I’m fired up for the potential breakout year from the 2027 RB out of Appleton North. The 5’9 “180 lbs RB was the team’s leading rusher in 2025 where he finished with 122/473/3. That could be just the tip of the iceberg in 2026. A key factor is that Darcel will be running behind a massive and talented OL that features 3 incoming seniors who are surefire next level recruits.

On top of the supporting cast, Darcel also has the tools necessary to attempt doubling his junior production. Darcel has a stout frame that has shown it can take a hit and keep gaining ground. Darcel is shifty through traffic, has explosive agility to elude and can hit that second gear in space. Appleton North always seems to be a team willing to play physical and I expect more of that this fall.

This is going to be a big year for Darcel. The 2027 RB is coming off a junior year where he led North with 473 rushing yards and added 3 rushing TDs. He will be the leading rusher returning in 2026 by far for the Lightning, so I will be looking for the offense to lean on him. That should give him a great chance to continue to prove himself worthy of the next level. The 5’9″ 180 lbs RB is a powerful runner thanks to his bowling ball frame. When this kid gets rolling downhill it is hard to slow him down and even harder to try and get him knocked off balance. This summer is going to be the even bigger proving grounds. That is where we will get to see how he runs and the agility he has to his game. I’m excited to watch him compete and hope to cross paths with him at a camp or two this summer.