Ryan Thembulembu Ryan Thembulembu 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Fishers | 2026 State IN has had a sensational senior season.  The 5-foot-9, 185-pound tailback is a strong between-the-tackles runner who wastes no time getting upfield and breaking away if he finds a crease.  Thembulembu is a very under-the-radar recruit, and with his speed and burst, has huge upside. Thembulembu will be a constant threat to the Shamrocks’ defense, as will Gage Sturgill Gage Sturgill 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Fishers | 2026 State IN .

“RT3”, as he calls himself, had a big game against a tough Carmel team despite a 49-24 loss.  Despite the loss, Thembulembu had 21 carries for 125 yards and one rushing touchdown.  He also had three catches for 33 yards, proving his dual-threat ability.  He is tough to bring down, consistently finishes forward on contact, and is a key cog in the Tigers’ offense. 

We spotlighted the Fishers running back last week in our top performers report from the Tigers’ game against Noblesville, but his performance over rival Hamilton Southeastern made him an even bigger rising name. He had 23 carries for 150 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the big rivalry win last week. Thembulembu is a name Division II coaches should consider when they hit the road in a couple of weeks.

Fishers climbed to a 28-0 lead over Noblesville at halftime thanks to Thembulembu’s efforts. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound tailback ran over defenders for big yardage gains, and totaled 102 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. He gets plenty of yards after contact, shows good balance and can easily bounce his way over defenders. The Tigers will face Hamilton County rival Hamilton Southeastern on Friday.

It’s been a steady process for Thembulembu, but it’s finally all starting to pay off. At one point in time, he was one of the most undersized recruits in the entire class. Now, he’s developed his frame and making plays for Fishers. He’s always been a nimble and flexible athlete, and now that he has the size it’s all coming together. He finished the night with 163 yards and 2 TDs with 2 catches for another 30 yards and a TD through the air. I like the progress he’s made physically and mentally, so I’m stoked to see him performing at this level.