Best Running Backs From the Madison Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Don't miss out on the final day (03/09) to start a 7 Day Free Trial at Prep Redzone WI*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are deep into the offseason. The Class of 2026 is seeing its last athletes commit to their college homes. All the rankings updates have been made and published. We haven't quite made it to camp season, though. We are at that point where athletes are either in the playoffs or wrapping up their winter sports or months into their offseason to improve for the2026 football season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here at Prep Redzone WI I am taking this time to begin my regional deep dives. In the past I have done the top players from every region around the state. This time around I want to be more position specific at times. We start with one of those instances for today's article as we dive into the RB-rich region that is Madison. Our focus for this article is Madison and the immediate schools around it. Imagine a line from Waunakee to down to Mt. Horeb, over to Stougthon, up to Sun Prairie and then back to Waunakee. Just that region alone is one of WI's richest talent pools. So let's dive in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2103531"],"_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-69af58f20f5b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This should be a very fun, new pairing to at Sun Prairie East in 2026. 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='2103531' first='Kamaria' last='Carter'] is transferring to the Cardinals from Madison West where he put up over 700 yards and 7 TDs last year. Kamaria is a force in the backfield and his talents have earned him a spot in the Top 10 of the 2027 RB group. His 5'10" 205 lbs frame is very stout, compact, and powerful. He absorbs contact without losing balance, runs through tackle attempts, and punishes defenders to finish runs. Carter also has the short area burst to attack gaps between the tackles. Kamaria is a well rounded back that will be in line to put on a show in his senior season at Sun Prairie East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620331"],"_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-69af58f20f61a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As you can see by the ranking, Eli has spent his career making an impact on both sides of the ball for Mt. Horeb. This year should be his best year yet as he looks to step into the RB1 and LB1 role for the offense and defense. I have no doubt that the 2027 athlete will be up to the challenge. The 5'11" 185 lbs athlete is coming off a State qualifying wrestling season and what helped him dominated on the map shows up on tape too. Eli is so strong for his size with excellent balance and understanding of leverage to maximize his strength vs larger opponents. Plus the 2027 RB/LB has the speed to get to the edge and rip off the big chunk plays down the sideline. The soon to be senior also brings some explosive agility through traffic that also helps him stay clean in traffic at LB. Don't miss out on this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2103554"],"_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-69af58f20f661"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2027 RB from the Madison area who is ready for a massive year is [player_tooltip player_id='2103554' first='Eli' last='Drangstveit']. The junior is coming off a season where he put up 853 yards and 10 TDs while helping the Warriors advance to Level 4 of the playoffs. Eli's 6' 200 lbs frame is built for a large workload. It can handle the beating of the position while also giving out plenty of contact too. Eli is so well rounded too. Inside/outside versatility as a runner. Some success as a receiver. Plus he has the vision, speed, and patience to return kicks. Eli is going to have a big year for Waunakee. Don't miss out on the RB that is certain to be a riser over this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226961"],"_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-69af58f20f6a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Asher is going to be one of two standout RBs to watch at Verona this fall. The 5'10" 205 lbs 2027 RB is a kid that fits the tone setting, downhill, one cut style of RB. Once he gets rolling he can move the pile and churn his feet through contact. Asher is always gaining yards too, never hesitating or juking too long. We also see him get some action as a successful lead blocker who can move LBs out of holes. Keep an eye on him this summer and this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1922969"],"_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-69af58f20f6df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden was a key piece to the McFarland offense. An offense that returns so much of its 2025 production so I am expecting big things from the Spartans. Jayden is coming off of nearly 900 yards rushing in 2025. The 5'9" 170 lbs RB wins with speed and elusive running. Jayden can get the edge and beat angles with that speed and second gear in the open field. He can also make space to then get to the open field with his powerful cuts and sudden jukes. Jayden's lower body is loaded up with burst to make him that nightmare in 1 on 1 open field scenarios. Jayden is proving to be a legitimate playmaker with the ball in his hands. I'm confident we will see him put up good numbers this summer and continue to climb up our boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1636856"],"_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-69af58f20f71e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We talked about teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1226961' first='Asher' last='Grady'] up above. Where he brings the power, Jaxon brings the electric speed and big play ability. That led to Jaxon leading the team with 90 carries for 633 yards and 8 TDs. You have to love the acceleration that Jaxon shows on tape. He can carry between the tackles because he can fly through gaps before an LB can fill the hole. Give this kid an inch and he can go 80 yards for the score. Keep an eye out for his numbers this spring and summer.</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":"Derion Hawkins","_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":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_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":"Middleton","_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-69af58f20f7d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derion was able to leave his mark in 2025 with 261 yards and 4 TDs, but 2026 should be his year with the chance to move up to RB1 for the high flying Middleton offense. The tape that is available shows a kid that could prove to be very versatile. He can be reliable as a target in the passing game with natural hands and some elusive running out in space. Derion also seems to check the speed box, getting the edge and getting downfield in a hurry. Plus he flashes really good patience behind his blockers. I'm excited to see what Derion can do with more chances in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1570904"],"_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-69af58f20f81d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm really excited for this to be Jayce's breakout year. The 5'10" 190 lbs sophomore led the Oregon RBs with 67/311/1 on the ground. Jayce runs so hard and has a low center of gravity to be able to break tackles and move the pile while attacking between the tackles. When the '28 hits the open field he can flip that switch and accelerate into the open field. You have to love the decisive running that he has too. The kid shows no hesitation and is ready to attack the second he touches the ball. Big things ahead for him the next couple of years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1815149"],"_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-69af58f20f85b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Madison La Follette sophomore is coming off of a solid sophomore year. Jabari put up 126 carries for 449 yards and a TD on the ground. They utilized the 6' 175 lbs sophomore to attack between the tackles from the FB position. His one TD came on a beautiful play where he was able to pinball off defenders, keep his feet, and then sprint for the endzone. That physical running style is the main key to Jabari's success. As he continues to grow and get stronger it will only become more impactful. Don't sleep on this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->