Tobongye checks in as the No. 33-ranked player overall and the second-ranked running back in the state’s 2028 Class, according to the latest Prep Redzone rankings update. It’s well-deserved coming off a sophomore season that saw him earn all-district recognition for a Waukee Northwest squad that reached the UNI-Dome for the first time in its brief history. As the team’s second running back, he rolled up 543 yards (8.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns. His 10th-grade highlight video reveals a well-rounded running back that can run by or over defenders. He’s shifty, cuts sharply and knows when to hit the gas. Tobongye exhibits patience in allowing his blocks to set up and keen vision in finding the creases. He easily breaks arm tackles.

Some would say that we need to see more of Paulo Tobongye Paulo Tobongye 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB/ATH Waukee Northwest | 2028 State IA before he makes a list like this, considering he wasn’t able to play every game for Waukee Northwest this fall. Take a look at the tape, and those people will feel quite a bit differently.

Serving as the secondary back as a sophomore, Tobongye took 67 carries for 543 yards (8.1 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns in eight games. In four of those games, he took five or fewer carries. When Tobongye gets going, he looks nearly impossible to bring down. With a mixture of patience, strength to make breaking tackles look easy and breakaway speed, Tobongye is easily a Division I tailback. He’ll be the top option on the ground for the Wolves this year, and he’ll be on major breakout watch this fall.

After getting his feet wet on the Wolves’ freshman squad in 2024, Tobongye has positioned himself to compete for playing time this season. Northwest graduated plenty of its backfield production from a year ago. Tobongye makes a case for himself to help out on the varsity during his ninth-grade highlight video. There are natural gifts necessary to achieve success playing running back, and he has them. Tobongye’s wiggle, power and patience aid him in picking his way through the defense. He can bounce plays outside with the speed to get to the edge and then outrun defenders. If you’re looking for a breakout for 2025, Tobongye is an excellent candidate.