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2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise

2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Robert Davis
Robert Davis September 30, 2025 @ 05:46 PM
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In this article:

Cade Hemphill
Cade Hemphill 6'0" | 160 lbs | RB/DB | 2026
CO
Britton Walston
Britton Walston 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB/WR | 2026
CO
Jackson Schipfer
Jackson Schipfer 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB/LB | 2026
CO
Dylan Mika
Dylan Mika 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB/LB | 2026
CO
Ritchie Bruno
Ritchie Bruno 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be looking at some backs from 2A that have been leaving their mark early this season. These are the players that you will need to know as we move forward into the year. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1923028"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dc5dc499083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hemphill has been one of the most complete backs in 2A this season, impacting the game both on the ground and through the air. With 687 rushing yards on just 75 attempts, he has averaged over nine yards per carry while finding the end zone 11 times. His ability to break away with speed on the perimeter and anticipate running lanes has made him a consistent big play threat. Hemphill has also proven to be reliable in the passing game, catching 11 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns. His dual-threat skill set makes him a nightmare to defend, and at his current pace, reaching 1,000 rushing yards in the coming weeks feels inevitable. Hemphill is quickly becoming a must know name in the 2A ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dc5dc49910b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bruno has carved out a reputation as a bruising back who wears down defenses with his physical running style. On 99 carries, he has already produced 652 yards and seven touchdowns, consistently churning out tough yardage between the tackles. His long run of 66 yards shows that while he thrives as a power back, he also has the burst to break free when given space. The next step for Bruno will be limiting turnovers, as three fumbles have slowed his momentum. He has yet to showcase his versatility in the passing game, but his downhill style has made him a focal point for his offense. Bruno's ability to grind out yards late in games makes him a dangerous back to track in 2A football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1404785"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dc5dc49917b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mika is quickly emerging as one of the more reliable workhorse running backs in 2A. With 92 carries for 646 yards and three touchdowns, Mika has demonstrated durability and efficiency as his team's primary option on the ground. His ability doesn't stop there, as he has proven to be a dangerous receiving threat, averaging 10 yards per reception with a touchdown through the air. That versatility makes him a player capable of impacting games in multiple ways, especially when he gets the ball in space. While ball security will be key moving forward, Mika's skill set as both a runner and pass catcher gives him the potential to elevate his game even further. He's a player on the rise that opposing defenses must account for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561017"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dc5dc4991e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schipfer brings a punishing style to the backfield, thriving as a bruiser who can break through tackles and impose his will on defenders. His ability to run with power and get north and south quickly makes him effective in picking up tough yardage and sustaining drives. Schipfer has also shown his value in pass protection, giving his offense stability on third downs while also proving capable of catching passes out of the backfield to keep defenses honest. His physical presence makes him a tone setter for his team and as the season progresses, his blend of toughness and reliability will continue to be what makes this offense go. Schipfer is the type of back who can grind down defenses over four quarters and change the momentum of a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1695346"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dc5dc49924b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walston is proving to be one of the more dynamic playmakers in 2A with his ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver. On the ground, he has produced 415 yards on just 56 carries while scoring seven touchdowns, consistently showing the vision and burst needed to turn limited space into big gains. Walston's speed was on full display with an 87 yard touchdown run that highlighted his ability to pull away from defenders in the open field. In addition, he has caught 10 passes for 109 yards and another touchdown, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat weapon. His ability to impact the game in multiple phases makes him one of the most dangerous backs to keep an eye on as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be looking at some backs from 2A that have been leaving their mark early this season. These are the players that you will need to know as we move forward into the year. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Cade Hemphill

Cade Hemphill

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB/DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Cade
Hemphill RB/DB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
160
HS
Strasburg
|
CO
2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Hemphill has been one of the most complete backs in 2A this season, impacting the game both on...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cade Hemphill

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Strasburg
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ritchie Bruno

Ritchie Bruno

CO
RB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Ritchie
Bruno RB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
185
HS
Brush
|
CO
2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Bruno has carved out a reputation as a bruising back who wears down defenses with his physical running...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ritchie Bruno

State: Colorado
School: Brush
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dylan Mika

Dylan Mika

CO
RB/LB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Dylan
Mika RB/LB
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
Weight
170
HS
Aspen
|
CO
2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Mika is quickly emerging as one of the more reliable workhorse running backs in 2A. With 92 carries...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dylan Mika

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Aspen
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jackson Schipfer

Jackson Schipfer

CO
RB/LB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jackson
Schipfer RB/LB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
170
HS
The Classical Academy
|
CO
2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Schipfer brings a punishing style to the backfield, thriving as a bruiser who can break through tackles and...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jackson Schipfer

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: The Classical Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Britton Walston

Britton Walston

CO
RB/WR
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB/WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Britton
Walston RB/WR
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
170
HS
Resurrection Christian
|
CO
2A Darkhorse Running Backs on the Rise
Walston is proving to be one of the more dynamic playmakers in 2A with his ability to contribute...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Britton Walston

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Resurrection Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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