The backfield in West Michigan is once again loaded with next-level talent. From punishing runners to explosive playmakers, this area is home to some of the state’s top returning ball carriers—and several emerging stars ready to make their mark.

Here are the Running Backs to watch across the area heading into the 2025 High School Football season in alphabetical order:

---

COLLIN ABRAM – WEST CATHOLIC, 2027

Abram brings a ton of potential to the position after getting some playing time as a sophomore behind David Britenfeld. He has tremendous vision and plenty of big-play ability.

---

TYLER BLAKE – EAST GRAND RAPIDS, 2026 

Blake is a returning starter for the Pioneers with a powerful downhill style. He is poised to lead the EGR ground game to new heights in 2025.

---

KESHAWN DRUMMER – MUSKEGON, 2026 

Another returning starter, Drummer is a smooth, shifty back who thrives in space. He is a consistent and reliable contributor for the Big Reds.

---

DREW FERRICK – FOREST HILLS EASTERN, 2027

Ferrick had a solid sophomore season in the Hawks multiple-back offense and is poised for an even bigger role this fall.

---

JALEN GANT – NORTHVIEW, 2026

Gant can score every time he touches the ball. He was All-Conference and All-Region as a junior and has worked hard in the off-season to be able to carry a heavier load in 2025.

---

OWEN HAARSMA – HUDSONVILLE, 2026

Haarsma burst onto the scene last fall in the Eagles backfield alongside Bryce Fox. This season, he could be in for an even bigger role in the Hudsonville offense.

---

LUNDON HAMPTON – KENOWA HILLS, 2027

Hampton’s big sophomore season for the Knights led to him picking up multiple Division I offers. He’s a physical back who also has serious burst.

---

BROOKS HAWKINS – HAMILTON, 2026

Hawkins is a downhill runner with impressive athleticism. He is a returning All-Conference performer and is a real threat to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as run it.

---

KAMALL HILLARD – GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL

Hillard is a returning starter for the Cougars. He is a smooth, balanced runner with good open-field vision.

---

JACK KAMPHUIS – ZEELAND EAST, 2026

Kamphuis has quick feet and is prepared to step into a starting role this fall and be a steady contributor for the Chix.

---

XZAVIER LAWLER – OTTAWA HILLS, 2026 

Lawler was All-Conference last season for the Bengals. His field vision and burst make him a constant threat.

---

JONAH LESLIE – ZEELAND WEST, 2026

Leslie is the only returning starter in the backfield for the Dux who won the state championship in 2024. He is a powerful runner and was consistent last fall for Zeeland West.

---

AARON MERDZINSKI – SPARTA, 2026

Merdzinski saw some playing time last season, but after adding strength, speed, and athleticism in the off-season, he is ready for a starring role in the Spartans offense.

---

CORBIN MOTMAN – COOPERSVILLE, 2029

Another member of the Broncos strong freshman class who could fight for playing time this fall. Motman has the speed and athleticism required to run the ball at a high level.

---

BRYCE MUSKOVIN – REETHS-PUFFER, 2027

Muskovin had a nice sophomore season as the Rockets featured back and returns this fall, looking to make an even bigger impact.

---

ISAIAH MYAARD – HOLLAND CHRISTIAN, 2026

Myaard is a strong, steady runner who played a key role on a Maroons team that had its best season in 6 years in 2024. He is primed to make an even bigger impact as a senior.

---

LELAND NOEL – COOPERSVILLE, 2026

Noel was a key member of the Broncos defense in 2024. As a running back, he’s gritty with a high motor.

---

ISAAC OSTERHAVEN – SOUTH CHRISTIAN, 2027 

Osterhaven split time in the backfield last season with Kasjen VanSolkema, and the duo returns this fall, hoping to lead South to its 10th straight playoff appearance.

---

CAM PAYNE – BYRON CENTER, 2027

Payne was a key piece in the Bulldogs run to the Division 2 state championship game last fall. He is powerful, patient, and already has a Division I offer from Toledo.

---

JESSE PHILLIPS – EAST KENTWOOD, 2026

Phillips is a very talented player and showed it on varsity at Grand Rapids Union as a sophomore. He transferred to EK ahead of last season, where he started on defense, while subbing for Elijah Jones in the backfield.

---

COLTON SAWYER – FOREST HILLS NORTHERN, 2026 

Sawyer was All-Conference and All-Region last season for the Huskies, and has spent the off-season adding muscle while becoming even faster.

---

BRODY SCHOLTEN – UNITY CHRISTIAN, 2026

The Saders graduated their entire starting backfield from a team that won its first 10 games and averaged 43 points a game last season. Scholten is a candidate to receive a solid share of the carries in 2025. He is strong, hardworking, and coachable.

---

BRODY SCHUITEMAN – JENISON, 2026

Schuiteman had multiple 200-yard games on the ground last fall for the Wildcats and was an All-OK Red performer. He is sneaky fast and strong at the point of attack.

---

BLAKE SCHMITT – GREENVILLE, 2026

A smooth runner with solid vision, Schmitt adds explosiveness and balance to Greenville’s offense.

---

JORDAN SHABAZZ – FOREST HILLS EASTERN, 2027 

Shabazz is a home run threat every time he steps onto the field. His speed and athleticism are as good as anybody in the area.

---

TREVOR SPENCER – ALLENDALE, 2026

Spencer started on defense last fall for the Falcons and spelled the now-graduated Ian Bunce at running back. He is certainly a breakout candidate with speed and quick feet.

---

IKE STEWARD – MONA SHORES, 2026 

The Miami (OH) commit is a returning All-Stater for Matt Koziak and the Sailors. Steward combines elite athleticism and strength, making him a must-watch player this Fall.

---

TANK TERRY – GRANDVILLE, 2026

Tank is a powerful downhill runner with big-play ability. He is a 4-year starter for the Bulldogs and was All-Conference and All-Region as a junior. He has 9 Division I offers.

---

ANDREAS VALKEMA – HOLLAND, 2026

Valkema was a state qualifier at 175 lbs in wrestling last winter. He brings size, strength, and agility to the position for the Dutch, who are looking for consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2008 and 2009.

---

JOEY VANDERVEEN – FOREST HILLS CENTRAL, 2026

A fiery competitor who brings energy and tenacity to every snap — VandeVeen is a high-effort contributor both between the tackles and on the outside.

---

KASJEN VANSOLKEMA – SOUTH CHRISTIAN, 2026

VanSolkema split time in the Sailors backfield last season with Isaac Osterhaven. He is a quick, decisive runner who can break plays with sharp cuts and impressive agility.

---

ANDREW WILLEMSEN – GRAND HAVEN, 2027

Willemsen is a returning starter who was All-Conference last season in the OK Red. He is a reliable runner who possesses a rare combination of speed and power for the Bucs.

---

FINAL WORD

These backs will power some of the best offenses in West Michigan this fall, and many of them are capable of taking over games—whether it’s between the tackles or in open space.

Stay tuned—Wide Receivers and Tight Ends to Watch will be coming soon. You won’t want to miss it.

---

GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH

4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can start a specialized training program at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.

Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your free assessment and get started.