Runaway Performances: Best RBs of the Whitewater Mega Camp

The running back position is always one of my favorite position groups to scout in person and on tape. It is such a versatile position with athletes of all shapes and sizes. It is a position that can impact a game with so many different strengths and traits. That wide array was pretty well represented at the Whitewater Mega Camp. There were scat backs, versatile RB/WRs, bigger backs that still were able to put together a strong combine, and almost everything that could be in between. That group is our focus today. The best ball carriers of the camp. Let's get into it!    I came across Xavier for the first time during our regional coverage articles back in April. The Seymour RB1 and All Region athlete was a kid I was pumped to see in person and he turned in a great day. He started with a strong combine on top of his 5'10" 195 lbs check-in. Xavier ran a 4.61 40, 7.56 L-Drill, 4.65 shuttle, and jumped 9'3". His performance did well matching what was seen on tape. Xavier is a one cut runner who has a strong initial burst of acceleration. When Salzman gets out in space he can flip that switch and hit a second gear to pull away from LBs on routes. He is proving to be a higher workload back.     Xander checked in at 5'5" 167 lbs. That size won't be for everyone, but the 2026 RB caught my eyes over and over throughout the day. By the end of the day it was clear he was one of the top performers of the position. The day started with a 4.67 40, 7.28 L-Drill, 4.51 shuttle, and a 9'1" broad jump. The speed, agility, and burst to top speed were on full display. Especially in the route running 1v1s. Xander was a nightmare for LBs to keep up with. He was so quick in and out of breaks and got back to top speed instantly. The incoming senior was able to open up separation so consistently. Xander fits the role of a third down/change of pace back very well. Give the kid a look.     A kid that sent me to my notes and roster to check on over and over was [player_tooltip player_id='1228041' first='Jaydan' last='Ponder'] out of Racine Horlick. I was dialed in for the 1v1 reps vs LBs during run game reps. Every rep Jaydan flashed a burst of acceleration that stood out from the crowd of RBs and caught the LBs off guard almost every single time. Jaydan is an explosive runner with the football, making decisive cuts and then getting downhill and back to top speed. It was great to see him stand out in pads. The cherry on top is the incoming senior also had a really good combine with numbers like a 4.68 40, 4.63 shuttle, and a 9'4" broad jump. Jaydan has been able to carve out a solid role in recent years, but 2025 is going to be his time to shine on Friday nights. Do not overlook this kid.     One of my favorite performers of the day overall was Sparta's Camden McTaggart. I wasn't the only one with that feeling as the incoming senior was able to earn an offer from the Warhawks following his display of talent. The '26 RB checked in at 5'7" 200 lbs, ran a 4.83 40, 7.54 L-Drill, 4.42 shuttle, and brand jumped 8'8". Camden is built like a bowling ball with a low center of gravity that allowed him to dominate with his change of direction. The incoming senior made it look easy flying through bags, opening up space with his route running, and make cuts with the ball in his hands vs LBs in space. The kid is also a very productive athlete on Friday nights on both sides of the ball. Everywhere Camden has been he impresses or produces at a high level. Don't sleep on him.     One of my favorite athletes from this offseason has been the 2027 RB out of Kettle Moraine. He has been absolutely crushing it in the weight room putting up big numbers while using really good form. That effort in the gym has carried over to the field and in explosive testing. At Whitewater he posted a 7.41 L-Drill, 4.62 shuttle, and broad jumped 8'6". On tape Liam has been more of a one cut back who looks to quickly get north-south. Between his weight room success and holding his own at camps I'm excited to see him in his junior season as his confidence and experience continues to grow and improve.     Ever since Week 1 of 2024 Jackson has made me more an more of a fan every time I have watched him. That includes two live games, multiple Hudl highlights, and now a camp performance. The '26 athlete is an explosive weapon who can thrive at the RB or WR position for an offense. During the Whitewater Camp Jackson put together one of the top combines with a 4.77 40, 4.25 shuttle, and an 8'9" broad jump. The numbers match the on the field abilities. Jackson is a kid that dominates in tight spaces with his balance, quick feet, lateral agility, and explosive acceleration. He can create space and make big plays out of nothing. The incoming senior is an offensive chess piece for a next level program. Further verifying his strong day, Jackson left with an offer from the Warhawks.     I wasn't able to watch a ton of reps from Anthony, but the 2027 RB had one of the best combine performances among the position group. The incoming junior ran a 4.8 40, 7.53 L-Drill, 4.32 shuttle, and jumped a pair of 9'3" broad jumps all at 5'10" 175 lbs. I'm looking forward to watching him take on a bigger role in his junior season as a good chunk of carries has graduated from the 2024 team. I'll be keeping an eye out for him.

The running back position is always one of my favorite position groups to scout in person and on tape. It is such a versatile position with athletes of all shapes and sizes. It is a position that can impact a game with so many different strengths and traits. That wide array was pretty well represented at the Whitewater Mega Camp. There were scat backs, versatile RB/WRs, bigger backs that still were able to put together a strong combine, and almost everything that could be in between. That group is our focus today. The best ball carriers of the camp. Let's get into it!