#1 returning rusher in Minnesota.

Committed to North Dakota State.

2025 stats: 162 rushes for 1,908 yards (11.8 YPC) and 29 TDs – #5 rusher in MN in ’25.

2025 100M PR of 10.76, 2026 100M PR of 11.03

2025 200M PR of 21.83, 2026 200M PR of 22.41

Legitimate game-breaking speed that smoothly glides and powers past defenders like they’re stuck in slow motion. Cut-on-a-dime twitch and start/stop ability that can go 0-60 and 60-0 equally as easily. Track speed absolutely shows up on tape. Combination of lower body strength, natural balance, and consistent leg drive through contact also helps him break tackles with power. Returns some beef along his OL in 2026 to sweeten the pot and is a good bet to surpass that 2K yardage mark if he stays healthy.

Sleen rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries in Hermantown’s 52-7 win over Duluth Denfeld. He opened the scoring with a 3-yard run and later broke free for touchdown runs of 37 and 32 yards in the third quarter, showing the acceleration and top-end speed that make him the centerpiece of the Hawks’ offense. At 6’1, 170 pounds, Sleen combines speed, vision, and toughness. He presses the line of scrimmage with patience before exploding through openings, where his balance and power allow him to run through first contact. His ability to accelerate into space makes missed tackles inevitable, and one false step by a defender is often enough for him to take over a drive. Last year, Sleen rushed for 1,623 yards and 24 touchdowns at 12.4 yards per carry, production that established him as one of the most dangerous backs in the state. His speed and physicality make him a nightmare for defenses. A player who will continue to attract college attention.

Man, oh man, do we have a fun RB coming out of Hermantown’s 2027 class. 5’11, 160 lber. Martin Sleen Martin Sleen 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Hermantown | 2027 State MN has been one of the most productive tailbacks in Minnesota this fall, finishing his 8 game regular season with 103 carries for 1,096 yards (10.4 YPC) and 17 TDs while spearheading Hermantown to a 7-1 record. This kid is real-deal explosive and real-deal athletic. This past offseason, at the TrainingHaus Combine down in Eagan, Sleen put up some crazy testing numbers. Led by a 4.64 40, Sleen posted a 4.28 shuttle and 7.0 L-drill, along with an eye-popping 42″ vert for good measure. If that’s a laser 40, that’s D1-worthy athleticism, especially for a sophomore, and you can see the numbers translate to the tape as well.

The speed shows up all throughout his tape. Sleen slides by pursuers like they’re stuck in the mud and displays legit game-breaking speed that can take it to the house on any play. He’s a fluid runner who shows great burst and a top gear that he can shift into at the third level to outrun pursuers and finish big runs. Sleen can also can cut on a dime and cut at top speed, and demonstrates great vision, as he uses every inch of the field to his advantage and does a good job of setting up defenders before bouncing the rock outside, where he’s lethal once he gets the sideline. Once he sticks his cleat in the turf and gets vertical and he can get up to top speed quickly, and one cut and he’s gone. Sleen also owns great balance, thanks to a strong lower body and good contact balance that helps him run through weaker tackle attempts without losing steam. The Hermantown product earned a gameday invite from UND this season but is still very much under the radar. We may have our next great Outstate athlete on our hands!