Over, Around, or Through: Most Productive RBs Running it Back

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off a Prep Redzone subscription with code Johnson30!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Run the ball. That is one of the quickest ways to success in football, and especially so here across the WI HS landscape. Running the ball shortens the game, controls the clock, sets the tone in the trenches, and allows the athletes WI produces best show off their traits. That being the OL and RBs. The group of highly productive RBs returning for 2026 is absolutely loaded. Not only have these dudes been at the top of the statistical charts, they are also going to find themselves towards the top of our RB rankings when the update debuts shortly. We are blessed to get to watch these athletes take the field again in eight months, not that we are counting or anything. But until then let's talk numbers, impact, and turn on the tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620318"],"_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-696050a0827bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 357 Carries, 3,436 Rushing Yards, 57 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The king of the hill at the RB position is Green Bay Notre Dame's [player_tooltip player_id='1620318' first='Kingston' last='Allen']. What Kingston did as a junior will not be forgotten for a long time. His massive workload gave him so many chances to let his elite traits do the talking on the field. The junior has elite contact balance and excellent power that punishes defenders at the point of contact. His second gear in space quickly erases pursuit angles. Kingston is one of those athletes who gets stronger as the game goes on. While he is much lighter, it was hard to not see similarities in how he carries the ball to Braelon Allen. We are in for a special senior season from the 2027 RB1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ayden Nerdahl","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Amherst","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696050a0828ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 172 Carries, 1,839 Rushing Yards, 34 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The All State RB earned that honor on the back of a dominant junior season. Ayden torched defenses on every touch, averaging over 10 yards/carry while also piling up 70+ tackles on defense. The '27 RB has excellent tools for creating space thanks to his agility, jump cuts, and vision to read and react quickly in the front seven so that he could set up defenders or elude them. When this kid hits green grass you see that second gear that led to huge play after huge play. This kid is electric with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Braylon Mielke","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Marion","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696050a082953"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 222 Carries, 2,068 Rushing Yards, 26 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 1st Team All State honor was earned for the above stat line. Braylon was a nightmare for defenses. The 215 lbs athlete is able to churn his way through arm tackles easily, fall forward at the end of carries, and overall wear down the defense with his powerful frame. However, he separates himself more with how elusive Braylon can be while running between the tackles. The junior leaves defenders guessing if he is going to make them miss or run right through them with that 215 lbs frame. We are in for another great season from the Marion standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228462"],"_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-696050a0829a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 265 Carries, 1,931 Rushing Yards, 26 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The State Champ will be back in 2026 and looking to beat the great season he put together in 2025. Grafton had an extremely explosive offense that was able to stay balanced because of what he provided on the ground. I highly recommend turning on the tape and watching Jack run the rock. He has outstanding balance through contact, bouncing off hits until he hits the open field and then easily outrunning the field. His balance and patience through traffic set up big things once he breaks through the front seven. The electric RB is on the rise without a doubt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tysen Teal","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Northwestern","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696050a082a35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 161 Carries, 1,887 Rushing Yards, 32 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tysen is a walking highlight reel. He turned just 161 touches into 32 TDs. He is lightning in a bottle. It isn't just on the ground either. Tysen can change the game through the air too. But his speed on the ground can stretch the defense out or gash them right up the middle because he can go from 0 to 100 in the snap of a finger. There is no shortage of speed and playmaking abilities when it comes to the Northwestern athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1647055"],"_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-696050a082a80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 183 Carries, 1,853 Rushing Yards, 31 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 was Austyn's breakout party. He was an effective #2 in 2024, but that was nothing compared to this past season. The junior is one of the best athletes in the Class of 2027 and will be one of our top risers without a doubt. The powerful athlete brings such a balanced skill set to the field. His best traits are his size, power, and best of all his contact balance. I was able to watch one of Austyn's games live and it further highlighted his ability to take contact and just keep gaining yards. To be able to get knocked off balance but keep his feet and keep going forward. I'm very excited to see more offers come in the for highly skilled RB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Reece Joten","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Little Chute","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696050a082b12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 225 Carries, 1,793 Rushing Yards, 22 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reece led his team to a state appearance thanks to his rushing talents while also doing a great job on defense too. Reece isn't the biggest kid, but he has that bowling ball build of a thick, compact frame. One that can take hits and just keep going forward because he has such a low center of gravity and powerful lower body. There is still plenty of speed necessary to break off the big chunk carries too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1574032"],"_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-696050a082b61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 254 Carries, 1,729 Rushing Yards, 23 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an old-school back. A 200 lbs athlete who is going to punish the defense 4, 5, 6 yards at a time until he finally breaks loose for the big gain. Jack plays with excellent contact balance. He is so good at taking hits without even getting knocked off balance. Somehow the junior stays square and keeps going downfield until finally gang tackled, or he breaks loose for the endzone. Jack is built for a big workload. We should see more of that in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carter Moesch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bonduel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696050a082bf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 159 Carries, 1,504 Rushing Yards, 23 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another massively productive and impactful two-way athlete is Bonduel's Carter Moesch. Part of that impact was as a ball carrier. The junior has a big frame for the RB position, but don't let that fool you. He will win with speed every chance he gets. Whether it be getting to the edge or flying through an inside gap before LBs can collapse on him. The big man reads the field so well too when carrying the ball. He always seems to find the path of least resistance. This is one of the top small school studs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1677698"],"_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-696050a082c3f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 172 Carries, 1,189 Rushing Yards, 21 TDs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbus has been one of the top places for highly productive RBs. Up next is 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1677698' first='Bobby' last='Tracy']. The junior is coming off a strong season at the helm piling up 21 TDs on the ground. Patience and vision set up a ton of Bobby's biggest plays. He allows him blocks to develop and then gets up field. Despite being a smaller back, the junior had a ton of success up the middle where the defense couldn't find him among the big linemen in the trenches. Bobby was able to read blocks and find those seams to daylight and pile up the points for the Columbus offense. I'm looking for Bobby to build on this season in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->