Best of the State Finals: Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw some insane running back performances across the seven State Championship battles! Performances that took over games, kept teams in the game, and put great exclamation points on some special HS careers. College coaches, this is a group of athletes that most levels will want to check out and watch the film of. It is a position group with studs across the senior, junior, and sophomore Classes. So, let's dive in and talk about who were the best at the position!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948094"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 38 Carries, 167 Yards, 2 TDs, 2 Receptions, 40 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnAs just a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='948094' first='Tommy' last='Novotny'] took over the D1 State Championship game. The 5'9u0022 and now 170 lbs RB put a  well rounded game on full display. He proved that he could handle the workload of a bellcow. The young playmaker showed off great vision and instinct with the ball in his hands. Tommy was decisive, used his excellent burst to attack the running lanes, and showed off the breakaway speed. Novotny also made big plays as a receiver out of the backfield and demonstrated very strong hands. He is a mismatch out in space to try and stick on. Tommy is going to be in a race for RB1 his whole career in a special Class of 2026 RB group. He is a D1 talent to know.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed6171"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17984583/655a5a6eb534910ad44cab26' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed61c2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104987"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 20 Carries, 172 Yards, 5 TDs, 15 Tackles, 1 INTu003c/emu003ernrnKarter wrapped up a historic HS career with a State Championship and a dominant performance. The senior is Edgar's career rushing record holder, finished Top 10 in rushing yards this season, and Top 3 in rushing TDs this season. Karter has a physically imposing play style that perfectly fits his build. Butt is built low to the ground with feet that somehow stay square underneath him through contact. Karter is able to run through contact, move the pile, or fall forward. Early in the game, we also saw Butt flash some big play creating speed as he got around the edge and beat everyone down the sideline. Karter demonstrated the vision and agility to move through the front seven while avoiding contact as well. To go along with the RB play, Karter also was a handful of tackles from the Championship Game record. The senior is one of the biggest hidden gems in Wisconsin in the Class of 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed622a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15124299/655cd67b4bb2390b90ab3a01' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed624d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726392"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 32 Carries, 240 Yards, 1 TDu003c/emu003ernrnAnother power back that dominated his Championship Game was Aquinas' junior [player_tooltip player_id='726392' first='Kyle' last='White']. The 5'10u0022 195 lbs RB looked like a bowling ball on many carries. His low center of gravity gave us highlight worthy plays as he plowed his way through contact and the front seven scrum. White piled up the yards after contact as he set the tone with ever carry. Watching through the highlights from the game, it is clear to see the patience and vision Kyle has behind the line. Kyle is a name to know going into 2024. Check out the tape!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed62a5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16260462/655a8311ab9d78098812b20b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed62c5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Landon Nottestad","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Badger","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 27 Carries, 198 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Reception, 20 Yards, 1 TDu003c/emu003ernrnBadger senior RB/FB Landon Nottestad dominated in what turned into the Game of the Year. He caught the only completed pass for the Badger offense, and scored with it after he found himself wide open. In the triple option attack, Landon handled the FB role. He attacked the line of scrimmage north-south. Nottestad new his aiming points and attacked them. The senior ran hard, fought for yards, and when he got the chance showed the speed to break off the big runs. Nottestad thrives with his quickness in tight quarters. Give the under the radar prospect a look. He deserves it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed6374"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15095504/65593319da5b5a082c82ed14' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed6396"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942613"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 30 Carries, 147 Yards, 2 TDsu003c/emu003ernrnTommy should be an athlete that sees his recruitment really start to rise over this next year. He has an impressive frame at 6'2u0022 195 lbs, and there is room to continue to fill out. Already, Tommy is a physical back. One that you can rely on to carry the rock between the tackles 20+ times a game. He has the wiggle/agility to make defenders miss or get a good angle on a defender so he can run through a tackle attempt. Lutz consistently keeps those legs churning to the whistle. Desptie the tall frame, Lutz also showed the contact balance needed to pick up the yards after contact. Keep an eye on the talented junior RB this offseason.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed63ef"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700022"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 17 Carries, 131 Yards, 1 TDu003c/emu003ernrnAnother member of the dominant Badger backfield that helped secure the D2 State Championship was standout sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='700022' first='Matthew' last='O'Grady']. O'Grady thrives in his role as the pitch man in Badger's triple option attack. The 6' 185 lbs sophomore has speed to stretch the field horizontally so he can find seams to attack. He also has the speed to beat angles downfield. Matthew sees the field well when he has the ball too. He uses blocks well, and he has the elusive skills to make DBs and OLBs miss in space. This is another sophomore RB to have your eyes on going forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed6449"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kylar Clemens","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lodi","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 18 Carries, 146 Yards, 1 TD, 10 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnLodi used a very balanced offensive attack to secure the D4 State Championship. A major factor in that balanced attack was senior RB Kylar Clemens. The 5'10u0022 180 lbs back impressed me with his performance. He was a decisive, physical, hard runner. The senior identified his blocks and used them to get through the line without contact and a full head of steam. Clemens showed that he could finish runs with power or he had the speed to beat pursuit angles, as shown by his 74 yard TD run. Clemens also made an impact at LB for Lodi. He is a senior prospect to check out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed64e4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933409"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 21 Carries, 123 Yards, 1 Reception, 20 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnThis is my favorite steal in the Class of 2024 RB group. Ben has a very well balanced attack that he has fine tuned over the season. He can win with agility and quickness between the tackles, or he can lower his shoulder and punish defenders. His power through contact and balance to gain yards afterwards is next level ready. The vision he plays with is also next level ready. Ben found blocks, lanes to use, and cutback lanes to utilize. Add in soft hands out of the backfield, and speed to be able to create the big plays and you get a steal in the Class of 2024. Don't miss out on this kid. He will be a riser as we update rankings.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed653c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14553765/655bc7244bb2390b90aa7941' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed655a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Andrew Klass","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Luxemburg- Casco","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 10 Carries, 81 Yards, 2 TDsu003c/emu003ernrnJunior RB Andrew Klass stepped up and helped keep Luxemburg- Casco in the game against Lodi. In the second quarter he scored two TDs that each narrowed the deficit to one score games at the times. The first showed off the the power as he plunged in from 2 yards out. The second showed off the speed and playmaking threat that he is as he went 58 yards following the direct snap. The junior put himself on my radar. I'll be watching him closely over this next year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655d5fbed65e1"} /-->