Southeast Kansas Running Backs Pounding the Rock

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southeast Kansas is a hot bed for running back talent that seems to consistently get swept under the carpet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, now that I am focused on shining a spotlight on the region, that will change. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And fast...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The running back position is an interesting one at the high school level. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some fast, some strong. Some are scatbacks, some are speedburners. Some are open-field artists, some are torpedoes in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fortunate ones have the DNA to do all that, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, what they all have in common is they are tough-as-nails predators, focused on picking up yards after contact to move the chains and relentless in doing whatever it takes to win on Friday nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report we will take a look at some of the best and brightest at the running back position in the glossed-over southeast Kansas region. Below are four studs from the class of 2026, and one from 2027 who are already training and focused on bringing the shock and awe of pounding the rock this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, lets take a quick look at the SE Kansas baller backs getting ready to trample the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595719' first='Jamaal' last='Jackson III']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jamaal-jackson-iii/"></a>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jamaal-jackson-iii/"></a>&nbsp;<em>,&nbsp;</em></strong>5'10, 185, RB,&nbsp;<em>Labette County</em>&nbsp;'26, he is coming off another monumental season as one of the apex running backs in the state. He is a fast and fluid force out of the backfield who demolished defenses all year, gaining 1,822 yards on 269 carries, averaging seven-plus yards per carry and scoring 20 touchdowns. He added another 210 yards on receptions to give him 2,000+ total yards. His highlight reel was impressive last fall and in particular when he exploded for 416 yards on 39 carries and seven touchdowns against KC Sumner toward the end of the season. He lines up as a single-setback/tailback and once he takes the handoff has great spatial awareness anticipating gaps before using his next-level acceleration to burn a trail to paydirt. Get your popcorn ready, he is getting ready to put on a show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591838' first='Mason' last='Sterling']</strong><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/mason-sterling/"></a>&nbsp;, </em></strong>5'8, 175, ATH, <em>Humboldt</em>, '26<strong><em>,&nbsp;</em></strong>is another polished playmaker who can handle any of the skill positions on offense and is dangerous on the ground or catching the ball out of the backfield. On the year he did it all, completing a couple of passes in four attempts, including one for a TD, while on the ground he carried 77 times for 903 yards averaging an eye-popping 12+ yards per carry and scored 19 total touchdowns. In the air he snagged 21 passes for 381 yards and added another 400+ yards on returns to give him 1,700+ total yards on the year. On the other side of the ball he was a headhunter, compiling 66 tackles, six TFL, picked off four passes and recovered three fumbles. When playing QB, he throws well enough to keep the defense from stacking the trenches and is a breakaway threat on the run-pass option. He is getting ready for a monster year in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1403534' first='Jett' last='Tanner']</strong>, 6'0, 195, RB/LB, <em>Columbus</em>, '26, is coming off a standout junior season as a two-way baller who dominates on both sides of the ball. On offense he is a dynamic running back who instinctively picks his way through traffic before smoothly shifting gears and accelerating to daylight. Running between the tackles he uses his powerful base, piston-like legs and good burst to steamroll defenders and pick up yardage after the initial hit. Last fall he ran for 826 yards on 132 carries, averaging six+ yards per carry and scored seven total touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for another 70 yards to give him just under 900 total yards on offense. On defense he was a ball buster of a linebacker who wrecked offenses with 70 tackles, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. He is going to be <em>en fuego</em> this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620500' first='Tre' last='Wilson']</strong>, 6'1, 190, ATH, <em>Iola</em>, '26, is another all-around playmaker who who has flown under the radar so far but his game is getting ready to get some attention in the very near future. He is coming off a solid junior season when he accumulated numbers in a variety of ways. Throwing the ball, he completed 27 of 58 passes for just under 500 yards and had four touchdown passes. On the ground he rushed for 642 yards on 90 carries, averaging seven-plus yards per carry, including a scorching 80-yard score. He also added another 300 yards on receptions and returns and scored 11 touchdowns. He is fast and elusive with the ball in hand and is particularly dangerous lengthening plays and creating on the corners. He has good size and quickness and is deceptively fast when he turns it on breaking into the secondary. This guy is just getting warmed up and will be turning heads this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125654' first='Da'karyi' last='Jones']</strong>, 6'1, 195, RB/LB, <em>Parsons</em>, '27, is the lone representative from the class of 2027 and gave coaches, scouts and fans a brief glimpse last fall of the great things to come. He is another athletic all-purpose back who can do a little bit of everything as needed. On offense he can play any of the skill positions, but was most dangerous running with the rock, picking up 300+ yards on 59 carries for a five-plus yard average per carry and four touchdowns in only five games. On defense he was a swarming linebacker who has great read and react skills and closes on the football exceptionally fast. For the year he stacked up 22 tackles, a half-dozen tackles for loss and a sack while roaming sideline to sideline making plays. This guy is just getting warmed up and is getting ready for a breakout season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, these southeast Kansas backs are on the cusp of great things, so get them on your watchlists and follow their progress through the off-season. And, as always, if you run across a player or team you think deserves coverage and is not getting any give me a shout via DM on X. Keep grindin'…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->