Another ball carrier on this list that is positioned to take over as RB1 and in the featured back role at their high school, Winona’s Ronnie Lemon is stepping into the cleats of some productive prep RBs before him and is ready to make 2023 the year of the Lemon. At 5’11, 185 lbs., Lemon’s combination of balance + stiff arm may be the deadliest on the list, and in-line with his physical run style, the 185 lber. has no problem lead blocking and doing the dirty work for his offense and fellow RBs. He’s more than capable of blocking LBs and second level defenders between the tackles or out in space, and brings a physical edge and playstyle to the Winhawks offense. 2023 is his for the taking!

Although he is one of the smallest backs on this list, Ronnie Lemon Ronnie Lemon 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Winona | 2024 MN is undoubtedly the best blocker. He lead blocks, he pass blocks, and he can put any defender across from him belly up on the turf. Lemon’s sturdy base, hand placement, and ferocious leg movement allow him to drive larger defenders back, and in some instances, pancake them on impact. For the passing game, he takes on charging linebackers without giving up much ground, helping give his quarterback a clean pocket to throw in. Sometimes, he even lines up at wingback due to how well he can set the edge for his other backs. This unselfish playstyle is apparent in his running too. He barrels shoulder-first into any short yardage situation, falling forward nearly every time. He can stiff arm, truck, or juke defenders of all sizes. These skills, paired with his unbelievable blocking, would make him a nightmare to game plan against.

Ronnie was an RB prospect from locally right in Winona, and we were able to get him on our radar very early at the Winona State prospect camp. He was impressive with his intense speed from what my eyes could gauge, and his change of direction showed a lot of agile movement that I could see what would be hard to tackle in the open field. Surely enough, when I got a glimpse of Ronnie’s game tape, he showed good elusiveness in his running ability and had that escape ability to get to the outside where you see his burst come out strongly. Ronnie has a strong lower body at 180 pounds that can shed off first contact with good ease. He also shows that same instinctive footwork from the linebacker spot as he can change that direction I mentioned with open hips and can get to the football early in the play. I am excited to see what Ronnie can put together in his junior season, as I will be paying close attention to this SE Minnesota prospect come this fall.