’27 Rankings Update: Breaking Down Running Back

<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/?position=RB">2027 RB Rankings</a>   Running back is annually one of the more under-appreciated, in-state position groups in any given recruiting cycle. Not only does the spot feed college programs with dudes, but some of those guys take their gifts with them when lining up elsewhere on the next level. That speaks to their athleticism.   The Class of 2027 might have a tough time flying under the radar, however. It boasts a Top 10 overall player in this <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">updated rankings</a> at Prep Redzone Iowa with a deep group of talent behind him.   I recently wrote scouting reports on two of them, [player_tooltip player_id='1361313' first='Dawson' last='Kahl'] and Damarian Orr, for a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/27-rankings-update-breaking-down-stock-risers/">piece on stock risers</a>.   Let's have a closer look at some others:    Miller already has secured a scholarship offer from Iowa State with other Power 4 programs, including Iowa, involved with his recruitment. I caught Miller operate against rival West Branch this past season and came away impressed. Pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19445933/673b53c6a04173ed2856960d">sophomore highlight video</a> and you'll see why I'm not alone. Miller is an upright runner who keeps his head up to help find cutback lanes on each level. He picks his way through defenses until there's an opening to turn on the jets. Miller's style reminds me of Iowa All-American Kaleb Johnson. He keeps his legs churning and makes opponents work to take him down. Miller also shines on defense, where's he's fast and physical.     Production was no problem for Hoffman as a sophomore in '24. He rumbled 228 times for 1,294 yards and 17 touchdowns. We witness during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19759144/6737b0d0d51e98451a085e30">sophomore highlight video</a> a well-rounded ball carrier capable of running around or through the opposition. Hoffman smoothly slides in motion to the slot, where he's a considerable threat as a receiver. He shows good vision and change of direction. Hoffman's development is one on which to keep an eye while having an open mind positionally.     Grimm is a strong candidate for our year-end all-name team. He's much more than that, however. Grimm is one of those guys you get the ball to in space and let him eat. Handoffs, swing passes, whatever it takes. Grimm illustrates during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19714256/6727c83aa953dda75e9f7d05">sophomore highlight video</a> that he can make people miss and take it the distance. He scored via run, reception and kick return as a 10th-grader.     I caught Jefferis perform during the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome in November. He's another intriguing prospect from a program that produces them regularly. Even though college coaches might be conflicted about his future position, it's pretty apparent that he's just a really good football player when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18573151/66e721623f264dd5ffc6dc80">sophomore highlight video</a>. He makes people miss when running with the ball, whether obtained via handoff or catch, and Jefferis is a physical defender with bad intentions.     Jones shows us during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18293250/671ff6df6562f7ef612e0175">sophomore highlight video</a> his natural feel for running the ball. That's a great foundation at the position. While not the biggest back, Jones has a knack for maneuvering through traffic in the middle of the line and maximizing available yards. He makes people tackle properly to get him down by keeping his legs moving and finishing runs. Jones changes direction and speeds well. He can be a threat as receiver, too. Jones rushed for 522 yards (4.9 YPC) and seven touchdowns as a sophomore in '24. He added three catches for 45 yards and returned a kick 23 yards.     You see present production and future promise when viewing Bergfeld's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19597553/673227d09045713cec925145">sophomore video highlights</a>. He delivered as a 10th-grader, carrying 167 times for 960 yds (5.7 YPC) with five touchdowns. He chipped in seven catches for 119 yards and a score, and gained 214 yards on nine returns. Bergfeld is a bigger back that plays with good pad level and can gain tough yards. He is elusive and shows good straight-line speed, too. Bergfeld also is listed as a linebacker and his traits would work well there.

2027 RB Rankings