Wilkie is one of those runners who doesn’t have one trait that sticks out on tape. That is not a knock on the soon-to-be senior – Wilkie can do a little bit of everything. He is not a burner but has the speed to get the corner on a sweep. The Panthers’ runner has the feet and vision to bounce runs outside or find a hole when the play doesn’t go as designed. He isn’t the biggest back, but his pad level and constantly moving feet make him an effective inside runner – and don’t try to arm tackle him. He will pick up a blitzer in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield.

A PrepRedzoneMN Showcase standout and eye-catcher at a cut up 5’11, 205, Lakeville North’s Sawyer Wilkie is a tough tackling assignment 1-on-1 or in groups and posted 180 carries for 784 yards and 6 TDs at a 4.4 YPC average. With some excellent athletic numbers that included two 4.59 40s, a 4.41 short-shuttle, 6.95 L-drill, and a 9’3″ broad jump at the PRzMN Showcase, along with a 315 lb. bench press, 35-inch vertical, and 3.3 GPA, although that last one isn’t an athletic number. I also loves that this dude rocks #41 on the gridiron. On tape, Wilkie is powerful, and can run over and slip through tackle attempts without losing momentum, as well as stay upright and bounce off contact and filled gaps in goal line and short-yardage situations. I also like his one-cut ability and how much space he can create when he sticks his cleat in the ground and works laterally. Wilkie’s game and toughness can breakdown defenses and tacklers throughout a four quarter ball game. You better come ready when you’re playing against LNHS.

Rushing for nearly 800 yards against some of the toughest competition in Minnesota is no small feat, and Sawyer Wilkie Sawyer Wilkie 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Lakeville North | 2024 State MN did it as a junior. The Lakeville North product is a tough, upfield runner that earns every one of his yards. He has great vision and commitment to hitting the hole, which is part of the reason he was leaned on so much for short yardage situations. He lines up at both fullback and running back, being a threat at both spots. In the passing game, Wilkie sells the play action well and locks onto defenders when he blocks, making him useful in the backfield regardless of the down and distance. I also noticed his sharp instincts and ball security, as he would keep the football safely tucked between two arms until he either had some space to turn upfield or he was past the defense. I’m excited to see what steps forward he takes as the returning lead back for the Panthers this fall.

Sawyer could not be contained in his first game of the season. The senior running back racked up 238 rushing yards, scoring touchdowns twice in the blowout win over Eastview. He will be a key piece for a contending Lakeville North squad all season. They will match up with the Cougars of Lakeville South in one of the top games of Week 2 this Friday. 

Wilkie is an excellent one-cut-and-go runner. He sees his blocking develop, and when he sees an opening is decisive into the hole. He has the speed to get to the corner and can outrun defenders who think they have an angle on him. His cutting ability at the line of scrimmage translates into the open field as he has enough movement to make guys miss who don’t get him squared up. With his build, Wilkie’s physicalness should become more evident as his body matures and he gets more opportunities in the starting lineup