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<p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p>
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<p>One series that I started over on the Prep Redzone Nebraska side is the “Returning Yardage Leaders” feature, where I look at some of the major statistical categories and break down the leaders returning next year. Let's look at some returning talent in the current junior, sophomore, and freshman classes and their production this past season.</p>
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<p>To start, let's examine the juniors who rushed their way to the top of their class leaderboards.</p>
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<p>Riverside's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1242828' first='Jaxon' last='Gordon']</em> was the driving force behind one of the tougher rushing attacks in Class A last season. <em>Gordon </em>was a workhorse, rushing for 1,932 yards on 285 carries and scoring 31 rushing touchdowns as the Bulldogs reached the second round of the playoffs. <em>Gordon </em>has a taller, lean frame at 6'1" and 185 lbs, which makes him tough for defenders to take down on initial contact. Great vision and change of direction allow him to find and explode through creases in the defense.</p>
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<p>Bishop Heelan's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas']</em> entered the season as one of the more sought-after defensive standouts in his class, but then went on to have an explosive season as the Crusader's main back. <em>Thomas </em>carried the ball 201 times for 1,841 yards and 26 touchdowns. <em>Thomas </em>is a super strong and athletic RB with elite contact balance that keeps him upright through tackle attempts. <em>Thomas </em>also posted 44.5 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions returned for TDs. <em>Kasen's </em>recruitment will be one to watch closely this offseason!</p>
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<p>BGM's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1221942' first='Beau' last='Burns']</em> was the only player in the state last season to record over 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. <em>Beau</em> stuffed the stat sheet with 2,391 passing yards, 1,474 rushing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and 25 rushing touchdowns. What makes Burns such an effective runner is how well he can keep the chains moving with quick, 7-9-yard runs that keep the offense on schedule. His running ability can force defenses to overcommit to stop him on the ground, opening up the passing game for him. Big season coming up for this prolific Bear!</p>
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<p>Mid-Prairie <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1242944' first='Hudson' last='Ehrenfelt']</em> continued building on a promising sophomore season with a highly productive junior campaign. <em>Ehrenfelt </em>carried the ball 242 times for 1,365 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. <em>Ehrenfelt </em>also showed that he can be an asset in the passing game with 26 receptions for 289 yards and two receiving touchdowns. <em>Hudson</em> played very well on defense as well, with 31 tackles, a TFL, and two interceptions.</p>
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<p>There was a tie at fourth in rushing yards, with Charles City's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1615329' first='Deacon' last='Caspers']</em> also making the top four. Just like Hudson, <em>Deacon</em> posted 1,365 rushing yards while carrying the ball 269 times and scoring 14 touchdowns. <em>Caspers</em> is a rough-and-tumble back who can gain the tough yards between the tackles, displaying great toughness as he absorbs contact. Good north-south runner who also has enough juice to cut back and bounce runs to the outside when he finds a lane.</p>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Rounding Out the Top 10:</span></strong></p>
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<p>6. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1615327' first='Korben' last='Michaels']</em> - Saint Ansgar: 117 carries, 1,295 rushing yards, 216 receiving yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, 76 tackles, 14 TFLs, two fumble recoveries, 279 return yards, and two punt return touchdowns.</p>
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<p>7. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1238169' first='Carter' last='Hoffman']</em> - Cedar Rapids Xavier: 197 carries, 1,278 rushing yards, 196 receiving yards, 34 passing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, a passing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown.</p>
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<p>8. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1242274' first='Mason' last='Hoy']</em> - Springville: 140 carries, 1,277 rushing yards, 125 passing yards, 167 receiving yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, four passing touchdowns, 46.5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions (two pick-sixes), 434 KO return yards, and two KO return touchdowns.</p>
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<p>9. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1615325' first='Karter' last='Murphy'] (QB)</em> - Wayne: 153 carries, 1,231 rushing yards, 682 passing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, six passing touchdowns, 48 tackles, 2 TFLs, and a 46-yard interception returned for a touchdown.</p>
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<p>10. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='401669' first='Daniel' last='Larmie']</em> - Ankeny: 186 carries, 1,208 rushing yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns.</p>
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<p>Make sure to follow <em>@PRZ_OscarG</em> for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p>
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