5 Underclass Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As this season is winding down, there are a number of talented football players who will enter the off season with an opportunity for exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What happened in 2023 for underclassmen will only open the door for the next 10 months until the 2024 season begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With such a long off season, there are several prospects who will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities at camps, combines and at 7-on-7 to gain valuable e exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the state playoffs are set to begin next week, you can count on Prep Redzone Florida to be there every step of the way, giving you talent to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we rank prospects in each class, you can also depend on us to give you hundreds of new faces to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we bring you some top-flight running backs, who not only made an impact this season, but will be back next year as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 – Jocarian Garrett, 5-9, 160, Cottondale.</strong> Among the top backs in the state, this quality talent comes into the final week with 1,503 yards as 13 touchdowns. In addition to his play as a running back, he is also a valuable defensive secondary performer as well. While he isn't the fastest of backs, his balance and vision are huge assets for the Hornets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16572228/Jocarian-Garrett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16572228/Jocarian-Garrett</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='928355' first='Javian' last='Mallory'], 6-0, 200, West Boca Raton. </strong>Watching this young man perform you almost forget that he is just a sophomore. Coming off a record-breaking district contest against Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, this is certainly someone you can consider as one of the nation's elite runners for his class. His 1,247 yards and 16 touchdowns in the regular season helped to guide the Bulls into the state playoffs. His 3.8 grade point average in the classroom shows you the life balance he has. While he is rated as a “4 star” – somebody better look at him again. It will be hard to find a better prospect than this!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14858099/Javian-Mallory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14858099/Javian-Mallory</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 - Connor Matthews, 5-9, 195, Navarre. </strong>Yet another Panhandle standout that many have yet to watch play. Here is a total package that runs well (4.51) and gets it done in the classroom – where his 4.1 grade point average has colleges looking in his direction. The regular season has watched him run for 1,449 and score an impressive 23 touchdowns for the Raiders,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16075894/Connor-Mathews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16075894/Connor-Mathews</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 – Antonio Muniz, 5-6, 180, New Port Richey Gulf. </strong>In a year that this program started to turn the corner once again, this two-way (linebacker) standout has been the talk of the region. In addition to his impressive 1,542 yards and 19 touchdowns, he has also made a major contribution on the defensive side of the ball as well as posting a 3.0 grade point average for head coach Sean Eperjesi and the Bucs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16529957/antonio-muniz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16529957/antonio-muniz</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Wyatt Straight, 5-8, 150, Baker. </strong>For a program that is certainly no stranger to having quality running backs, here is another who has truly turned heads during this season as one of Florida's best. His 1,782 regular season yards and 18 scores has indeed been noticed by several coaches. With another off-season and year ahead of him, it would wise to keep your eye on his progress as he shoots for 2,000 yards in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15006298/wyatt-Straight">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15006298/wyatt-Straight</a><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PROSPECT SHEET:</strong> Statewide Coverage Daily. <a>https://prepredzone.com/2023/03/statewide-daily-team-coverage/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: </em></strong><em><strong>Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->