5A District 8 Running Backs to Watch for in 2021

<div id="contentsContainer" class="style-scope qowt-page"> <div id="contents" class="style-scope qowt-page"> With the 2021 season inching closer, I’m spotlighting running backs prospects from every Classification/District/Region in Florida. Today we look at prospects from 5A District 8. There are a lot of young talented prospects and several sleeper prospects that could start getting looks for the next level. Prep Redzone Florida will always promote everybody in hopes of them getting the opportunity of playing college football at the next level. No other prep site brings you more prospects to check out than Prep Redzone Florida!         Jody Maynard- Rockledge High c/o 23 5’9 190lbs Maynard is an under-the-radar Prospect to keep an eye on for Rockledge this season, with the graduation of several seniors at the running back position he should be in line for a monster year. He only had 6 carries last season, but they went for 111 yards, two touchdowns, and averaged 18 yards per carry. Maynard is a versatile back that has a compact frame and runs with a natural low center of gravity, has good vision and the ability to rip off big plays at any moment. </div> </div> <div id="contentsContainer" class="style-scope qowt-page"> <div id="contents" class="style-scope qowt-page"> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12953359/Jody-maynard">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12953359/Jody-maynard</a>   LJ Watkins- Rockledge High 5’9 170lbs Watkins transferred to Rockledge from Coconut Creek for the 2021 season, he shows outstanding burst and acceleration, consistently finds the crease and gets up field in a hurry. He’s a back that has shiftiness and ability to hit the homerun. Despite his size he also runs with power and will lower shoulder to fight for extra yards. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12967805/LJ-Watkins-Jr-8">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12967805/LJ-Watkins-Jr-8</a>   Justus Durant- Bayside High 5’9 170lbs </div> </div> <div id="pageBorders" class="style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false"></div> <div id="contentsContainer" class="style-scope qowt-page"> <div id="contents" class="style-scope qowt-page"> Durant is an exciting player to keep an eye on for Bayside High this season. He’s a very quick back that shows top-end acceleration, vision, and does a good job attacking the gaps especially on outside runs. Had a good game this spring against Viera. He’s also a good student with a 3.0 GPA and currently has one offer from Keiser University. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14382330/Justus-Durant">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14382330/Justus-Durant</a>   Dominic Shields- Merritt Island 5’7 150lbs Shields is a versatile prospect for Merritt Island and lead them in rushing last season with 384 yards and three touchdowns, he also had 16 catches for 232 yards and a touchdown. He has quick feet in the hole, very good lateral agility and cut back vision, he’s a three-down back that can be used in the passing game as well. Nice player to watch out for this season. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11566476/Dominic-Shields">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11566476/Dominic-Shields</a> </div> </div> <div id="pageBorders" class="style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false"></div> <div id="contentsContainer" class="style-scope qowt-page"> <div id="contents" class="style-scope qowt-page">   Marquel Crawford- Palm Bay Magnet c/o 23 Crawford is a junior Prospect to get to know from Palm Bay, he’s a versatile player that lines up in slot and also plays running back. He shows quickness and vision as a runner, despite his size he runs hard. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13652859/Marquel-Crawford">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13652859/Marquel-Crawford</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="128393" first="Achaia" last="Jones"]- Satellite High c/o 23 5’9 188lbs Jones led Satellite in rushing last season with 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s had a busy offseason going to several different camps to Showcase his skills. He’s a very quick decisive runner that hits the hole quickly with burst, does a good job picking his way through the hole without losing speed. He’s also an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA. Nice running back that has the potential to do big things this season. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12682970/Achaia-Jones">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12682970/Achaia-Jones</a> </div> </div> <div id="contentsContainer" class="style-scope qowt-page"> <div id="contents" class="style-scope qowt-page">   Garrett Tantius- Satellite High 5’10 185lbs Tantius was a First-Team All-County selection and is another good back for Satellite, he rushed for 436 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. He’s a north-south runner that does show some ability to cut laterally and shows good vision for cutback lanes, will lower his head and power through tackles for extra yards, he’s patient runner with very good vision. He’s also a good student with a 3.0 GPA. Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10969942/Garrett-Tantius">https://www.hudl.com/profile/10969942/Garrett-Tantius</a> </div> </div> <div id="pageBorders" class="style-scope qowt-page" contenteditable="false"></div> <div class="style-scope qowt-page"></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div>You Can Contact Shannon Jordan with a prospect or team information on Twitter @in_huddle or shannon.jordan.ib@gmail.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</div>