An Interview With the Top Unoffered 2024 RBs
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Earlier this year I interviewed with several of the top QBs who had yet to receive an offer but had been performing outstanding up until that point in the season. I covered a variety of topics with the prospects, in…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this year I interviewed with several of the top QBs who had yet to receive an offer but had been performing outstanding up until that point in the season. I covered a variety of topics with the prospects, in an attempt to give coaches a better understanding of who the prospect is. I wanted to continue this but with some of the RBs that PrepRedzone ranked before the season. I’ve gathered some of the top guys that we’ve evaluated before the season and continued the conversation with them regarding the possibility of playing college football.
Jasen Jansen Jasen Jansen 6'2" | 220 lbs | RB Renville County West | 2024 State MN 6’2″ 220 lbs Renville County West
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “I’ve always been a big kid so when I was younger I ended up playing a lot of TE, and I had a great time playing it, but once I got to eighth grade I was watching a varsity game for the first time and saw our starting running back plow guys over again and again and ever since that I knew that this was the position I wanted to play”
Q: What do you believe are your strongest attributes as a running back, and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “I believe my strongest attributes as a running back are my strength not just physically but mentally as well. My determination on and off the field, I always strive to do my best and will do whatever it takes to succeed. My grit as well, I’m always hungry, if I get the ball 5 times I want more, if I get a tackle I want another, etc.”
Q: What kind of running style do you prefer and is there any player you model your game after?
A: I love to put my shoulder down and run over any defender in my way. The guy I take after would have to be Mike Alstott.”
Q: In what areas do you believe that you need to improve on as a running back and how are you working to improve on them?
A: “I believe that the area that I need to put the most work into would have to be my speed and agility. This offseason I plan on implementing more plyometric and speed training into my routine.”
Dylan Banks Dylan Banks 6'0" | 200 lbs | ATH Cannon Falls | 2024 State MN 6′ 200 lbs Cannon Falls
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “I was introduced to football by my older brothers when I was young, and I’ve played it ever since. Running back just always came naturally to me and I’ve played it from my first year of football to now.”
Q: What do you believe are your strongest attributes as a running back, and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “I think my strongest attributes as a running back are my elusiveness and mixture of size and speed. This contributes to my team’s success by being able to run the ball successfully inside and also outside.”
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you so far? Can you describe any schools that are showing interest?
A: “The recruiting process has been tough for me in terms of getting exposure. But some schools have shown interest such as Winona State and Augustana.”
Q: Are you open to redshirting your freshman year to further develop your game?
A: Yes I’d for sure be open to redshirting my freshman year.”
Ramero Trevino Ramero Trevino 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Willmar | 2024 State MN 5’10” 210 Willmar
Q: What kind of running style do you prefer and is there any player you model your game after?
A: “I prefer more of an I’m going to run you over type of running back just because I feel like that’s what I’m built for right now. I’m a bigger type of running back so If I can use that to my advantage I feel like that’d not only help me but the team as well. Some running backs I look up to are Marshawn Lynch and Saquon Barkley. I look up to Marshawn Lynch as a runner because of his mentality when he runs and also just the way he’s able to shed off tackles is amazing. I also look up to Saquon Barkley as a running back because of the way he’s able to turn plays that look like nothing into something.”
Q: How do you handle high-pressure situations in games?
A: “I really love high-pressure games, I handle them just like any other game. I try to stay calm and collected and eventually that pressure turns into straight adrenaline.”
Q: In what areas do you believe that you need to improve on as a running back and how are you working to improve on them?
A: “I need to improve upon everything. I’m always trying to be the best I can be and there’s always room for improvement. If I had to choose one part in particular, it would have to be my mentality when running. Although I’m big there’s times where I seem to be jittery in the backfield trying to find my gap and sometimes I just need to hit that hole and have the mentality of running the ball down the opponent’s throat.”
D’Mario Davenport 5’8″ 170 lbs Andover
Season Stats: 10 GP, 119 Carries, 1499 APY, 7.6 YPC, 28 TOT
Q: In what areas do you believe that you need to improve on as a running back and how are you working to improve on them?
A: “To improve as a running back I need to break down more and more hard cuts.”
Q: Teamwork and communication are essential on the field, how do you work with your offensive line to create successful plays?
A: “Working with my offensive line on the field is communication and not pointing fingers.”
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you so far? Can you describe any schools that are showing interest?
A: “The recruiting process has been going well, a lot of schools have been looking at me.”
Q: Do you have a favorite school looking at you right now?
A: “My favorite school that I’m looking at is Iowa State.”
Q: How do you handle high-pressure situations in games?
A: “I stay focused and locked in. I block everything out and play my game.”
Q: Anything else you’d want a college coach to know?
A: “I’m a player that fins in any program because I’m coachable and always wanting to get better.”
Jack Wertish Jack Wertish 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB Renville County West | 2024 MN 6’1″ 170 lbs Renville County West
Season Stats: 31 Carries, 161 Yards, 5.2 YPC, 1 TD
Q: What are the most important factors for you when considering your college football career?
A: “I want to pursue a career in agriculture so I want a good agricultural school. And I was a good team environment at the school I would choose.”
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “Ever since I was in 5th grade I was a running back/ I kept at it and enjoyed it. I always loved running the rock and making big plays for my team.”
Q: What kind of running style do you prefer, and is there a running back that you model your game after?
A: “I love breaking through a hole and turning on the gasser. But I also love bringing the contact, it is always fun to hit someone hard. I think I’m most like Raheem Mostert.”
Q: Running backs often need to adapt quickly to changing in-game situations. Can you provide an example of a time of a time where you made an on-the-fly decision in a game and how it turned out?
A: “This year I broke my hand in the second game of the season. I taped it up and played with it for 3 games then I realized it was broken and I got cast. I played with the cast for the rest of the season. I had to change my running style a bit but I kept at it.”
Arthur Russel Jr 5’10” 180 lbs Champlin Park
Season Stats: 9 GP, 131 Carries, 697 Yards, 5.3 YPC, 5 TDs
Q: What do you believe your strongest attributes are as a running back and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “My strongest attributes would be that I am shifty and a little under height, but that makes it harder for defenders to tackle me because I find my way out of tackles a lot.”
Q: How do you handle high-pressure situations in games?
I handle high-pressure situations the same way as every other game, I can the field and do my job. In the Maple Grove game with 5 minutes left, I told my QB that I was going for a swing route on a play where our WR ran a slant that opened up for me and we scored and got up 1 point on them and won that game.”
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you so far? Can you describe any schools that are showing interest?
A: “The recruiting process has been smooth, a lot of interest but no offers yet. St. Thomas has been really interested so might go there, depending on my future decision. My interests have been Drake, SDSU, Iowa State, and NDSU.”
Q: Anything else you’d want a college coach to know?
A: “I can play both ways! I lead 6A in kick return yards averaging 40+ yards a return! 1 int with 15 tackles on defense and 8 PBUs. I also tallied over 100 receiving yards! I can play wherever a coach needs me to.”
Trent Josewiski 5’10” 180 lbs Big Lake
Season Stats: 77 Carries, 518 Yards, 6.7 YPC, 3 TDs
Q: What do you believe your strongest attributes are as a running back and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “My strongest attributes are my speed, quick feet, and being able to make a decision in a split second. I can also run inside/outside, pass protect, and whatever my team needs to be successful.”
Q: What kind of running style do you prefer, and is there a running back that you model your game after?
A: “I model my game after Christain McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler. Both of them can not only run but also catch which makes defenses harder to scheme. I’m similar in size and speed to them.”
Q: What’s your approach to blocking and pass protection, how do you ensure a QB’s safety while still contributing as a running back?
A: “During my senior year I was asked to block more than in the past and I learned that sometimes you have to think quickly picking up blitzes to make sure your quarterback doesn’t take any unnecessary hits. I enjoy blocking for others because my success is based on my teammates blocking for me.”
Q: In what areas do you believe that you need to improve on as a running back and how are you working to improve on them?
A: “I am working on getting stronger while maintaining my speed and getting faster. Before the season I was benching 300 and squatting 400 while weighting 185. I am working on making it to 195 while putting on good muscle.”
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you so far? Can you describe any schools that are showing interest?
A: My recruiting process has been up and down. My junior year injury led to a lot of teams showing a lack of interest but as summer rolled around I had some great combine scores and I started to gain some attention from schools at all levels. I’m hoping that now my senior year is over and I have some game film I’m hoping I can find a school that suits me. Still waiting for that first scholarship offer.”
Lukas Kuehl Lukas Kuehl 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Litchfield | 2024 State MN 6′ 185 lbs Litchfield
Season Stats: 6 GP, 106 Carries, 800 Rushing Yards, 7.5 YPC, 10 Rushing TDs
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “I grew up in Houston and played football in a select league for 8 years before moving to Minnesota my freshman year. I’ve played on multiple All-Star teams and worked with a personal trainer. I found my success playing running back. I became a running back because my speed made it easy for me to gain yards quickly and I had excellent footwork.”
Q: What do you believe your strongest attributes are as a running back and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “I believe my strongest attribute as running back is my vision and speed. I find open grass and cutbacks easily and can beat people to the outside with my speed.”
Q: Teamwork and communication are essential on the field, how do you work with your offensive line to create successful plays?
A: “My success as running back couldn’t be possible without my Offensive line. They make my life easy and do all the heavy lifting. If they miss a block or run the wrong play by accident, I tell them to keep their heads up and focus on the next play.”
Q: In what areas do you believe that you need to improve on as a running back and how are you working to improve on them?
A: “One area I can improve on is my speed. The faster I am, the harder it is to tackle me. To train my speed, I run track. In the offseason, I run 40-yard sprints and agility drills.”
Q: Are you open to redshirting your freshman year to further develop your game?
A: “I am open to redshirting my Freshman year.”
Q: Anything else you’d want a college coach to know?”
A: “I possess a deep passion for football and a strong work ethic that drives me to continuously improve my skills on and off the field. My dedication and discipline have enabled me to thrive in challenging situations. As a team captain, I remain composed under pressure and motivate my team. As a team player, I am always willing to support and encourage my teammates to their full potential.”
Ronnie Lemon Ronnie Lemon 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Winona | 2024 MN Jr 5’11” 185 lbs Winona
2023 Stats: 8GP, 343 APY, 3 TOT
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “Earlier on in junior high I played quarterback, having all of the freedom we did at the time really exposed my ability to run the ball, so by the time I got to high school the position change was very easy for me.”
Q: What do you believe your strongest attributes are as a running back and how do they contribute to your team’s success?
A: “I’m a great blocker whether I’m in pass protection or I’m leading up a hole. And my vision and awareness on longer drives.”
Q: How do you handle high-pressure situations in games?
A: “I try to touch ground with my teammates, get on the same page so we’re moving as a collective going into whatever the situation is ahead of us.”
Q: Beyond football, what are your long-term goals and aspirations and how do you see football fitting into your long-term plans?
A: “To be an athletic trainer, if playing football at the next level could get me to that point then that would be perfect.”
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you so far? Can you describe any schools that are showing interest?
A: “The reasoning I’d say is due to my lack of knowledge on how to go about the whole recruiting process. I haven’t been to any prospect camps and until this season I haven’t exactly had the platform for the exposure of my talent and skill. Here at home in Winona, I’ve been on a visit and in contact with a few coaches but that’s as far as it goes in terms of looks by schools.”
Q: Is there anything else you’d want a college coach to know?
A: “I’m a multisport athlete and while I take football the most seriously, I also excel at basketball and track.”
Jeffrey Branson Jeffrey Branson 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Farmington | 2024 State MN 5’10” 180 lbs Farmington
2023 Season Stats: 9 GP, 79 Carries, 527 Yards, 6.7 YPC 5 TDs
Q: Can you describe your experience and background in football and what led you to become a running back?
A: “I have been playing the game of football my whole life pretty much ever since I could walk and hold a football. I first started off as a defensive player but slowly transitioned into running back once I realized I can hit people as hard as I can and still score touchdowns, that’s what made me fall in love with the running back position.”
Q: What kind of running style do you prefer, and is there a running back that you model your game after?
A: “I very much prefer that hard-knock style of running getting those extra 2-3 yards after contact and making big-time plays when it’s needed. I shaped my running after players like Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, and Marshawn Lynch.”
Q: How do you handle high-pressure situations in games?
A: I would say I handle high-pressure situations with a pretty clear mind and am able to take advantage of the other teams and also motivate my teammates when the pressure is on.”
Q: Teamwork and communication are essential on the field, how do you work with your offensive line to create successful plays?
A: “Working with my offensive line is as simple as telling them what I see and then telling me their plan of attack on different plays. it changes throughout different game situations but my o-line is a big part of my success and working with them is one of my main goals as a running back.”
Q: Is there anything else you’d want a college coach to know?
A: “Just that All I want is an opportunity to shine and will do anything to get to that point.”