"Lightning in the Backfield: The Sparkplug Who Does It All"

Ethan Lafollette

Twitter & IG: @ethanlaf3

5’8, 170lbs., Class of 2027

Loudoun Valley HS, VA

Ethan is electric in every sense of the word. He is a fierce and dynamic two-way weapon, and he brings explosive speed, crafty footwork, and high-level football IQ to the field with every single snap. As a running back, Ethan mixes vision and burst with an instinctive feel for defensive movement, he reads gaps before they open and hits them with full throttle force. His stop-and-go ability leaves defenders frozen, while his low center of gravity and compact build make him incredibly tough to bring down. What separates Ethan from the rest is more than his talent, it’s his total command of the game. Pre-snap, he’s diagnosing blitzes, reading leverage, and anticipating movement. Post-snap, he adapts on the fly and delivers impact, whether slicing through traffic, bouncing outside, or lowering his shoulder for the extra yard. Coaches can expect a complete back who plays smart, fierce, and fast, bringing 100% energy no matter the score.

This past season, Ethan rushed for 1,077 yards, averaging 70 yards per game with 5 touchdowns. He added 38 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, one pick-six, and a forced fumble, impacting the game on both sides of the ball. His biggest improvement has been his strength and speed, jumping from 155 to 170 pounds and dropping his 40-yard dash time from 4.8 to a blazing 4.56. His offseason is all about building on that, focusing on explosiveness, fierce playmaking, and stepping into a more vocal leadership role. The sting of last year’s first-round playoff loss to rival Woodgrove lit a fire under him, and that fire is fueling every workout. As a result of his impact, he’s earned back-to-back First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region honors at running back, proving his production speaks just as loud and clear.

Ethan’s agility, acceleration, and mental speed make him a nightmare to scheme against. But it’s his approach that turns heads. He studies film like a quarterback, communicates like a captain, and plays with the relentless edge of someone who never takes the moment for granted. His calm mindset in adversity, his ability to block out noise, and his commitment to consistency on the field, in school, and in the weight room are what truly define him. When things don’t go as planned, he regroups, refocuses, and prepares to strike again. That’s what makes him a leader.

He believes he has what it takes to play D2 football and dreams of exceeding that to compete at the D1 level. No matter the path, he’s committed to the grind and open to any opportunity that aligns with his goals, both athletic and academic. Interest has already begun to build from schools like Yale, Columbia, WCU, Villanova, Ferrum, and Bridgewater. Ethan knows that to reach that level, it takes sacrifice, consistency, and an obsession with growth. His mindset: outwork everyone, celebrate progression, and stay humble through it all.

I assess that Ethan brings versatility, toughness, and elite instincts to any program. Whether it’s picking up blitzes, breaking tackles, or diagnosing plays on defense, he brings true value across multiple roles. Coaches will love his complete understanding of the game, his willingness to lead, and his ability to produce in high-pressure moments.

With added size, next-level speed, and a growing list of skills, Ethan is evolving in all the right ways. Expect him to explode this season and draw even more attention from college programs. His ceiling is sky-high, and his foundation, mentally, physically, and emotionally, is built to last. Ethan is more than just a weapon, he’s a warrior. He is poised for a breakout season ahead. Stay tuned