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<p>The running back talent pool is deep in the Wichita area, with the 2026 class in particular producing a number of standouts. The other classes are right on their heels developing the next wave of backs, with a handful of standouts who are already ahead of the curve.</p>
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<p>When it comes to evaluating running backs the jury is still out. Many of the so-called experts still tend to look at the same things: yardage and touchdowns produced in regard to game performance and then the measurables: 40-time, vertical jump and bench press in particular, thanks to the NFL making the combine a marquee event.</p>
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<p>And, while those are all factors to consider, they shouldn't be the deciding factors. Games stats can be highly volatile depending on how good the team is, the offensive scheme run, what the level of competition is, etc. As far as the measurables go, the 40 is way over-rated. Sure straight-line, linear speed is big, but even the best RB's have very few runs in the 40+ range over the course of a season. The vast majority of runs will be under 10 yards and it won't all be about speed, it will also depend on quickness, burst, power, vision, size and a host of other contributors.</p>
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<p>Similar situation with bench press. Other than giving an indication of upper-body strength, it is not a good indicator of RB performance. I have seen a lot of running backs over the years who looked like Tarzan and played like Jane. </p>
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<p>The vertical jump is an indicator of vertical power and explosiveness, which is critical obviously, but more appropriate is probably the broad jump, which translates more to football than the vertical in many respects. The broad jump focuses more on glutes and hams, while the vertical is more fast-twitch emphasis on the quads. So, they are both indicators if you know what you're looking at.</p>
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<p>The things I look at are a little different. The testing and numbers are all interesting but in many cases it is not so much what the numbers represent, but that you exceed the program's expectations for position performance. You checked the box so you passed the first hurdle. </p>
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<p>The real evaluation is on the field, the tests just help point out who to look at initially.</p>
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<p>In the 40, if the breakdown data is available, I focus on the 0-10 and 10-25 yard-mark times more than the final time. The up-front times in the forty indicate more raw burst and acceleration. As far as game stats go, the average yards per carry is one of the first things I look at, with yards after the initial hit if available. Big rushing yards and TDs are great, but again, not a stand-alone measure.</p>
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<p>Consequently, if you want to get your foot in the door, test well. If you want to get a scholarship, play well on Friday nights. If you want to go D1, you better be able to do both...</p>
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<p>In this report we will take a closer look at some of the highest-ranked playmaker <em>running backs</em> in the Wichita area. These guys get it done in a variety of ways, from straight-line speed and ankle-breaking quickness to battering-ram power between the tackles.</p>
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<p>So, without further adieu, let's dive right in :</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='426515' first='Brayden' last='Pappas']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brayden-pappas/"></a> , 5'8, 185, RB, <em>Eisenhower</em>, '26, is the highest-ranked running back in the 2026 class and has put in the work to get there. Last fall he was the team's primary all-purpose running back and was one of the big reasons the Tiger passing attack was so stellar was they were able to establish the run. On the season he gained 1,218 yards rushing on 202 carries, averaged 6+ yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. He was also a threat out of the backfield, catching six passes for just under a hundred yards and another TD and can return kicks as needed. He is a combo power-speed back who can hammer the ball between the tackles but also has the linear speed to turn the corner. He has a low-center of gravity and a powerful base that enables him to blow through defenders and pick up valuable yardage after the first hit. He is already getting significant attention from scouts and coaches and is getting ready for an encore senior season.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='585903' first='Aaron' last='Bohannon Jr.']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aaron-bohannon-jr/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aaron-bohannon-jr/"></a> </strong>, 5'7, 170, RB, <strong>Wichita East</strong>, he has been one of the highest-ranked running backs in the Sunflower state since hitting the varsity scene a couple of years ago. He is coming off a banner junior season when he piled up 1,658 yards rushing on only 139 carries for a jaw-dropping 11.8 yards per carry and also caught 16 passes for 237 yards and scored 22 total touchdowns. When he gets the handoff, he has good vision and makes decisive cuts picking his way through traffic. He has good speed, but great quickness and mobility moving laterally and shifting gears through the defense. He is also a strong runner for his size, running through arm tackles in traffic. He has had a storied high school career and is getting ready to blow it up in 2025.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780429' first='Zane' last='Farney']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zane-farney/"></a> , 6'0, 185, RB, <em>Sterling</em>, '26, is coming off another outstanding season and his second-consecutive season gaining 1,500+ yards rushing. This past season he got off to a slow start in the first game but went scorched earth after that, picking up 1,676 yards on 206 carries for an 8.1 average and 21 touchdowns. He is another power-speed back who sees the hole quickly, makes instant cuts and has the burst to hit the open field in a hurry. He is a spinning, churning back running through traffic and once on the perimeter is an elusive, fluid runner. He is also a two-way standout on defense with 67 tackles. He is a battle-tested, backfield warrior who is already training for a monster senior season and if it is anything like the last few years it is going to be a big season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491873' first='Arieus' last='Finley Jr.']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/arieus-finley-jr/"></a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/arieus-finley-jr/"></a> , 5'7, 160, RB, <em>Derby</em>, '27, he hit the Derby gridiron two seasons ago and has proceeded to develop into one of the most dangerous running back/return men in the state already. He is the highest-ranked RB in the class of '27 and is a lightening-fast scat back who had a huge sophomore season in which he rushed for 1,512 on 150 carries, averaged 10+ yards a carry and scored 22 TDs. And he did it usually playing just half the game due to Derby routinely blowing out the competition. He is electric in the open field and has been a highlight-reel ready to happen anytime he touches the ball. He is also more than just a shifty speed back, he is a good blocker and also a dangerous return man. This guy is going to make a run at the 2K rushing mark this fall and don't surprised if he tops it.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1080736' first='Edric' last='Zorn']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/edric-zorn/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 195, RB/LB, <em>Halstead</em>, '28, ranked #7 overall and is the #1-ranked running back in the 2028 class. He is also a member of the <em>Kansas Colts</em> on their loaded 15u 7v7 team. A star on the rise, he is just getting going but piled up 201 yards rushing on a 21 carries for a 10-yards a carry average and also hauled in a half-dozen passes for 104 yards, which included a 41-yard scoring strike, to give him 300+ yards in total offense for the season. On defense he was a sledgehammer of a hitter, piling up 45 tackles and a pair of TFL from his linebacker position. With several seniors graduating he will be ready to go off in 2025. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is getting ready to put on a show this fall.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, these guys are getting ready for some fireworks in 2025. Additionally, as always, if you know of any players or teams flying under the proverbial radar, please give me a shout via DM on X. <em>Keep grindin'.</em></p>
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The running back talent pool is deep in the Wichita area, with the 2026 class in particular producing a number of standouts. The other classes are right on their heels developing the next wave of backs, with a handful of standouts who are already ahead of the curve.
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