Kobe put together one of the best RB performances of the season, and it earned him the RB1 spot in our final rankings update. This inclusion is the culmination of an unreal final year of high school. Kobe crushed the summer camps with his elite athleticism and then when the lights came on he proved that athleticism could completely take over games on a weekly basis. The Central Michigan commit earned this spot and that FBS spot after his 2025 efforts.

I would not have guessed that Kobe would be apart of this article. As a junior he was a 1,000 yard rusher and a State Champion. Then his senior season happened. Kobe finish with over 2,000 rushing yards, and 27 TDs on the ground. The senior RB put on a weekly show of his elite traits. Traits that have earned him FCS and FBS offers during the season. Kobe’s athletic traits are D1 quality. Speed, agility, explosive acceleration. Plus the vision and that innate ability to find ways to create monster plays. Kobe is going to jump up our boards both in the overall and RB rankings. It was an unforgettable senior season for the talented RB.

Stats: 20 Carries, 316 Yards, 6 TDs

Kobe is putting together an unreal senior season in Slinger! In Week 6 the extremely explosive RB averaged over 15 yds/att while carrying the ball 20 times! Unbelievable production and efficiency, but honestly those numbers match how explosive, athletic, and elusive the playmaker is. The film proves that if you give this kid an inch he is going to take it 70+ because he can hit the hole so fast and get to top speed so fast. Speed that won’t be chased down in the open field. You can only play as fast as Kobe when you have vision to see the field and react as fast as he does too. It seems like everything the senior does is at 100 mph. Kobe plays at a different speed than the rest of the field on Friday nights and is proving that he will be a difference maker at the next level.

Rankings Rise: 251 Up to 100

One of the biggest risers of the update was Slinger RB Kobe Hendricks Kobe Hendricks 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Slinger | 2026 State WI . The incoming senior put together a great summer starting with a dominant showing at the WFCA combine. By the end of the summer Kobe had earned offers from River Falls, Duluth, and St. Thomas. The 5’10” 180 lbs back already has one 1,000 yard season under his belt, but this year might be the breakout as he looks to be in line for even more touches this fall. On the field you have to love Kobe’s vision, instincts with the ball in his hands, and the way he is able to let his athletic gifts shine. Kobe can make you miss, beat you to the corner, or use his low center of gravity to move the pile. He is a kid that creates mismatches and gives his offense and advantage on every down. A big year is coming for the reigning State Champ.

Stats: 12 Carries, 44 Yards, 1 TD

A junior RB to keep your eyes on is Kobe Hendricks Kobe Hendricks 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Slinger | 2026 State WI . Kobe didn’t have a massive day numbers wise, but he stepped up when needed most. His tough running between the tackles helped Slinger stay balanced in their offensive attack and forced Rice Lake to have to quickly read run or pass on every snap. Kobe did well in short yardage scenarios including his TD run and a two point conversion. He was able to churn his legs until he crossed the goal line. Kobe also uses that strong lower body to have some explosive lateral movement while working through tight quarters. I’m excited to hopefully cross paths at camps with Kobe this summer heading into his senior season.

Stats: 16 Carries, 143 Yards, 1 TD

Slinger and Hendricks added one more impressive win to their resume in the final week of the season and look ready for a big playoff push. The best way I can describe the play style of junior RB Kobe Hendricks Kobe Hendricks 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Slinger | 2026 State WI is powerfully explosive. He doesn’t just have elusiveness or agility. He is powerful while doing those things. The way he can cut and accelerate instantly while also ripping through arm tackles is a great example of that ability to play fast and strong simultaneously. The 5’9″ 175 lbs athlete can also run right through arm tackles. Just this week alone we see him running downhill and breaking tackles. The vision and instincts he has with the ball in his hands are excellent too. I’m excited to watch more of this offense and Kobe in particular.

This fall Kobe has been able to win the starting job for Slinger HS in a season that the team has dominated. They are 5-0 while scoring almost 40 points a game. Helping with that scoring is the 5’9″ 175 lbs junior RB. Kobe is blessed with balance and a low center of gravity. That has allowed him to be a very slippery runner with plenty of yards after contact. He seems to slip away from arm tackle attempts un-phased and stay running downhill. The compact back also has explosive lateral agility to make LBs miss last second when he meets them 1 on 1. It is impressive how hard Kobe runs and how well he can play through the trenches and find his way to green grass where he can flex his speed. The junior has created a lot of big plays through the air, on the ground, and in the return game through 5 weeks. Big things ahead for him.