line up as a wideout and catch passes there. He has powerful bursts of speed and routinely breaks arm tackles. If you want an athletic sleeper for 2023, Wertish is your guy.
HM: Brady Crabtree – Frazee 2024 5’11” 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 537 APY, 5 TDs
Crabtree holds offers from Jamestown in both football and track, and he was an All-Conference HM last season. He does it all for the Hornets, as he starts on both sides of the ball and essentially never leaves the field. He sees solid work as a return man but is particularly talented on offense. As a running back, Crabtree is quick and nimble with solid vision and a natural feel for the game. Frazee does a good job of using him in all sorts of situations, whether that’s lining him up at receiver for a jet sweep or letting him run intermediate and deep routes out of the backfield. Crabtree is an all-around talented athlete who should be on more coach’s radar.
Offers: Jamestown
HM: Maleek Powell – Minneapolis North 2024 5’9″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: N/A
Powell was the starting RB last season for North, but I was unable to find his stats online. Sometimes it’s hard to gauge a back’s true speed on film, this is not the case with Powell. It is abundantly clear how fast he is. He can make quick jump cuts and has a very impressive vision. His greatest strength as a runner is his ability to turn broken plays into big gains, he’s patient, follows his blocks, and has the agility to make defenders frequently miss in open space. Powell is someone who has far too little hype.
HM: Dashwan Moore – Denfeld 2024 5’11” 180 lbs
2022 Stats: N/A
Moore did start last season for the Hunters, but I was unable to find his stats. Moore is going to be a key back on what I think could be a very potent Denfeld offense. He is a talented one-cutback who seems to always find open lanes. Moore is incredibly fluid and is very dangerous in open space, often leaving defenders lost in a 1v1 scenario. He’s also a talented and hard-hitting DB.
HM: Aydan Carlson – St. Francis 2024 5’9″ 185 lbs
2022 Stats: 115 Rushing Yards, 3.0 YPC, 6 TDs
Wrestling fans will recognize Carlson’s name from his success on the mat at both the state and national levels. He was an All-American freestyle wrestler last season and he was the runner-up at 160 lbs in AA. While he’s primarily known as an MLB in football, I consider him an elite short-yardage back. Carlson may not be the flashiest ball carrier, but he’s consistent and extremely tough to bring down. He seeks contact and isn’t afraid to let a linebacker or a defensive lineman know that he means business. If you want a guaranteed 3-4 yards, or a TD in a short-yardage situation, you’d struggle to find a better back for that than Carlson.
HM: Alec Mahoney – Mahtomedi 2024 5’8″ 150 lbs
2022 Stats: 222 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
Mahoney may not be the biggest back on this list, but he’s exceptionally quick and very versatile. He’s shifty and explosive and can play both sides of the ball with his terrific football instincts. As a runner, he frequently reaches the second level, and if you give him an inch of open space, he’s going to take a mile. He has very high in-game awareness and emphasizes protecting the ball, something that I value highly. Expect Mahoney to be a shifty change of pace back in his elevated role in 2023.
HM: Carter Verhasselt – Hutchinson 2024 5’10” 180 lbs
2022 Stats: 298 Rushing Yards, 6 TDs, 7.3 YPC
With Hutchinson’s pound-the-rock offense, it’s hard not to think highly of every back. Verhasselt was the RB3 last year but both backs ahead of him (who each had over 1k yards) graduated last year, so he’s stepping into a fantastic situation. It would not be an awful take to suggest Verhasselt puts up similar numbers in his senior year. Although he played primarily a fullback-esque role last season, he has the talent to be a primary ball carrier. He runs hard and uses his strong frame to bowl over opponents, and the speed to break away for large gains. Expect big things from the Hutch senior.
#100: Ryan Meagher Ryan Meagher RB Minneota | 2025 State MN – Minneota 2024 5’10” 185 lbs
2022 Stats: 544 Rushing Yards, 9.1 Rushing Yards, 4 TDs
Meagher is another small-town back with a lot of upside going into his senior year. Although he doesn’t have a ton of film, it’s clear from what he does have that Meagher has some serious talent. He accelerates quickly and has excellent top-end speed. He can make quick cuts and seems to have solid field vision. It would not shock me if Meagher had a big senior season.
#99: Tremayne Graham – Edison 2024 5’6″ 175 lbs
2022 Stats: 449 Rushing Yards, 9.6 YPC, 3 TDs
Another standout high school wrestler, Graham punched his ticket to state last season at 152 lbs in AA. His patience as a runner is fantastic, if a play breaks down, he doesn’t panic, calmly reads the field then bounces to the nearest open hole. Graham is a tenacious runner who often breaks several tackles in a play before going down. Grit and determination best describe his run style, and I would hate to have to tackle him multiple times a game.
#98: Matthew Buren Matthew Buren RB Spring Lake Park | 2024 MN – Spring Lake Park 2024 5’10” 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 341 Rushing Yards, 5.9 YPC
Buren is a well-built muscular back who excels at using his speed in short bursts to break through to the second level. He does a variety of things in Spring Lake Park’s triple-option offense, including laying out linebackers when needed. He sees solid work in both the dive and the toss aspects of the offense. Buren has the strength and agility to burst through crowded gaps on the dive, and the speed to beat defenders outside on the toss. Spring Lake Park returns a dominant rushing attack and looks for Buren to be a piece of that.
#97: Seth Stai Seth Stai 5'10" | 185 lbs | LB Jackson County Central | 2024 State MN – JCC 2024 5’10” 175 lbs
2022 Stats: 254 Rushing Yards, 7 TDs
Stai is a kid who’s going under the radar but is entering a great situation his senior year. He was the RB2 behind stud senior Gabe Wolff, but now that he’s graduated, Stai inherits the mantle of a run-heavy backfield. Stai has earned two MIAC offers, primarily based on his abilities as a defender, but don’t sleep on his talents as a ball carrier too. Stai runs hard. He hits the hole going 100 mph and does an excellent job of following big blockers. He’s a big-time red zone threat who I think will have an impressive senior year.
#96: Andrew Flaten Andrew Flaten 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Alexandria Area | 2024 MN – Alexandria 2024 5’9″ 190 lbs
2022 Stats: 195 Rushing Yards, 4.6 YPC, 2 TDs
An RB/LB two-way player, Flaten returns as 1/2 of the two-headed monster out of the Cardinals backfield. He’s a dual-threat player, able to hit holes and catch passes out of the backfield. He runs hard and sees a lot of his work in zone runs as well as screens. He has a quick first step and reaches his top speed quickly. In Alexandria’s high-flying, pass-heavy offense, Flaten’s skills offer an unexpected challenge to defenses.
Offers: Augsburg, St. Olaf
#95: Owen Denstad Owen Denstad 5'9" | 170 lbs | ATH Caledonia | 2024 State MN – Caledonia 2024 5’9″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 367 Rushing Yards, 4 TDs, 6.9 YPC
Another stud wrestler, Denstad placed 3rd at 132 lbs in A last season and looks to continue on his success in both sports as a senior. Plain and simple, Denstad is a playmaker. It doesn’t matter how broken the play looks, Denstad will weave in and out of defenders behind the line of scrimmage, break tackles, and then see a gap in the defense and run through it turning the broken play into a massive gain. He also has the athletic versatility to be lined up outside as a wideout. He plays with a fire in him that you don’t often see, Denstad is a winner and someone college coaches should take a chance on.
#94: Dylan Houseman – Canby 2024 5’8″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 407 Rushing Yards, 6.6 YPC, 4 TDs
The Canby senior enters 2023 as a multi-faceted athlete who can provide a variety of services on the offensive side of the ball. He’s an elusive runner who’s just as comfortable running routes out of the backfield as he is running in between the tackles. An underrated piece of his game is his speed and his vision, Houseman can scan a field within seconds and know when to make a cutback for a big gain. He’s also a dangerous kick returner. His versatility and overall athleticism should appeal to a lot of college coaches.
Offers: St. Olaf
#93: Sam Haug Sam Haug 6'0" | 205 lbs | DB Concordia Academy | 2024 State MN – Concordia Academy 2024 6′ 210 lbs
2022 Stats: 311 Rushing Yards, 6.0 YPC, 4 TDs
Although he’s primarily known for his skills as an OLB, Haug is an accomplished running back in his own right. He’s a well-built bruiser who’s much faster than you would think for someone of his size. He frequently beats defenders to the edge and shows no issues lowering his shoulder and running through DBs and LBs. He never stops moving his feet on contact which allows him to get those big gains after first contact with a defender. Haug is big and athletic, and I’m not going to be surprised when more schools take a chance on him.
Offers: UW River Falls, St. Scholastica
#92: Melvin Mensah Melvin Mensah 5'7" | 170 lbs | RB Highland Park | 2024 State MN – Highland Park 2024 5’6″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: N/A
Mensah did start last season, but I was unable to recover his stats. A slot/RB combo athlete, Mensah can do essentially whatever a coach could wish for from him. He’s quick, shifty, and makes excellent decisions when running the ball. He’s a slick route runner who has no problems picking up a blocker if needed, and he will lay out for a pass. Mensah has a great sense of balance and is often knocked around, but never knocked down. In the battle for the king of St. Paul, Mensah will be a key difference-maker for the Scots.
#91: Kayshawn Green – Coon Rapids 2024 5’9″ 180 lbs
2022 Stats: 384 Rushing Yards, 5.0 YPC, 5 TDs
Although he was a key part of Spring Lake Park’s runningback committee, I project that he will be a day 1 starter at running back for the Cardinals, and give them that much-needed offensive backfield threat. Green is a power back who can accelerate very quickly and will end up hitting his hole going 100 mph. He’s not afraid of contact, and he finds works in pass pro which I love. In a Cardinals offense that already boasts plenty of high-flying talent, Green will provide a hard-nosed pound-the-rock aspect that can throw defenses off balance.
#90: Josiah Schnabel – Norwood Young America 2024 5’11” 220 lbs
2022 Stats: 443 Rushing Yards, 8.9 YPC, 6 TDs
In just 6 games played last season, Schnabel left his mark in the NYA offense. He’s a rare RB/DT combo but he averaged an insane 8.9 yards per carry in 2022 and looks to only build on that incredible success. His sense of balance while running is phenomenal. Defenders will run into him at full speed and they’ll bounce off Schnabel as he powers forward for an additional 3-4 yards. He also shows off great acceleration and he’s able to get to his top speed very quickly and maintain it for a longer period than most backs. I expect 2023 to be a year where Schnabel proves what he can do given a full season.
#89: Nicholas Waale – DGF 2024 5’9″ 185 lbs
2022 Stats: 403 Rushing Yards, 5.2 YPC, 2 TDs
It is shocking to me that the RB2 on a State Runner-Up team, who also won All-District honors, is going this under the radar. Waale currently doesn’t hold any offers but he’s the projected RB1 for a good DGF team who is notorious for pounding the rock. Waale is a thick and explosive power back who has staked his claim on hard-fought runs between the tackles. He follows his blockers well and makes sure to protect the ball carefully at all times. Expect a big senior year from Waale.
#88: Luke Bieniek – Holdingford 2025 5’11” 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 581 APY, 4 TOTs
Bieniek was the leading rusher for the Huskers last season and looks to build on that success during his junior campaign. If you want a small-town, under-the-radar athlete, Bieniek is your guy. Holdingford was a run-heavy team last season, but that didn’t stop Bieniek from having the 4th most receiving yards last season. As a runner, he fights hard through contact and reaches his top speed very quickly. He tiptoes through tight running lanes and makes the most of every opportunity he has as an athlete. He could evolve into the next stud from mid-northern MN.
#87: Brecken Keoraj Brecken Keoraj 5'7" | 155 lbs | ATH Elk River | 2025 State MN – Elk River 2025 5’7″ 150 lbs
2022 Stats: 196 Rushing Yards, 11.5 YPC, 2 TDs
I typically like to see a solid year of varsity experience out of players before I rank them, but Keoraj enters his junior year as an incredibly athletic running back who is being put into one of if not the best run offenses in the state. He runs a blazing 4.46 and could provide giant logistical challenges to opposing defenses. He saw limited work on special teams last season but played with an incredible intensity that I loved. Get ready for this speedy athlete to blow up big time this fall.
#86: Ryan Kaydea Ryan Kaydea 5'8" | ATH St Michael Albertville | 2024 MN – STMA 2024 5’9″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 248 Rushing Yards, 5.0 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
Kaydea enters his senior season as the projected RB1 for the St. Michael Albertville Knights. He’s got excellent top-end speed and is an elusive runner. He may not be built like Derrick Henry, but Kaydea is an uber-physical runner. Linebackers will mentally quit after having to tackle this kid during the 4th quarter. He plays with such intensity that it can break defenders. His feet never stop moving and he will not give up on a play, no matter how bad it looks.
#85: Hawken Hedlund – Eden Prairie 2024 5’11” 195 lbs
2022 Stats: 283 Rushing Yards, 8.8 YPC, 2 TDs
I mean it when I say that I think Eden Prairie has the best running back room in the state, and I predict that Hedlund will be a key part of that. He’s a well-built runner who has one of the nastiest stiff arms on this list. Hedlund can make quick cuts in the open field, and he can often be seen carrying a defender for extra yards. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty as a blocker either, he will lay out defenders with his hand in the dirt if it’s asked of him. Watch out for EP this year.
#84: Madden Ison Madden Ison 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Eagan | 2025 State MN – Eagan 2025 5’9″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 113 Rushing Yards, 28.2 YPC, 1 TD
There are few players who I’m more excited to see step into a bigger varsity role than Ison. He has been putting in work in the weight room, and I mean it when I say that the sky is the limit for Ison. As a true runner, he has everything you could want at the next level. He is much faster than you would think from his 4.7 40. Ison has a fantastic sense of balance and runs straight through defenders. He can flip a switch and turn on his jets in an instant, and in a bigger role in the Wildcat’s offense, I could easily see him blowing up as a prospect.
#83: Noah Mergerson – Apple Valley 2024 5’9″ 170 lbs
2022 Stats: 371 APY, 4 TOT
The projected RB1 for what I think will be a strong Apple Valley team, Mergerson perfectly fits into the Eagle’s offensive scheme. He’s a dual-threat running back, who can run routes and be successful in the zone run game. Apple Valley will often line the speedy back as a wideout, as he’s able to stretch the field with quick feet and strong route running. He’s also plenty aggressive when blocking. Watch out for Mergerson in what I think will be a big 2023.
#82: Riley Pearce – Two Rivers 2024 5’9″ 195 lbs
2022 Stats: 352 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
A three-sport athlete, Pearce has seen success everywhere he’s stepped. He won first-team All-District honors last season, and he was a AAA state entrant for wrestling his sophomore year. Although he’s an accomplished defensive player, he also makes an impact on the offensive side of the ball, both with his talents as a ball carrier and as a leader. He’s a thick back that gives phenomenal effort at all times and has the speed you wouldn’t expect from an athlete of his size. With high awareness and great vision, I don’t think we’ll have to wait long for more offers to come in for the Two Rivers standout.
Offers: St. Olaf, UW River Falls, Macalester, Carleton
#81: Kaaleem Reiland Kaaleem Reiland 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Kingsland | 2026 State MN – Kingsland 2026 5’9″ 175 lbs
2022 Stats: 480 Rushing Yards, 7 TDs
One of the most athletic and talented freshmen in the state, Reiland is the only athlete from the class of 2026 to find themselves on this list, and for good reason too. Although he plays for a small 9-man program, Reiland makes a massive difference on the field and I will argue that his talents will translate well to any level of high school play. He’s got good top-end speed and vision you would not expect out of such a young back. He can literally do it all, run the ball, catch passes, they even line him up as a QB sometimes. Reiland is on the right track to being something special.
#80: Cole Filand – St. Peter 2024 6′ 200 lbs
2022 Stats: 566 APY, 2 TDs
A three-sport (Football/Wrestling/Track) athlete with an incredible 4.21 GPA, Filand enters his senior season as the RB1 for the St. Peter Saints. Filand is a high-flying and hard-hitting RB/LB for the Saints and does it all for them on offense. He runs hard and has gotten quite good at running short to mid-level routes out of the backfield. He picks up speed fast and more often than not it takes several defenders to bring him down. Don’t sleep on Filand in 2023.
#79: Tristian Holbrook – Belle Plaine 2025 6’2″ 205 lbs
2022 Stats: 491 Rushing Yards, 4.3 YPC, 6 TDs
I love Powerbacks. Three yards and a cloud of dust guys who work hard and aren’t scared of contact. Holbrook fits that description to a T. He earned All-District HM honors last season, and I expect that to transition into All-Distirct Honors this year. If you want to talk about guys who have surprising speed and quickness, look no further than Holbrook. Despite his massive frame he can outrun you and make a quick jump cut if the moment demands it. He can also just run you over. A selfless and hardworking athlete, he’s going to be a problem this year.
#78: Cole Saenger Cole Saenger 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB Mahtomedi | 2024 State MN – Mahtomedi 2024 5’11” 185 lbs
2022 Stats: 469 APY, 3 TDs
The earner of First-Team All-District honors, Saenger is the only fullback to find themselves on this list. Saying that he plays hard would be an understatement, Saenger is a demon when he’s on the field. He lays people out left and right, delivering crushing blocks to defenders. I could watch his tape for hours, just enjoying the hard hits and the way he clears out holes. As a runner, he’s pretty solid too. He’s got quick feet and you can see similar levels of explosiveness from when he’s blocking. All in all, Saenger is one of the most entertaining and fearsome fullbacks I’ve seen in a long time.
#77: Terrell Cummings – Anoka 2024 5’10” 185 lbs
2022 Stats: (2 GP) 421 APY
Although he had his junior year shortened by injury, Cummings made his presence felt while he was on the field for the Tornadoes. Terrell “TBoog” Cummings is an incredibly explosive athlete, often breaking off massive runs. He breaks tackles with ease and is terrifying in the open field. Tenacity doesn’t begin to describe this dude, he runs hard and gives great effort everywhere. He lays mean blocks and can even be spotted running routes out of the backfield. I’m very high on Anoka this season and Cummings is a big part of that.
#76: Bryar Nordby – Pequot Lakes 2025 5’9″ 165 lbs
2022 Stats: 885 APY, 12 TOT
Fresh off of a stellar sophomore season, Nordby looks to continue his success as Peqout Lake’s workhorse in 2023. Another RB/WR combo player, Nordby can do it all. He excels at running short to medium-level routes where he can get into open space and extend the play an additional 10-15 yards. His ball-tracking ability is better than many receivers, and he’s not afraid to lay a block either. One of his best aspects as a runner is his ability to make quick cuts in space, his ability to change directions quickly is extremely underrated. Nordby could be the next great ATH from northern MN.
#75: D’Mario Davenport – Andover 2024 5’6″ 160 lbs
2022 Stats: 658 APY, 9 TOT
The RB1 on one of the premier 5A teams, Davenport is a shifty and explosive athlete who needs far more hype before his senior season. At times on his tape, he just seems to be impossible to tackle. With quick feet and phenomenal agility, he can weave in and out of defenders with ease before breaking into open space and getting six. Andover does a great job of drawing up plays that get him into space instantly, because once you give him an inch, Davenport is gone. RB/WR/KR/PR, it doesn’t matter, he can do it all. If you want a player that can create an instant mismatch, look no further than Davenport.