South Dakota High School Running Backs Mount Rushmore

Argus Leader readers have spoken, naming the state’s top high‑school running backs in a modern Mount Rushmore. The four honorees—Jesse Hastings, Brenden Begeman, Caden Quintanilla and Tupak Kpeayeh—lead the list, with three other athletes just missing the cut. This ranking highlights historic yardage, record‑breaking seasons, and the players’ paths toward college football.

Jesse Hastings – Mount Vernon/Plankinton Star

Jesse Hastings tops the Mount Rushmore list with 83 career rushing touchdowns, a state record for 11‑man football. He also ranks third in all‑time rushing yards with 5,008 yards across four seasons. His 2019 season produced 30 touchdowns, tying the best mark in 11B history, and he posted a 316‑yard game in 2018.

After high school, Hastings walked onto the North Dakota State roster as a fullback before transferring to Morningside College. He saw action in three games, carrying the ball 11 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. He later finished his playing career at Briar Cliff University, where he recorded just two carries over three seasons.

Brenden Begeman – Herreid/Selby Area Standout

Brenden Begeman tops the 9‑man era, surpassing Howard’s Luke Loudenberg by a single yard for the state’s career rushing record at 6,807 yards. His 2022 season delivered 2,997 yards, the most ever recorded in 9‑man football while leading Herreid/Selby Area to the Class 9B championship game. Begeman’s dominance earned him a commitment to South Dakota State, where he now serves as a redshirt junior.

At SDSU Begeman has appeared in limited action, compiling 35 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons. His high‑school workload suggests potential for him to become a feature back if he continues to develop his workload at the college level. Readers chose him for his relentless work ethic and the way he anchored a historically strong 9‑man program.

Caden Quintanilla – Sioux Falls Lincoln Legend

Caden Quintanilla is the only South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year honored on this Mount Rushmore, winning the award as a senior at Sioux Falls Lincoln. He rushed for 1,893 yards and 29 touchdowns during the 2013 season, helping his team capture the state title. His high‑school career ends fourth in Class 11AAA history for both rushing yards (3,693) and touchdowns (57).

Quintanilla continued his football journey at Augustana University, where he amassed 538 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 134 attempts. He also contributed 23 receptions for 226 yards and a touchdown as a Viking. The combination of his state‑championship performance and solid college production underscores his lasting impact on South Dakota prep football.

Tupak Kpeayeh – Sioux Falls Washington Powerhouse

Tupak Kpeayeh leads the 11‑man class in career rushing yards with 5,796, a total accumulated over four seasons at Sioux Falls Washington. He also ranks second in all‑time rushing touchdowns and holds the top spot in Class 11AAA scoring history. Kpeayeh helped Washington capture three state championships, highlighted by a 2,048‑yard season in 2018 and 28 touchdowns in 2017.

After high school Kpeayeh signed with Morningside College, but he never played a game for the Mustangs, ending his collegiate career without seeing the field. His remarkable high‑school yardage includes three seasons that still rank in the top ten for rushing yards in Class 11AAA. Scouts valued his explosiveness, and his high‑school achievements remain a benchmark for future South Dakota runners.

Also receiving strong voter support were Bon Homme’s Josh Ranek, Brandon Valley’s Levi Veskrna and Vermillion’s Jason Leber, all of whom fell just short of the Mount Rushmore inclusion. Their near‑misses highlight how competitive South Dakota’s high‑school running back pipeline has become. The overall list reflects a deep talent pool and sets a high bar for the next generation of ball carriers.