Michigan’s best high school rushing seasons of the past decade
EAST LANSING, Mich. (BVM) — Michigan is a state that will always be known for its high-level football. The college teams like the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans often dominate the headlines, but the MHSAA has also seen plenty of talent come through.
Specifically, rushing talent has really shined within the state, and there have been some absolutely incredible single-game and season performances. Over the last decade, many big names have left their mark in MHSAA history with spectacular rushing seasons. Let’s take a look at the 10 best single-season rushing performances in the state over the past 10 years.
1. Jared Smith, 2015 – Pewamo-Westphalia, 3,250 yards
Smith’s 2015 season was truly remarkable, rushing for 3,250 yards and 53 scores — setting MHSAA records for both total touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a single season. The running back helped lead the Pirates to the Division 7 state championship game at Ford Field where they would fall just short of a title. However, Smith’s junior season was one that may stand at the top of the record books for a while. He would follow it up with another special season in 2016 which also makes this list.
2. Alex Grace, 2013 – Saginaw Swan Valley, 2,962 yards
Before Smith came along, Grace had the opportunity to sit atop the MHSAA record books after rushing for nearly 3,000 yards in his junior season. He helped Saginaw Swan Valley to the Division 4 quarterfinals. Although they would fall short, Grace predictably shined with a 236-yard rushing performance in the contest. After his high school career, Grace went on to play at Western Michigan for former Broncos’ head coach, P.J. Fleck.
3. Drake Johnson, 2011 – Ann Arbor Pioneer, 2,809 yards
Prior to Grace, Johnson also held the top spot on this list after a dazzling season in 2011. The running back was bound to be a star, scoring a game-winning touchdown in his first-ever varsity football game. Throughout the 2011 season, Johnson was nearly unstoppable, posting a seven-game stretch where he rushed for over 200 yards in each contest. Also a state champion track athlete, Johnson earned the opportunity to stay home for college when he signed with the Michigan Wolverines.
4. Khari Willis, 2014 – Jackson Lumen Christi, 2,800 yards
Also an all-state basketball player, Khari Willis was dominant on the football field, and his junior season stands above the rest as he ran for an eye-popping 2,800 yards. While his offensive talent was impressive, many know Willis now as a safety, as he started 30 games at the position over his four years in college with the Michigan State Spartans. In 2019, Willis became the first Jackson Lumen Christi player ever to be drafted into the NFL when he was selected 109th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. In 2020, Willis made his presence known, recording his first career sack in Week 1 and also scoring a pick-six in Week 14.
5. Blake Dunn, 2015 – Saugatuck, 2,748 yards
Blake Dunn is a talent that just doesn’t come around that often. Playing for his father, Bill, at Saugatuck, Blake had roles as the team’s kicker, quarterback, running back and as a defensive back. In 2015, it turned into a truly special season, as Blake rushed for 2,748 yards and led his team on a deep postseason run. Another state champion track athlete and star baseball player, Blake went on to take his talents on the diamond to Western Michigan University. This summer, Blake was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2021 MLB Draft.
6. Brad Dunn, 2018 – Saugatuck, 2,574 yards
Blake’s younger brother was also an elite football talent, putting together an incredible season in 2018. Like Blake, Brad is also a multi-sport star, and currently plays baseball at Grand Rapids Community College.
7. Jared Smith, 2016 – Pewamo-Westphalia, 2,570 yards
As mentioned, Smith makes his second appearance on this list with another incredible season in 2016. The elite talent finished his career with over 8,000 rushing yards total, and went on to compete in college at Michigan Tech.
8. Markus Sanders, 2015 – Canton, 2,495 yards
The 2015 season was clearly a special one, as Sanders becomes the third back from that season on this list. The 5-foot-7 star ended up running for over 6,000 yards in his Canton career, and later went on to play at Northwood University.
9. Prescott Line, 2011 – Oxford, 2,457 yards
The 2011 Mr. Football award winner helped Oxford to a 7-3 record with his 2,457 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also starred at linebacker for the team, and was a state champion wrestler at Oxford. Line went on to play college football at SMU and spent a graduate year playing back home at Michigan State as well.
10. Corey Willis, 2011 – Holland, 2,412 yards
Willis helped lead Holland to its best season ever in 2011. Unfortunately, he would tear his ACL in that year’s track season, missing his senior football campaign. Still, the talented star went on to play at Central Michigan, where he emerged as a stud receiver and later received an NFL camp invite with the Arizona Cardinals.
