What a wild year for the two Mankato programs, with Mankato West experiencing a very up-and-down year in the 5A ranks with injuries at key positions and a tough schedule in the big school ranks proving a hard-to-manage task for the Scarlets roster this fall. With some QB interchange around the midseason point of the 2025 schedule, the Scarlets have been leaning on the run game, specifically 2026 tailback Trevor Sheldrup Trevor Sheldrup 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Mankato West | 2026 State MN . Sitting at 74 carries for 539 yards and 6 TDs as West’s leading rusher, Sheldrup is an animal between the tackles, going 0-60 in a blink, where his hulking size that has developed and grown well since junior year, makes safeties tackle from off-angles or out of position, either due to his size/speed combo or pure fear, where he can run through that free defender and make house calls from anywhere on the field. Sheldrup owns wildcat carries in 2025, and I love the balance, as he has some shifty and powerful inside cuts off that offside foot that can split would-be tacklers and find paydirt when needed. Plus, the now-190 lber. is an asset out of the backfield thanks to his hands, good vision, and is more than capable of taking advantage of the massive holes his experienced OL has afforded him throughout the season. No offers so far, talk about a sleeper!

A back who broke out last season, Sheldrup proved to be a massive problem for defenses, rushing for 878 yards and 6 TDs on a solid 4.9 YPC during the 8-game regular season. On his tape, Sheldrup proves to be an explosive and patient ball carrier who waits for plays to develop behind his offensive line before breaking off a massive chunk run. He’s shown that he has the ability to break tackles and has a couple of moves in his bag that allow him to work through defenses. Expect more production out of the Scarlets product during his senior year.

First year starting on varsity for the 5A heavyweight Scarlets for Sheldrup, who hit a growth spurt in the offseason and is now up to 6′, 190 lbs. at the running back position. The junior rushed 192 times for 962 yards and 6 TDs for a 5.01 YPC average. He also added 5 receptions for 49 yards and a TD. Sheldrup also reports a 295 lb. bench and 385 lb. squat. The 190 lber. popped off some game-breaking runs that showcased good speed and noticeable burst and get-up when he sees space. He’s got some moves in space, but I’m impressed that he can eat and work through strong tackle attempts, pumping his legs for extra yardage after contact. Sheldrup also is an asset in the screen game and had good production as a junior.