Breakout Watch: AAAAA RBs

Time and time again, Minnesota has produced high-quality RBs for multiple levels of collegiate competition. This group of athletes who are prepping for the 2025 season is no different. I've found a bunch of high-level juniors and seniors who are DIALED and ready to make an immediate impact this fall.    Graham had an electric junior season where he earned All-District honors while rushing for over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs while averaging a solid 4.7 ypc. His junior tape is loaded with explosive runs that contain multiple broken tackles per play. His best attribute is easily his vision. If a hole opens up along the LOS, Graham is going to find it and hit it hard. The number of tackles he can break on a run is shocking, but it is one of the many times on his tape where Graham showcases his tenacity. He fights hard for every yard and will light up defenders when pass blocking. Keep an eye out for the Owatonna bellcow in 2025.     Another returning running back who is projected to slide into the RB2 slot next season, Flatland rushed for 135 yards and 1 TD in 3 games the previous fall. Possessing solid vision and a hard-nosed running style, Flatland is a patient one-cut back who can create problems for defenses between the tackles. I love how he lets plays develop behind the line before finding an open gap and hitting it at 100 mph. That Owatonna backfield next season could evolve into a serious threat to be reckoned with.     A back who broke out last season, Sheldrup proved to be a massive problem for defenses, rushing for 878 yards and 6 TDs on a solid 4.9 YPC during the 8-game regular season. On his tape, Sheldrup proves to be an explosive and patient ball carrier who waits for plays to develop behind his offensive line before breaking off a massive chunk run. He's shown that he has the ability to break tackles and has a couple of moves in his bag that allow him to work through defenses. Expect more production out of the Scarlets product during his senior year.     Clarksean might now have seen the most production as a sophomore ball carrier, taking 13 carries for 71 yards last year. But there is a lot to be excited about from this 2027 Swiss-Army knife. A three-sport (Football/Hockey/Track) athlete who puts up eye-popping numbers in the weight room, Clarksean is a physical force on the gridiron. On his tape, he's a hyper-aggressive run blocker who frequently drives defenders into the dirt. As a ball carrier, he also possesses surprising quickness for a prospect of his size. Expect Clarksean to elevate during his junior year.     During his junior year, Kleist was a two-way starter who rushed for 427 yards on 75 attempts on a fantastic 5.7 ypc with an additional 6 rushing TDs, all while splitting time as the lead ball carrier. Kleist is a thick power back, but man, when you watch his tape, you can't help but notice how quick he is. He's almost Cam Skattebo-esque the way he can run through 3-4 defenders each play, breaking tackles the whole way. At his best, Kleist is a super physical RB with the potential to break off a run for a TD at any time. With a projected increase in carries ahead of his senior year, I expect his stock to rise considerably.     An accomplished football and track athlete who is one of the highest-rated ball-carriers in this article today, Zielinksi rushed for 901 yards on 161 carries, averaging 5.6 YPC with 6 TDs on the ground in 10 games. After watching his tape, I'm bought in. His quickness and explosiveness pop immediately on his film. Once he sees green, Zielinksi can turn on the boosters and gash defenses for 20+ yard gains with ease. He possesses excellent ball carrier vision and quick feet, and will repeatedly break both arm tackles and good form tackles. Chanhassen was a dangerous state entrant team last season, and with a lot of returning dogs in their offense, including Zielinksi, the Storm could make another deep run.     One of the most promising ball carriers out of the class of 2027, Elliott has me very excited to watch his junior campaign this fall. A crafty RB, Elliott possesses some of the best vision out of any backs in his class. He has a knack for finding cutback lanes as soon as they develop, and he hits them frequently to devastating effect. He runs incredibly hard and can break tackles reliably at the second and third level. He's got some upside catching swing passes out of the backfield as well. He only played in 6.5 games last fall, so with a complete junior season, Elliott could go on a tear.     Churchill is a three-sport athlete (Football/Baseball/Track) and a nimble gadget guy who I could see taking a far more significant role in the RJM offense next fall. As you might expect when you watch his tape, Churchill is an incredibly shifty athlete. At his best, he can weave in between defenders and make big plays in key moments. With the team's bellcow from last season graduating this spring, I think it's very possible we see Churchill take over that workload.     Waconia has a penchant for churning out top ball carriers year after year, and I think Theis is the next evolution of that process. As a junior, he rushed for 721 yards on 137 attempts, averaging a solid 5.3 YPC, with 7 TDs on the ground. Theis is an explosive zone running back who can get you yards however you need him to. On his tape, there are plenty of plays of him taking outside zone runs deep into enemy territory, but also quite a few plays of him tacking the rock between the tackles and gutting out tough runs. Touting impressive speed and balance, I think Theis is in a great situation to have a massive senior season.     A THICK RB with surprising speed and a couple of eye-catching lift numbers, Backus is a kid that I'd love to see more of during his senior year. Backus did a little bit of everything last season. He's got definite pass-catching upside, and when given the rock, can make plays all around the field. Complete with fast feet and a high motor, he encompasses everything you'd want a fullback/running back to possess. He's definitely an underrated sleeper prospect.     An absolute physical monster who is a terrifying ball carrier, Smith needs way more recruiting attention on him ahead of his junior year. He has great speed for a 6'4" 225 lb frame and the ability to break a ton of tackles due to his momentum and great balance post contact. It looks like it sucks to tackle him, and he's only a sophomore. Smith could evolve into a very sought-after prospect over the next two seasons.

Time and time again, Minnesota has produced high-quality RBs for multiple levels of collegiate competition. This group of athletes who are prepping for the 2025 season is no different. I've found a bunch of high-level juniors and seniors who are DIALED and ready to make an immediate impact this fall.