PRZIA '25 Rankings Update | RB Prospect Profiles (Top 7)

In conjunction with the recent release of our updated Class of 2025 Rankings, we producing write-ups on the Top 7-rated student-athletes at each position. Below is a look at standout running backs in the cycle:   [player_tooltip player_id='1123309' first='Javon' last='Sanders'], Des Moines Lincoln   Ranking: No. 1 RB/No. 41 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18557356/653acde62ab1070a88395d80">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Sanders' running style is highlighted by long, smooth strides. His slashing style works well in avoiding tackles and getting into space. Once there, he has the speed to take it the distance. He ran sprints for the track team this spring. While Sanders does his best work on the edges, his vision and patience help him succeed between the tackles, too. The Railsplitters haven't used him much in the passing game, but if Sanders shows scouts good hands, the rest of the skills needed are there. Sanders tries to repeat as the Class 5A regular-season rushing champ after running for 1,512 yards (9.3 YPC) and 16 touchdowns in '23.   [player_tooltip player_id='847998' first='Rashawd' last='Davis'], Dowling Catholic   Ranking: No. 1 RB/No. 47 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16180138/655a61d5066162084819a333">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Davis opened everybody's eyes with a 144-yard, four-touchdown performance in the '23 season-opener at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. He didn't slow down after that, finishing the campaign with 1,418 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground. He added a couple of kick-return scores. Davis runs really well in traffic because of his cutting ability and vision. When he sees a hole closing, he's quick to change directions and find an open one. Davis can outrun defenders or run over them. The opposition frequently looks like it's positioned for the tackle before he jukes them out of their shoes.   [player_tooltip player_id='245821' first='Luke' last='Sternberg'], AHSTW   Ranking: No. 3 RB/No. 49 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17089928/65085aad7bdd5205587080b2">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Sternberg isn't a traditional running back built for pounding it between the tackles. Sure, he can take a hit, but his versatility and athleticism in the offensive backfield is coveted by modern-day coaches. His success in the return game also adds to his attractiveness for college staffs. Sternberg rushed for 994 yards and 17 touchdowns, and was a threat as a receiver. He averaged 46.9 yards on eight kick returns and housed three of them. While his exploits on offense should interest scouts at the next level, others might be convinced he's a defender. He only allowed three completions as a cornerback and returned an interception for a touchdown.   [player_tooltip player_id='847993' first='Darius' last='Mason'], WDM Valley   Ranking: No. 4 RB/No. 51 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16466629/6550ff426898e9135c5ec595">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Mason is a big back that hammered his way to over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns during the last two seasons for a program that reached the state semifinals both years. His between-the-tackles style might not be of use to some programs, but plenty of others would welcome his talent. That's not to say Mason is all power and no pop, though. Defenders better take him down before he gets a head of steam going because he can run once underway. And when he reaches top speed, guys bounce off of him like bugs. He's shown he can be a threat receiving out of the backfield, catching a pair of scores in '23. That skill along with his knack for blocking can keep him on the field for third down.   [player_tooltip player_id='318135' first='Tate' last='Hawf'], West Lyon   Ranking: No. 5 RB/No. 62 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13894061/65628c6402b31d0d843b7fd8">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Hawf is a do-it-all running back that rushed for 779 yards and 14 touchdowns, and caught 19 passes for 263 yards and four scores last fall. He also stood out at safety/linebacker, where he picked off two throws. Hawf runs sprints for the Wildcat track team and excels at baseball, too. All of that athleticism and competitiveness shows up when watching him carry the rock. Hawf operates well in space with slick cutting and change of direction, but he also does work inside the tackles, where he shows keen vision and patience. Hawf is asked to block in the West Lyon offense, and he looks like he enjoys that physicality. Not sure if it's running back at the next level for Hawf, but he's a college player.   [player_tooltip player_id='332995' first='Jacob' last='Doyle'], Cedar Rapids Kennedy   Ranking: No. 6 RB/No. 73 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16060777/6542a5740c5e980ac0ba2c77">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: In a balanced Cougar offense with multiple ball carriers, Doyle's 800 rushing yards led the way. He averaged 7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. Doyle is a bigger back whose strength is his biggest strength. That said, he has some wiggle to him. Doyle also sees the field well and can change directions quickly. If you're wondering about speed, Doyle ran Kennedy's fastest 200 and third fastest 100 during the spring track season. Doyle also stands out in baseball, where he currently is sporting an OPS over 1.200. There's a chance Doyle could end up on defense in college. He plays linebacker at Kennedy.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278885' first='Caden' last='Henkes'], Ankeny   Ranking: No. 7 RB/No. 81 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16518312/655ab689ab9d78098812d119">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Henkes is good at this game. In addition to being one of the state's most productive rushers (1,126 yards, 13 touchdowns in '23) last season, he caught 29 passes for 258 yards and a pair of scores. Henkes also completed both of his passes, one going for a touchdown. He averaged 23.3 yards on four kick returns, too. He definitely can help out college programs as a versatile running back, but the skill he shows running routes and beating the secondary could work at slot receiver. When carrying the ball, he thrives once he gets into space. He helps himself get there a lot with his notable vision, patience and cutting ability.

In conjunction with the recent release of our updated Class of 2025 Rankings, we producing write-ups on the Top 7-rated student-athletes at each position. Below is a look at standout running backs in the cycle: