The top returner in rushing touchdowns from last season, Carroll’s Adam Malik Adam Malik 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB/LB Carroll | 2027 State IA ran all over northwest Iowa defenses in 2025. Finishing the year with 207 carries for 1,514 yards and 18 scores, Malik was also finished first among all rushers in 3A in yards on the ground.

Watching his junior year film, it’s easy to tell why. Malik navigates runs and space incredibly well. With chopping feet and the ability to stop and go better than most in the state, Malik can take a tiny crevice in the defense and expose for a 50+ yard run. Cutting back with lightning quick speed getting in and out of cuts, Malik alternates between his short, choppy strides to make tacklers miss and then puts on the jets, using long, bounding strides to out-pace the defense to the endzone.

My first in-person scouting opportunity of Malik happened during last year’s Back2Ballin 7-on-7 tournament in Cedar Falls. Malik put his athleticism and explosion on display in contributing on both sides of the ball for the Carroll Chargers. He followed up a productive spring with a fabulous junior season at Carroll High. Malik piled up 1,514 yards (7.3 YPC) and 18 touchdowns for the Tigers. He added six catches for 91 yards. When popping on his 11th-grade highlight video, we witness a dynamic running back. His legs are churning as soon as he takes the handoff, and he accelerates quickly. Malik flashes breakaway speed on long scoring runs and loses defenders between the tackles with sharp cuts. He’s more than a speed guy, proving capable of barreling over defenders. Malik’s frame can add plenty of good weight and strength without he loss of valuable speed and athleticism. He’d also be worth trying in the return game.

I scouted Malik in person during the Back 2 Ballin 7-on-7 tournament at the UNI-Dome this spring. He stood out for his athleticism and quickness in space. Malik proved to be a versatile contributor as a sophomore last year, when he contributed in all three phases. On his 10th-grade highlight video, Malik displays a natural feel for running the ball. He flows with the play, finding ways to make defenders miss. Malik will stick his foot in the ground and change directions on a dime. From what I saw in Cedar Falls, he has good instincts and the skill set to shine as a defensive back, too.