Stat Monsters: Breaking Down Ohio’s Top Returning Rushing Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/owen-scalf/"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/owen-scalf/"></a>Football season in Ohio kicks off this week, and we take a look today at the top players in total rushing yards from last season in Ohio as we head into the 2026 season. These four players are must-know names as they enter the fall season, and big things are expected of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: all statistics are courtesy of MaxPreps. Prospects who have social media and Hudl film are eligible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1905536"],"_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-6a845b351e2aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1905536' first='Anthony' last='Bishop'] is a very good running back for Portsmouth West. He displays good balance down the sideline, strong run-through-contact ability, wards off defenders with a strong stiff arm, and keeps pressing the field for postiive yards after contact. Bishop was very productive last season as a junior, rushing for 1,613 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 220 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337707"],"_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-6a845b351e2ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnstown High School running back [player_tooltip player_id='2337707' first='Ryan' last='Sager'] is the real deal. The 5-foot-8, 185-pound tailback runs bigger than his size. He possesses great contact balance, driving his feet through tackles and frequently requiring multiple defenders to bring him down. Based on some offseason clips, he is developing as a receiver in the passing game with soft hands and good adjustment to the ball. He recorded 2,090 yards rushing with 37 touchdowns; expect another big season for the Class of 2027 recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1637442"],"_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-6a845b351e312"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1637442' first='Cartae' last='Ligon'] is a one-cut-and-go back who can be nifty when changing direction, possessing good COD and running through contact. We saw Ligon during Ironton's 7v7 tournament in July and the 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete flashed excellent hands when used as a receiver. He compiled 2,580 total yards from scrimmage last season, including 27 touchdowns, 70 tackles and three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. 2,262 yards were rushing, leading all returning Class of 2028 recruits. Holds nearly 30 offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343628"],"_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-6a845b351e335"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1343628' first='Julian' last='Baker'] is a very talented tailback. The Class of 2027 recruit and Kent State commit is very much a north-and-south runner who has explosiveness and burst. Baker, who plays for Miami Trace, is very good at leaping over defenders when he gets upfield, eluding contact and maintaing great balance in space. He capped off lsat year with 2,414 all-purpose yards and 39 touchdowns, with 2,182 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->