Engle carried 24 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns in Maple Grove’s 37-17 season-opening win at Stillwater. The senior stepped into the lead role for the defending Class 6A state champions and delivered, powering a Crimson offense that scored 24 unanswered points. Engle has 4.4 speed and combines it with explosive lateral quickness. He stops and starts well and makes sharp directional cuts. His balance and body control power him through contact. A versatile back, Engle can win between the tackles with toughness or outside with speed, and his skill set makes him a reliable every-down option. His blend of speed, balance, and versatility gives Maple Grove another playmaker capable of lots of carries. A productive back with the tools to make an impact at the next level.

One of the biggest sleepers of the 2026 Minnesota class, as well as a top candidate for a breakout performer for this upcoming fall, college programs are finally paying attention to Maple Grove’s dynamic rising senior playmaker James Engle James Engle 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2026 State MN . Engle, a verified burner who has clocked multiple 4.5s and 4.6s at the plethora of in-person exposure points we’ve got on him, can finally go into camps and unpadded settings and show colleges – in the correct recruiting window – that his speed and explosiveness are no joke. Additionally, Engle’s footwork, ability to create separation and reel in receptions as a route runner, and toughness all show up well as both a WR and RB, and he’s hitting his stride at the perfect time going into the summer camp circuit. After yet another strong showing at a PrepRedzoneMN Showcase, this time walking away with MVP honors at April’s Combine Series, Engle came into the St. Olaf College Prospect Camp and clocked an eye-popping 4.4 hand-timed 40, which helped translate to a Concordia-St. Paul offer out of the NSIC. 10ish days later, Engle had a great showing at MSU-Mankato’s prospect camp, leading to an offer from the Northern Sun heavyweight Mavericks in person and in shells against high-quality MN and WI competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if Engle has most of the NSIC under his belt in a month.

If I had to assign an MVP from this RB group, it would go to Engle. Dude tested out of this world, placing first in all categories among his position group, and this includes an astounding 4.4 40 time. When the competition portion of the camp came, Engle dominated. He’s an incredibly explosive athlete who can stop and start on a dime. He’s able to make rapid changes in direction, which makes him a tough cover, especially for linebackers. He’s hardworking and a versatile back who’s able to play a variety of roles in an offense, yet still somehow flies under the radar, despite his repeated success at Minnesota’s highest level of football. Whoever gets Engle is getting a steal.