Scouting Reports: Senior RBs with Next-Level Games

The recently released Class of 2025 Iowa Rankings from Prep Redzone is filled with talented running backs. Surprisingly, none of them have committed to college at the time this write-ups publishing.   While it's true that the state isn't a factory pumping our Power 4 backs, it produces plenty of ball carriers capable of energizing college programs. That's certainly the case in '25.   Here's a look at seven of them:   [player_tooltip player_id='1280497' first='Braeden' last='Jackson'], 5-11, 185, Ankeny Centennial   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16506034/655cfe22d468b508904af5c9">Junior Highlights</a>   I will keep writing about Jackson for as long as he flies this far under the radar. The talented Jaguar senior was a sidekick to Northern Illinois signee Elijah Porter last fall. He still managed 669 yards (6.6 YPC) and eight touchdowns as the second back. Jackson's 31 receptions were the second most one the team. The versatility stresses defenses that must deal with his skills running the ball, which include vision and burst, and him being a receiving threat. The son of former Coe College and NFL back Fred Jackson also comes from excellent blood lines.   [player_tooltip player_id='1127791' first='Myles' last='Wegher'], 5-8, 180, Sioux City East   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16205276/6536c50aab9d4605581e88e4">Junior Highlights</a>   Those folks that have been around awhile might remember Wegher's older brother, <a href="https://hawkeyesports.com/roster/brandon-wegher/">Brandon Wegher</a>, who starred at Bishop Heelan before signing with Iowa. [player_tooltip player_id='1127791' first='Myles' last='Wegher'] isn't drawing the attention from colleges like his older sibling did, but he's a pretty electric player in his own right. He rushed for 632 yards (4.8 YPC) and nine touchdowns last year, while adding 29 receptions for 330 yards and three scores. Like Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='1127791' first='Myles' last='Wegher'] is a well-rounded back that stands out for his vision and cutting ability. He looks natural playing the position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1280026' first='Caleb' last='Nordhagen'], 5-8, 185, Carlisle   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16277905/65ba5da8c11a180fb001066a">Junior Highights</a>   Nordhagen scores touchdowns. He did so last season via rushing, receiving, fumble recovery and kick return. Nordhagen led the team with 750 ground yards and eight TDs. He averaged 37.6 yards on five kick returns, housing one of them. He contributed 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks on defense. What we're saying is that Nordhagen is a good football player capable of helping a college program in multiple areas. With his skill set, he looks best suited for running back or slot receiver with the bonus of contributing as a return man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1279921' first='Ishara' last='Kalolero'], 5-9, 185, Cedar Rapids Jefferson   <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ia/cedar-rapids/organization/2474/jefferson-high-school/team/5797/boys-varsity-football/watch?hr=SGlnaGxpZ2h0UmVlbFN1bW1hcnk2NTQwNTQ4YjIzNDdkNzBiZjBkNzcyM2U%3D&ot=TEAM&oi=5797">Junior Highlights</a>   Video highlights of Kalolero on the internet are limited. You can find clips wading through Jefferson game highlights on Hudl. What we can view matches up with his production. In '23, Kalolero rushed for 852 yards (6.1 YPC) and 10 touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 120 yards and a score. He stands out for his broad-based skills, which includes a real good feel for receiving. Kalolero can most definitely run by defenders. He also can run over them, showing potential between the tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1279799' first='Lukas' last='Francis'], 5-10, 180, Harlan   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16923127/6511d9fab3d3620ee0294693">Junior Highlights</a>   Like Kalolero, Francis hasn't posted many video highlights from his junior campaign. What's linked above is a collection of clips from the Creston game. Fortunately, they reveal a really intriguing runner for the next level. He shows he can get to the edge or power it up inside. Francis cuts sharply, sees the holes clearly and can break tackles. Speed is there as evidence by him leading off Harlan's record-setting, state-champion 4x100 relay team last month, the squad finishing in 41.60 seconds.   [player_tooltip player_id='847860' first='Gabe' last='Gunn'], 5-9, 200, Des Moines North   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18612843/638500f31761db0c8070e8d0">Junior Highlights</a>   Gunn does a nice job operating in traffic with his patience, feel and cutting ability. When he can't find anything on the inside, he does a nice job of sliding his feet and bouncing it outside. He shows a good burst when he gets into space. Defenders misjudge Gunn's ability to get by them, and he often hits the jets to get an edge. It's best to bring him down before he gets a head of steam, otherwise you're contending with trying to be stronger than him. That's a difficult task.   [player_tooltip player_id='252236' first='Ben' last='Gonzalez'], 5-8, 180, West Marshall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18186125/65d78f9af55fca0ac07a0eb7">Junior Highlights</a>   Gonzalez proved he's a workhouse back last season for the Trojans. He carried the ball 196 times for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.9 yards on 14 kick returns, adding value on special teams. Gonzalez does well in setting up his blocks and allowing the play to unfold. When a hole is open as he takes the handoff, however, he accelerates through it quickly. He then jukes or runs over guys on the second and third levels of the defense.

The recently released Class of 2025 Iowa Rankings from Prep Redzone is filled with talented running backs. Surprisingly, none of them have committed to college at the time this write-ups publishing.