Running Backs Rising in PRZIA ’28 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 5A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 4A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 3A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Iowa kicked off its rankings update series last week with a fresh look at the 2029 Class. The updated rankings can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. A positional breakdown from the release can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/rounding-up-te-rb-in-przia-29-rankings-update/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, the 2028 recruiting cycle is being discussed. You can check out the new rundown&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/">HERE</a></strong>. An overview of the update can be located&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/adding-context-to-przia-iowa-28-rankings-update/?itm_source=parsely-api">HERE</a></strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, we'll take a closer look at the group by position. Here's what we have so far:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/o-line-dominates-przia-28-rankings-update/">OL</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/quarterbacks-rising-in-28-przia-rankings-update/?itm_source=parsely-api">QB</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/dynamic-dbs-dot-przia-28-rankings-update/"><strong>DB</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/diamonds-on-the-d-line-in-przia-28-rankings-update/">DL</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/wideouts-show-out-in-przia-28-rankings-release/">WR</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/linebackers-light-up-przia-28-rankings-update/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/linebackers-light-up-przia-28-rankings-update/">LB</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/ascending-athletes-in-przia-28-rankings-update/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/ascending-athletes-in-przia-28-rankings-update/">ATH</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/top-tier-tight-ends-in-przia-28-rankings-update/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/top-tier-tight-ends-in-przia-28-rankings-update/">TE</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is running back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605331"],"_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-6a8b9a947aa88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hegelheimer's opportunities were limited last season as a sophomore operating behind a workhorse running back. When he received the rock, however, he knew what to do. He picked up 294 yards (11.8 YPC) and six touchdowns, and hauled in four passes for 48 yards for a team that reached the state title game. Hegelheimer also was dynamic on special teams, averaging 28.8 yards on 11 kick returns, taking one back for a score. As a kicker, he was 4 of 4 on field goals and hit all 62 points-after-touchdown. Hegelheimer also contributed on defense. We expect Hegelheimer to take off as a running back this season, carries there for the taking. He mixes power and speed to become a major problem for opponents Colleges already are involved with Hegelheimer. Expect that attention to increase this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1603066"],"_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-6a8b9a947ab14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tobongye checks in as the No. 33-ranked player overall and the second-ranked running back in the state's 2028 Class, according to the latest Prep Redzone rankings update. It's well-deserved coming off a sophomore season that saw him earn all-district recognition for a Waukee Northwest squad that reached the UNI-Dome for the first time in its brief history. As the team's second running back, he rolled up 543 yards (8.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22691279/68feb4c9da5bee2fb1c311dc" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22691279/68feb4c9da5bee2fb1c311dc">10th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a well-rounded running back that can run by or over defenders. He's shifty, cuts sharply and knows when to hit the gas. Tobongye exhibits patience in allowing his blocks to set up and keen vision in finding the creases. He easily breaks arm tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1583687"],"_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-6a8b9a947ab8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I first wrote about Doss when watching him find success as a freshman playing in the state semifinals back in 2024. I've continued tracking his progress since then, including another in-person scout at the Back2Ballin 7v7 tournament this spring in Cedar Falls. Doss showed me in that instance that colleges should look at him as an athlete capable of developing at multiple positions on the next level. We at Prep Redzone have him ranked as the No. 3 running back in the 2028 Class because he's shined there as a prep, but he's capable of succeeding at other spots. Last year, he racked up 1,518 yards (8.8 YPC) and 18 touchdowns. Doss also averaged an absurd 32.6 yards on 15 kick returns, taking three of them to the house. He's being criminally under-recruited, a scenario that hopefully changes this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2050089"],"_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-6a8b9a947abfe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prep Redzone Iowa has Adams as its No. 4 running back in the state's 2028 Class, per its latest rankings update. That's coming off of a sophomore season that saw him rumble for 1,283 yards (6.3 YPC) and 14 touchdowns on a team that reached the semifinals last season. He also contributed 20 tackles (14 solo, 2.5 TFL), and Redzone scouts that saw him working on that side of the ball on the camp circuit this summer liked what they saw. Versatility is a good thing and provides more paths to college. Carrying the football following a handoff is a known skill, as we can see when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18435820/692e583b86037ef6679dcb49" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18435820/692e583b86037ef6679dcb49">10th-grade highlight video</a>. The size and power stand out right away, but there's wiggle and burst as well. Another gear can be hit in the open field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1696458"],"_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-6a8b9a947ac6e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hash shows up as the No. 5 running back in Iowa's 2028 Class in the latest Prep Redzone Iowa rankings update. The Clarinda junior is coming off of a campaign in which rushed for 686 yards (5.4 YPC) and six touchdowns. He also racked up 41.5 tackles (31 solo, 5.5 TFL), a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22406177/6908141c6c4b96816ed18d6f" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22406177/6908141c6c4b96816ed18d6f">10th-grade highlight video</a> of 2025, we witness a big dude running over defenders at an alarming rate. It's a power-based skill set as a ball carrier. There's also elusiveness and giddy-up. Hash's physicality and toughness make him a natural for defense, too. He'd also be a special teams' asset. College game-day invites are arriving rapidly, and interest will tick up with an expected breakout loading.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->