NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Several of the state’s top returning running backs call Northeast Wisconsin home, with numerous players from within roughly 75 miles of Shawano earning recognition in Bound Wisconsin’s Class of 2027 Running Back Rankings.
Leading the regional group is Kingston Allen of Green Bay Notre Dame, who was ranked the No. 1 running back in Wisconsin after a historic junior season. Allen rushed for a state-record 3,436 yards and 57 touchdowns, averaging 9.6 yards per carry while leading the Tritons to the WIAA Division 2 state championship game. The WFCA Large School Player of the Year has already committed to play for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Little Chute’s Reece Joten checked in at No. 8 after helping the Mustangs reach the Division 4 state championship game. Joten rushed for 1,793 yards and 22 touchdowns while also earning WFCA All-State honors at linebacker, making him one of the state’s premier two-way athletes.
Just behind him at No. 9 is Marion/Tigerton’s Braylon Mielke, who dominated eight-player football with 2,068 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. The 6-foot, 218-pound back also impressed college scouts at the WFCA Combine and currently holds Division II scholarship offers from Southwest Minnesota State and Northern State, along with multiple Division III offers.
Another local standout, Pulaski’s Bohdan Schmidt, earned the No. 13 ranking after rushing for 1,471 yards and 18 touchdowns in the Red Raiders’ single-wing offense. Schmidt also showcased his versatility by completing 55 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns while contributing in the return game.
Amherst’s Ayden Nerdahl landed at No. 15 following a breakout junior campaign. Nerdahl rushed for 1,839 yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 10.7 yards per carry while earning CWC-Large Offensive Player of the Year and WFCA Small School All-State honors. He also enters the season with a scholarship offer from Augustana University.
Rounding out the Top 20 from the area is Bonduel’s Carter Moesch, who ranked No. 17 after another outstanding all-around season. Moesch rushed for 1,504 yards and 23 touchdowns, earned First Team All-Conference honors at both running back and linebacker, and added 20 receptions for 424 yards and six touchdowns, highlighting his versatility as one of Northeast Wisconsin’s top athletes.
Several additional area players also received recognition on the “Others to Watch” list, including Wyatt Bieber and Kolton Peters of Coleman, Kroix Kempka of Suring, Jaden Hermsen of Little Chute, Ayden Kruse of Appleton East, Mason Mathe of Winneconne, and Kainan Strong of West De Pere.
Comments