Player Highlight Jaden Sutton, Running Back

Jaden Sutton is technically a rookie who came in and performed at a high level for the Storm in 2026, as they went on to win a Championship. Let's take a look at his road to the Storm and take a step back to highlight his overall body of work properly. 

College Career 

Looking at his family, it was clear Jaden Sutton was meant to be an athlete. His father ran track and field for South Carolina, and his older brother played college football at Wake Forrest, and later coached Jaden directly in high school. 

Before Sutton attended college, he starred at Glenn High School, seeing time as a running back, quarterback, and kick returner. He also was an All-State, All-Conference, and All-County performer in track, as well as senior class president. Sutton served as a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. He also served as president of Kernersville Cares for Kids and as a mentor for disabled children. He even serves as an assistant coach for Bishop McGuinness High School. To say Jaden Sutton is a well-rounded human being would be an understatement. 

https://youtu.be/1QeND8VdGEE?si=tRiWTqMMiDjbPkbB

Ultimately, Sutton would end up attending Lafayette University, where he would cross paths with another future Storm player: Jyaire Stevens. While at Lafayette, Sutton continued his two-sport career running track and playing football. During his time at Lafayette, Sutton was asked to share the load with multiple other running backs, while also being utilized on special teams. 

Sutton was never able to truly showcase his ability to be a bell cow back, but he did show he had the breakaway ability that most 215+ pound backs just don’t typically have. Producing an 86-yard run as a freshman, following up with long runs of over 40 yards in 2021 and 2022. 

By the time Sutton decided to move on from Lafayette, he had suited up in 32 games but was credited with just 1 start. He collected 294 offensive touches for 1,246 yards, adding 5 kick returns for 102 yards, and 2 tackles. This was only scratching the surface of Sutton’s potential. After four seasons at Lafayette, Sutton took his talents to Delaware State University. 

Transfer to Delaware State

His first season at Delaware, he again split carries, appearing in just 4 games. Finishing with 19 touches for 43 yards and 1 td. Finally, in 2024, Sutton got a real opportunity to prove what he could do. He took over the starting role for Delaware State, and never looked back. In 2024, Sutton did not log a single game with fewer than 10 total offensive touches. He would respond with 7 games of 99+ yards from scrimmage in 12 tries. 

This included four games with 112 rushing yards or more in his last five games of the season. He finished with a career-high in carries, yards, touchdowns, receptions, reception yards, and reception touchdowns. On just 184 carries, he produced 1,220 yards and 12 tds, while adding 17 receptions for 192 yards and 1 td. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry and 117 yards from scrimmage per game, both career-highs. In one season, he managed to more or less match his output in four seasons with Lafayette. 

With no NFL Combine invite, it was up to Sutton to make an impression during the HBCU Combine & All-Star Game. Sutton would go on to put up NFL-level numbers in every drill while measuring in at 5’11 ½ 220 lbs. 

4.59 40-yard dash

1.55 10-yard split

4.42 20-yard shuttle; 33.5-inch vertical

10 ft broad jump

17 reps bench press 

These numbers echo what his film showed: he displays elite burst through the hole, adequate top-end speed, and impressive play strength. These traits are highlighted by his versatility and ability to play multiple roles for his team, whether it be as a runner, receiver, kick returner, or playing on kick coverage. He was also recognized as First Team All-MEAC in 2024. What should be intriguing to teams at the next level is not just his physical ability, but his mental make-up as well. Sutton obtained an MBA before ever leaving college, majoring in Psychology,  as well as Electrical and Computer Engineering along the way. 

https://x.com/_jadenms/status/1940896905040626019?s=20 

Professional Career 

While the way his career unfolded left questions about why he was left to share the workload for so long before his breakout season, the NFL still took notice of what he was able to do in 2024. Sutton would declare for the 2025 NFL draft, ultimately signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent immediately after the draft. 

https://x.com/coachlisaj/status/1916899226652709016?s=46

UFL Showcase 

After being released by the Commanders, this left Sutton looking for his next opportunity to find a roster spot. He turned his attention to the UFL Showcase in Washington, D.C. By all accounts, he performed well, reiterating the numbers he put up in the past. Unfortunately, this did not result in hearing his name called by a UFL team. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPJ4eyEDVYH/?igsh=cGJ1Mjhlb3FtYzV5

Signing with the Storm 

With the UFL overlooking him, Sutton opted to sign with the Storm for 2026. With him came a massive chip on his shoulder to prove that he belonged at the next level. Rejoining his former college teammate in Dodge City, Sutton played like a man on a mission to take over the NAL. Over the next 12 games, Sutton proceeded to dominate opposing defenses. 

12 Games:

114 carries, 476 yards, 22 tds 5.0 ypc 

16 receptions, 149 yards, 2 tds, 9.3 ypc 

2 kick returns, 37 yards, 18.5 ypr 

5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery 

11-1 record 

https://x.com/_jadenms/status/2076022090340163737?s=20 

By the time the dust settled on the 2026 season, Sutton had collected quite the list of accolades: Offensive Rookie of the Year, Co-Offensive Player of the Year, but most of all, 2026 NAL Champion. For Sutton, the main thing holding him back is not athletic ability, size, or even intangibles; it is his body of work. Now that Sutton has solidified his résumé, he should be on the radar of EVERY NFL, CFL, and UFL team.