Total TDs: 40 TDs, 38 on Offense, 2 on Defense

Coming into the season it was clear that Ayden possessed the talent to play at the next level. However, even with those thoughts we have been blown away by how dominant the Amherst RB has been. Ayden brings a perfect blend of power and speed to the backfield. He can flip the field just by getting to the edge first or by running through a man or two before hitting the open field. The offense has leaned on Ayden over the past two years and even so we haven’t seen a defense be able to contain him. The senior is still uncommitted too, so coaches dive into his tape and see how he could fit on your roster. The Falcons enter the playoffs 9-0.

Season Stats: 47 Carries, 562 Yards, 10 TDs

Ayden is a runaway freight train with the football in his hands. Once he gets rolling downhill he is going to run through arm tackles and throw powerful stiff arms to keep defenders at bay. The big man isn’t just a rumbling ball carrier though. He is someone who can make the sudden cuts or spin off a tackle attempt to put him in the open field all of a sudden. It is a very balanced toolbox of gifts and attributes for the Amherst standout. The senior is also a patient runner who decisively attacks up field when he finds that lane he is told to aim for. Coaches, this senior RB is uncommitted. You need to tap into the highlights.

Stats: 24 Carries, 339 Yards, 4 TDs

I loved what we saw from Ayden in his junior season, so when I saw this insane stat line we had to get an updated looked at the now senior. There is a lot to like with Ayden’s game. The power and balance is there to get the dirty work done and create something out of nothing. He can hit a 2nd gear in the open field. Ayden also does a great job of following his blocks and seeing the field as those blocks are developing. It also jumps off the tape how Nerdahl will fight for extra yards and usually requires a gang tackle if you can’t get him herded out of bounds. The senior RB is a game-breaker. You need to see this tape.

Stats: 172 Att. 1,839 Rushing Yards, 34 TDs, 72 Tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 1 PBU

You could count Ayden in the ATH or RB section. He ended up in this position category because of his rushing tools. The uncommitted incoming senior has the size to handle a heavy workload and two way responsibilities. He is the type of athlete who gets stronger as the game goes on. It is also noteworthy that the Falcons will be looking for a lot of new production in their passing game, so I expect to see them lean on Ayden and the run game even more this fall. The Falcons were 10-2 in 2025. Can they beat that in 2026?

Another eye-catching LB prospect out of Wisconsin, Amherst High School’s Ayden Nerdahl Ayden Nerdahl 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB/LB Amherst | 2027 State WI sure made an impression on PRZ over the weekend at NDSU’s first FBS Prospect Camp. Sleek was a great way to describe Nerdahl’s wiry, muscular, cut-up, long frame and build that is only going to get more physically-impressive in a college S&C program. A mean, aggressive, and physical presence, Nerdahl was extremely versatile, proving himself to be a dynamic three-down presence that could produce and find success in any setting a LB could find himself in. Nerdahl was exploding out of his breaks like a defensive back during 1v1s against RBs and TEs, and he was rewarded for his efforts by a multitude of INTs throughout the various competitions. Nerdahl was also a twitchy blitzer during pass pro and really had an edge to his play style and skillset that caufht and held our attention.

Ayden is going to be one of the kids in the race for Conference Player of the Year when the season ends. The 2027 RB torched defenses with a dynamic and explosive blend of contact balance and speed. Ayden clearly has a special skill set. The way he can go from agility to fighting through contact, to hitting his 2nd gear in the open field all on the same play is hard to find in an athlete. Ayden’s instincts are very strong and allow him to quickly understand how to best attack defenders that are trying to bring him down. This is one of the must watches in the conference.

As you can see from the ranking, this isn’t just one of the best small school RBs. Ayden is simply one of the best ball carriers in his Class. Coaches are going to love watching his tape. The 2027 RB is always gaining yards. Even when picking through traffic he seems to always be getting downhill. Ayden brings a very a well balanced attack to the field too. He is someone who can make you miss with a cut or churn his legs through arm tackles and keep his balance through hard hits. Plus he offers that receiving threat out of the backfield. The Amherst product is set for a big year and should earn plenty of choices for where he is playing next.