1128 yards, 14 touchdownsrnWith the now long line of great Elks’ running backs, the first thing that stood out to me when watching Schmidt is how effective he is in the passing game. He comes out of the backfield more than any Elk River back I have seen in years. He is not just running into the flat; he is making plays – sometimes one-handed – well down the field. As great as that is, he didn’t get over 1000 yards by just being a receiver out of the backfield. The junior is a patient runner who uses his blockers well. He protects the ball, and he has good explosiveness through the hole once he finds a crease. He has good speed and can break tackles, but what stood out was his ability to bounce off tackles and continue churning his legs until he finds open space.

Schmidt is an imposing running back with exceptional strengths that make him a dominant player. Standing out with his great size, he runs with a low pad level, absorbing contact from defenders and explosively powering through defenders. His impressive size and speed combination create a challenging matchup for opponents, and his quick initial burst allows him to reach top speed quickly. Schmidt’s downhill running style, backed by his overall power, is particularly effective in short-yardage situations. What sets him apart is his football IQ, which is evident in his ability to read the field, find open running lanes, and make smart decisions. His assertiveness in hitting the hole hard and firing through the line showcases his confidence and decisiveness. Overall, Schmidt’s dynamic skill set, marked by physical prowess, vision, and intelligence, positions him as a player with significant potential to dominate the running game.

Another Elk River rising junior, RB/LB Gavin Schmidt Gavin Schmidt 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Elk River | 2025 State MN is a standout camp and weight room performer who made big strides and posted consistent showings at various offseason events during his sophomore year. After a sophomore campaign where he helped the Elks to a 5A state championship while recording 1,065 total yards and 13 TDs along with 10 2pt conversions, not to mention his 11 tackles, 3 FFs, 2 INTs, 1 INt, and a sack, Schmidt was invited to watch a practice at the U of M, which he then followed up with a strong showing at our spring PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. At 200 lbs., he posted a 4.69 40, a 4.5 short-shuttle, and 9′ broad jump that impressed our scouts in attendance, and when you look at his weight room numbers you can bet those numbers will only improve. Highlighted by a 415 lb. back squat, 240 lb. power clean, and 235 lb. bench, Schmidt has been grinding and working his tail off this offseason, which is set to pay off big-time during the fall. Last year, he showed off lethal ability in the Elk River Power-T offense, where he displayed patience and can slip through gaps and slivers in the defense, as well as effectiveness as a WR, as he can catch the ball away from his body and take the top off the defense. When he finds daylight there is obvious burst in his game, and he’s got the big play speed to finish explosive runs for six. Schmidt also shows off a strong lower body helps him slip through, bounce off, and stay upright through tackle attempts, an effective stiff-arm, and lateral agility that helps him make defenders miss and take advantage of space. I think his production is going to take a big step forward in 2023 as Elk River strives to defend that 5A state championship. He comes in at #41 overall and as RB3 in the latest PRzMN update.