A severely overlooked recruit and one of the top running backs northeast Iowa has to offer, Laken Caves Laken Caves 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB/LB Alburnett | 2027 State IA is primed to take over once again for Alburnett this fall. He may even lead them to a state title.

A hard runner that can slip through tackles and out-run the defense, Caves put up eye-popping stats all over the field last season for the Pirates. Leading all classes in all-purpose yards with 2,846, Caves was one of the more unstoppable players in all three phases of the game last season.

On offense, he took 235 carries for 1,880 yards and 22 scores on the ground, also finishing as his team’s leading receiver, grabbing 31 receptions for 390 yards and three scores. On special teams, Caves returned 13 kicks for 417 yards and a score, adding seven punt returns for 104 yards.

Oh — and he played defense. Finishing the year with 35 tackles and three interceptions, Caves is one of the top do-it-all athletes the state has to offer.

A relentless runner that can outstride a defense, pack a punch and take a screen or a kickoff return to the house, Caves led the entire state in all-purpose yards this fall, finishing with 2,846 total. The key cog in the machine of the Pirate offense, Caves took 235 carries for 1,880 yards and 22 touchdowns, while grabbing a team-leading 31 receptions for 390 yards and three touchdowns. Caves is a multi-faceted star that can help out on special teams and pass protection in addition to playmaking with the ball in his hands.

One of the most productive players in the state, Laken Caves Laken Caves 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB/LB Alburnett | 2027 State IA is the engine that makes the Alburnett offense go, handling the majority of the carries, catches, touchdowns and all-purpose yards on behalf of the Pirates.

A tailback who gets difficult yards be embracing physicality, Caves is good between the tackles, but he can also use his speed to bust a carry to the outside, use his blocks and run away from the opposing defense. Found on a screen in the redzone, he can do the same in the open field as a receiver, weaving his way through traffic to score. Caves’ positional outlook at the next level is still up in the air, but he’s got a future in football, and playing running back is a major strong suit for the junior and Alburnett, for now.

On Friday night, he finished the game with 32 carries for 268 yards and two touchdowns, to go with two receptions for 16 yards and a score.

Caves shot out to a fast start through the first three weeks of his junior season. He’d rushed 61 times for 490 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 10 receptions for 157 yards and a score. On defense, he’s recorded 17.0 tackles (13 solo, .5 TFL) and is averaging 36.6 yards with a TD on seven kick returns. Caves has posted highlights from the early season on his Hudl page. On them we see a downhill runner that hits the hole hard and then has another gear to outrun the defense. The Pirates also utilize his quick-twitch traits on screen passes and find others ways of getting him in space.