Predicting the Breakout: Running Backs

The running back position is always so exciting to watch. Across the state there isn't a year where we don't have unreal numbers posted and/or have a bunch of new athletes break onto the scene. That second part is the focus today. Who is in position to either completely breakout with their varsity debut or who is set to massively eclipse their 2024 impact during Fall 2025? Several come to mind that are on our radar. So, let's talk about them, what they have to offer, and why they need to be on the radar of the next level now.    2024 Stats: 74 Carries, 500 Yards, 4 TDs   One of the most impressive athletes among the RB position is 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1335708' first='Tristan' last='Berrens']. The sophomore is already bigger than most of the defenders he is going to go up against. Plus he has a year of experience as the RB1. As he enters his junior season it is time for him to make that leap. Time for him to truly show off the power within that frame to gain the tough yards as well as create yards after contact. It is exciting because Tristan's film shows a kid who can really stride it out and beat defenders down the sideline. I have a feeling a big year is loading for this kid.      2024 Stats: 84 Carries, 411 Yards, 5 TDs   A lot of things are falling into place for a breakout season from the Waterford RB1. First, the RB he split time with graduates this summer. Second, Waterford a couple of the best OL in the state of WI to clear the way for him. On top of it all, the 205 lbs back has the individual talent to contribute towards wearing down a defense. The 205 lbs back has a strong center of gravity despite the bigger 6'2" frame. He runs behind his pads really well and doesn't let his feet stop. The physical athlete also flashes solid vision behind the line. I'm ready for a big junior season from the RB.      2024 Stats: 132 Carries, 582 Yards, 8 TDs   What Jackson did in 2024 as a sophomore was solid, but now we want to see the 5'10" 190 lbs '27 take that next step. Show that he can break off the big plays more consistently and continue to push that yds/att higher. The sophomore tape shows a kid that won't hesitate to run behind his pads, move the pile, and rip through arm tackles. It is also impressive to see how smooth he can move through traffic. The one cut runner also has the vision to find the best seam to attack. I'm ready for it all to come together for the sophomore in 2025.      2024 Stats: 27 Carries, 138 Yards, 1 TD   It is no secret that West De Pere utilizes the run game above all with the talent they have there, but the RB1 position on the team has had the job of keeping defenses honest by providing a viable running threat. They primarily did that with one RB in 2024. If we see that again it looks like Kainan Strong is next up in line to take over the job. I really like Strong's play in the trenches. He shows off quick feet to pick through the traffic and then the burst to hit openings. The sophomore also has plenty of examples of the vision needed to win at the position.      2024 Stats: 16 Carries, 59 Yards   The FB only got to play in 6 games in 2024 and was utilized primarily as a blocker on offense. I expect more of that with his strong frame and ability to win with leverage while leading the way. However, only one of the three backs with more carries than him returns in 2025. So there is going to be work available for the '27 RB/FB to potentially pick up. Watching through the highlights he has, Josh is a physical presence. He will drive the pile, runs north-south, and isn't afraid to take on DL in his lead blocking role. I'm excited to see what his role is this fall.      2024 Stats: 67 Carries, 228 Yards, 6 TDs   A freshman that is ready for a bigger role is [player_tooltip player_id='1289198' first='Marcus' last='Brezgel']. The '28 RB did find himself a role in 2024, but there are extra carries available for him to earn in 2025. I would love to see him with more touches this fall, but in 2024 the highlights show an explosive athlete. One that can fly through lanes before an LB can close on him. The long speed is there to create the big play too, but his short area burst and agility have the talent level to be a game changer this fall. This is a kid to keep an eye on as he develops over the next three seasons.      Milwaukee Academy of Science is going to be looking for a new workhorse RB. One of the kids that I expect to see in a battle for the job, or at least a portion of the job is [player_tooltip player_id='1627990' first='Ivory' last='Hegler']. The highlights available show a kid that has well developed vision with the ball in his hands. He is able to knife through the front seven and is always gaining yards. HIs JV highlights also are loaded up with his punishing tacklers with his power and stiff arm. The kid is looking like a well rounded athlete and is going to bring a skill set that will help him win in a variety of ways.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/votheGh0st/status/1846024479102926851 </div></figure>

The running back position is always so exciting to watch. Across the state there isn't a year where we don't have unreal numbers posted and/or have a bunch of new athletes break onto the scene. That second part is the focus today. Who is in position to either completely breakout with their varsity debut or who is set to massively eclipse their 2024 impact during Fall 2025? Several come to mind that are on our radar. So, let's talk about them, what they have to offer, and why they need to be on the radar of the next level now.