North Dakota Offensive Skill Targets on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We grab a look at some 2027 and 2026 targets that are on the rise in our eyes across North Dakota as this time we focus on the offensive skill positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292702' first='Brody' last='Kegley'], QB, Central Cass 2027</strong> <a href="https://x.com/BrodyKegley1">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore quarterback broke a school record in passing yards and in these eyes has shown how more elusive he has gottten with his legs getting out of the pocket from a year ago. Heading back into the pocket, Brody surely seems more in tune with his poise too from a year ago as too the speed of his progressions have gotten swiftly quicker. Brody also shows off the precise touch that continues to grow as a 2027 quarterback that tied a school record for touchdowns in 2024 and wouldn't be surprised if he breaks another school record in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='930005' first='Cole' last='McClennen'], RB, Shiloh Christian 2026</strong> <a href="https://x.com/colemcclennen07">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It doesn't take much to see Cole's suddeness pop out in the backfield from the intial look on tape, as a 2026 that looks like an upcoming stockriser I need to track. The 5'11 185 pounder from Shiloh, has more pep with his burst once he hits the second level and I was impressed with the durability of this young man dodging off multiple tacklers on tape. Cole is one that you can tell on both sides of the ball has an intriguing football IQ as you can tell it from the eye test via the tape eval alone, as a RB prospect that I would expect the live eval will impress this summer at camps as a 2026 that should rise up significantly between now and August.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422650' first='Kaleb' last='McClaflin'], RB, Valley City 2026 </strong><a href="https://x.com/Kmac4110">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px">If you are looking for a 2026 running back that has a balanced mix of skillsets that apply to the running back position well, take a look at Valley City's [player_tooltip player_id='1422650' first='Kaleb' last='McClaflin']. The 6'0 190 pounder, shows off the downhill running ability that eats up contact and knows how to finish and is one that I love the vision he shows off in the open field. There also is a sound patience watching Kaleb in the open field, as you can tell he knows how to wait for the block to hit his gap and shows off the nestling athleticism with that patience. The Hi-Liners 2026 target is one that can work in tight windows create plenty of contact yards too as another 2026 to watch out of Valley City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560143' first='Isaac' last='Bachmeier'], WR, Bismarck Century 2026</strong> <a href="https://x.com/IBachmeier12268">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaac was one that left a good impression at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase this winter and the tape backs it up for the 5'10 170 pounder out of Bismarck Century. Isaac is one that intrigues me with the great fluidity as a route-runner that doesn't lose an ounce of it at any point when you roll his tape. He also appeared with impressive athleticism in the live eval and it was evidently clear watching his hands at work, as Isaac showed off some agile rotational hands that were a match when you watch the tape which is always great to see. Isaac is one of two 2026 offensive skill players on this list so far, that impressed me with their durability after contact out of the Bismarck Area, which should catch some attention from those college coaches out there looking to build their presence in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287892' first='Tariq' last='Bell'], WR, Minot 2027</strong> <a href="https://x.com/TariqBell_">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tariq is one of the most agile route-runners the state of North Dakota has to offer in this 2027 class out of Minot. Not only does he possess the quick twitch, but I feel he shows off a bigger catch radius than you would expect for a wide receiver that is 5'8 inches tall and all in all across his skillsets, Tariq plays bigger than his measurables across the board. In multiple live evals last summer, Tariq showed off the great hands constantly in high traffic areas and is a pass-catcher that you can just lock in with how determined of a young man he appears to be with every rep he gets. Could be another impact players to know out of Minot High this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->