Pounding the Rock: Off-Season Running Back Update

The off-season is flying by as we close in on the end of April. In the blink of an eye it will be time to pad up.   And, for the running backs looking to play at the next level, the stakes have never been higher. With the current NIL impact rolling along unabated, the process continues to complicate next steps.   It is tough for all positions, but especially so for running backs. The competition is already sky-high with college schemes increasingly using more one-back and empty-backfield sets, but these days gets amplified even more, as in addition to competing with other gifted seniors, they face a flood of proven college free agents looking for that ever-elusive greener grass.   In this report we will take a look at a couple of high-profile backs who are coming off breakout junior seasons last fall. Additionally, we will check out another junior back who is on the cusp of taking it to the next level and then a pair of young studs in the making, including a 2029er to keep an eye on.   So, without further adieu, let jump in and see what these baller backs are doing in the off-season:   [player_tooltip player_id='1310981' first='Reggie' last='Reece']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/reggie-reece/"></a> , 6'2, 210, RB, Mill Valley, '26. Arguably one of the top running backs in the state last year, he is coming off a monster junior season as the battering ram in the powerful Mill Valley running attack. When the dust settled, he had pounded defenses for 1,948 yards on 233 carries, for an 8.4 yard average and 25 TD's. Unfortunately for defenses he is a lot more than a big, strong work horse of a back. He also caught 10 passes out of the backfield for 162 yards. When he takes the ball and hits the perimeter, his burst and acceleration enable him to get to the next level in a hurry. Right now he is running track and focused on off-season training. He has already put on 10 pounds and is even faster. He has also been busy on college visits, as he just got back from Tulsa University and earlier in the month was in Lawrence and Manhattan. He has his eyes on a 2K-season this fall, get your popcorn handy as he is going to put on a show.   [player_tooltip player_id='904436' first='Augie' last='Fast']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/augie-fast/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/augie-fast/"></a> , 6'1, 205, RB, Wichita Northwest, '26. He is another dynamic running back coming off a highlight-reel of a season last fall as the driving force behind the formidable Northwest running attack when he picked up 1,745 yards, averaging nine yards a carry and scored 14 touchdowns. He presents serious issues for opposing defenses as he can slam the ball between the tackles as well as turn on the jets to punish teams on the perimeter. Case in point , late last season he put on a show against North, picking up 250 yards rushing, averaging 16 yards a carry and scored three times, for his third 200+ yard game of the season. His off-season training has been solid as he preps for a big final season. He recently received his first D1-offer from Drake and is expecting more to follow. Last fall was just a warm up, as he is getting ready to put an exclamation point on his game in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598597' first='Shannon' last='Jones']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/shannon-jones/"></a> , 6'0, 215, RB, Maize, '26. He is coming off a good season getting established in the Maize running attack. Last fall he picked up 500+ yards rushing, scored eight touchdowns rushing and had one of his best games of the year against arch-rival Maize South when he picked up 115 yards on 20 carries and scored a touchdown. He is another big, powerful RB who has the frame and lower-body strength to plow through traffic but with the situational awareness and instincts for hitting gaps and getting into space. This spring he is focused on his off-season training, hitting the weight room and conducting speedwork. So far his workouts are reaping dividends as he is up to 215 pounds without losing any speed. He is still finalizing his summer plans but intends to hit camps at KU and K-State and is considering others. The Maize offense is going to be en fuego this fall and this guy will be helping lead the charge in a big way.   [player_tooltip player_id='1256364' first='Trenton' last='King']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/trenton-king/"></a> , LB/RB, 6'1”, 205, Emporia, ‘28. He is a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions on offense and defense. On the offensive side of the ball he is an instinctive running back who can gouge defenses through the middle or hit the edge and beat you with his quickness and burst. On the other side of the ball he is a head-banger of a middle linebacker who plays with physicality and has an edge to his game. He moves well laterally and through traffic and uses that quickness to cut off running backs hitting the corner. A gym-rat by nature, he has been pounding the iron and working on improving speed six days a week. He is also cross-training as a boxer three times a week. He is headed to the Varsity Combine in KC this weekend and intends to go to the KU camp in June. Get this guy on your watchlist as he is primed for a breakout season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1662488' first='Dacen' last='Dedman'], 5'8, 160, RB/LB, Halstead, '29. With a few ballers from the class of 2029 already starting to make noise, it wasn't long before I started hearing rumblings about this up-and-coming baller from Halstead. A four-sport athlete who plays basketball, baseball and runs track, he is also focused on off-season training preparing for his first varsity football season this fall. Right now he is in track, breaking records in the sprints, relays and the triple jump, and is an outfielder/first baseman for the baseball team. Every Saturday he heads north to Salina to hit it hard with Sharp Performance, working on speed and quickness. A natural RB, he can also play any of the skill positions on offense and on the other side of the ball can line up as a ball-buster of a linebacker or slip back into the secondary as needed. Huge ceiling for this guy - Coach Racette is getting another high-octane weapon.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys terrorize the gridiron this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

The off-season is flying by as we close in on the end of April. In the blink of an eye it will be time to pad up.