PRZ WI Showcase: Best of the Running Back Position

The running back position was a group that didn't lack any athleticism, explosive burst, and running/receiving talent. It was a position group that was represented by some athletes that I would file under the Need to Know category in the Classes of 2026-2028. That includes 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1576440' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] of Bay Port who earned MVP honors for the group. Read more about his day <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/prep-redzone-wi-spring-showcase-mvps/">HERE</a> in the MVP article. To see how the rest of the group did, continue reading! Enjoy!    The first athlete I want to talk about is the freshman RB out of Milwaukee Academy of Science. MAS is turning into an RB factory. Their starter in 2024 is headed to SDSU. They return two others, including Jabbar, for 2025 that should be able to pick up the slack and carry the load. Jabbar put together a great day at the showcase, especially for a freshman. He had back to back 4.69 40 yard dashes, highlighting his long speed and explosive acceleration. However, Jabbar really showed off his skills when they got to take on the LB position. The small, scat back was agile and elusive while taking LBs on 1 on 1 in space. Plus he used his speed well to open up separation in the 1 on 1 coverage battles. Hister will be an interesting back to watch grow and develop over the next few years.     Kamden hit our radar earlier in the offseason, so I was pumped to see that we were going to get a live look at the sophomore. Kamden checked in at 5'6" 176 lbs with 9" hands. On the testing side of things, Kamden hit 4.78 in the 40, 7.23 in the L-Drill, 4.6 in the shuttle, and broad jumped 8'2". Numbers that match what the 2027 did on tape in 2024. He has the speed to take off for big plays, is really good at making one cut and then accelerating to top speed quickly. Traits that also showed up in 1 on 1 battles where he could set up an LB, make one cut, and burst past.     Aadil has been on our radar for the past couple years so it was great to see the sophomore in person. The 5'9" 177 lbs sophomore flashed over and over while watching the RB group. I was most impressed with his play in the 1 on 1 receiving reps. The sophomore was able to close the gap on LBs quickly and showed an effective burst out of breaks that always opened up at least a little bit of space for his QB to target. To top it off, Aadil did a great job of securing the catch with some impressive last second adjustments and overall catches. I'm very excited to see how he continues to develop and make an impact this fall.     A freshman RB that surprised me early on and grabbed my attention was Oak Creek's [player_tooltip player_id='1659960' first='Cayson' last='Seabrooks']. The 5'8" 147 lbs back is in line for a big varsity role this fall, and he showed the tools to make an impact. It started with his 4.60 40 yard dash and 7.16 L-Drill. In space that agility really showed how effective it was. Cayson was able to cut laterally so smoothly and on a dime. An ability that the LBs couldn't match in the open field. Seabrooks looks like a mismatch in the making.     I was hyped to see that RB1 in the Class of 2028 was registered for the event, and Devin made sure to deliver a strong day. It started with 4.75 40, 4.5 shuttle, and 7.34 L-Drill. The combine numbers carried over to the field where was able to pluck the ball out of the air after consistently opening up space from LBs. Devin won with speed on deep routes, including a noticeable second gear out of breaks and when he was looking to pull away on the deep routes. Nettles showed off a really strong base of talent to continue to build his frame, speed, and balance around as he prepares for the fall.     A kid that really opened my eyes on Sunday and proved that he can play at the next level was [player_tooltip player_id='1565171' first='Anthony' last='Brown']. The 5'11" 185 lbs junior dominated the combine. 4.53 40, 4.35 shuttle, 8'8" broad, 7.32 L-Drill. Numbers that showed off speed, balance, burst, and agility all while having a really well built frame that can handle the physicality of the position. The best part is that those numbers carried over to drill work, and all the 1 on 1 variations vs the LB position. The bigger athlete looked comfortable cutting and exploding to top speed. Looking back on 2024 the big play abilities were on display as he averaged 10 yds/carry. I recommend crossing paths with this dude during the summer camp cycle.     Jax has taken part in a couple showcases/combines to start the summer and crushed both appearances. It is getting me more and more excited to watch him run behind the OL that Waterford is returning in 2025. Pesch checks so many boxes for the RB position. First off he has a great frame at 6'1" 192 lbs with nearly 6'4" of wingspan. The game breaking speed is there with a 4.66 40 yard dash, and the big back is surprisingly elusive and nimble demonstrated by his 4.35 shuttle, 9'3" broad, and 6.91 L-Drill. Between his size, strength, and athleticism, the sophomore RB is heading in the direction of being a dominant three down back. Keep a close eye on this kid.     Another strong combine performance and a junior to get onto your radars today is [player_tooltip player_id='1672782' first='Deven' last='Miller'] out of Plymouth. The 5'10" 168 lbs junior ran blazing 4.59 and 4.53 in the 40, 4.25 in the shuttle, 7.19 in the L-Drill, and broad jumped 9'2". On the field in one on ones we saw how much of a mismatch those numbers helped him become. Deven was able to accelerate extremely fast to open up big cushions from LBs. He also did really well going and getting the football with strong hands. Earlier in the month the athlete set his school record with a 10.88 100M dash. Deven is an explosive mismatch that needs more eyes on him.     Another RB that I was jacked up to see make it out to Wauwatosa was West De Pere's Kainan Strong. The sophomore is poised to have a huge junior season, and I only have more faith in that after watching him on Sunday. 4.63 40, 4.34 shuttle, 7.16 L-Drill and two elite jumps of 10' and 10'1" dominated the combine portion of the day. That explosive burst paired with the balance he has to change direction is going to be a nightmare for LBs to contain on Friday nights. It definitely gave the LBs in attention plenty of trouble on Sunday as they tried to run with him downfield. A big summer and fall is on the way for Strong.

The running back position was a group that didn't lack any athleticism, explosive burst, and running/receiving talent. It was a position group that was represented by some athletes that I would file under the Need to Know category in the Classes of 2026-2028. That includes 2028 Jackson Smith Jackson Smith 5'8" | 146 lbs | RB/DB Bay Port | 2028 State WI of Bay Port who earned MVP honors for the group. Read more about his day HERE in the MVP article. To see how the rest of the group did, continue reading! Enjoy!